St Catherine's College Review 2026: A Supportive Faith-Based Community in Eastbourne

St Catherine's College occupies a modern, purpose-built campus in the Old Town area of Eastbourne, serving as a prominent Church of England secondary school for the local community. The school has developed a reputation for balancing academic progress with a strong pastoral backbone, rooted in its Christian ethos. Currently catering to approximately 1,000 students, the college maintains a Good Ofsted rating and sits in a competitive local landscape. With 2024 results placing it among the middle 35% of schools in England (national typical band), it offers a consistent and reliable educational path for families in East Sussex who value a community-centric environment.

The atmosphere at St Catherine's is defined by its Church of England character, which is integrated into the daily rhythm of the school rather than existing as an isolated subject. At drop-off, the purposeful movement of students in their distinctive navy blazers suggests an environment that is structured but welcoming. The school motto, Striving for Excellence; Caring for All, is visible throughout the corridors and is frequently cited by leadership as the guiding principle for both academic expectations and student support.

Solomon Berhane has served as the Principal since 2018, having arrived from a leadership role in Crowborough. His tenure has been marked by a focus on "The St Catherine’s Way," a set of behavioral and academic standards designed to foster mutual respect. The school is part of the Diocese of Chichester Academy Trust (DCAT), which provides a broader network of support and shared resources while allowing the college to maintain its specific Eastbourne identity. Students often describe the school as a place where they feel known, a sentiment echoed by a staff body that benefits from relatively low turnover for the sector.

In 2024, St Catherine's College achieved a Progress 8 score of +0.09, indicating that students make slightly more progress than their peers in England from similar starting points. The school ranks 1,740th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking) and ranks 3rd among secondary schools in Eastbourne, placing it in a solid position within the local authority.

The Attainment 8 score, which measures achievement across eight key subjects, stands at 48.1, outperforming the England average for state-funded schools. While the percentage of students achieving the English Baccalaureate (EBacc) at grade 5 or above is 16.3%, the school has seen consistent year-on-year stability in its core English and Mathematics results. These metrics suggest a school that successfully supports a broad range of abilities, ensuring that the majority of students reach their expected benchmarks.

The curriculum at St Catherine's is traditionally academic but includes a variety of vocational pathways to suit the diverse needs of its intake. Teaching is characterized by clear structures and an emphasis on retrieval practice, helping students retain knowledge over the five-year GCSE journey. Subject departments are housed in well-equipped wings, with Science and Technology benefiting from modern laboratory and workshop spaces.

The school places a particular emphasis on literacy across the curriculum. Every student participates in dedicated reading sessions, and the library serves as a central hub for independent study. For students with additional needs, the Learning Support department provides tailored interventions, including small-group work and one-to-one literacy support, ensuring the curriculum remains accessible to all.

As a 11-16 school, transition at the end of Year 11 is a critical focus. The majority of students progress to Eastbourne College or Bexhill College to pursue A-levels or Level 3 vocational qualifications. There is also a strong pipeline into East Sussex College for those seeking technical and trade-based apprenticeships.

The school employs a dedicated careers advisor who coordinates work experience placements and "Next Steps" evenings. By the time they leave in Year 11, students have typically engaged with local employers and visited nearby sixth form providers, resulting in very low levels of students not in education, employment, or training (NEET).

Securing a place at St Catherine's is increasingly competitive. In the most recent admissions cycle, the school was oversubscribed, receiving 531 applications for 208 available places. This represents a subscription proportion of 2.55, meaning there are more than two applications for every seat in Year 7.

As a Church of England school, the admissions policy includes criteria for families who can demonstrate a commitment to the faith, alongside distance-based criteria for the local community. Parents should use the FindMySchool Map Search to check their precise distance from the school gates compared to previous intake patterns. Families are advised to complete the Supplementary Information Form (SIF) if they are applying under faith criteria, as this is essential for the governors' ranking process.

Pastoral care is frequently highlighted as one of the school's primary strengths. The college uses a horizontal tutor group system, where students are grouped with their year-group peers, supported by a Head of Year and a non-teaching Pastoral Lead. This structure ensures that there is always a member of staff available to address emotional or social concerns immediately.

The "Chaplaincy" plays a vital role in school life, offering a space for reflection and support for students of all faiths and none. The school also utilizes a "Student Voice" cabinet, allowing students to have a genuine say in school improvements, from canteen menus to playground equipment.

The extracurricular life at St Catherine's is varied and benefits from the school's coastal location. The Performing Arts department is a pillar of the school, with annual productions that involve a large cross-section of the student body. Specific clubs such as the "Code Club" and the "Eco-Committee" allow students to pursue niche interests outside of the standard timetable.

Sporting life is active, with the school competing in the Eastbourne Schools leagues for football, netball, and athletics. The "St Cath’s Singers" choir is a notable ensemble that performs at local community events and church services throughout East Sussex. STEM excellence is encouraged through participation in regional challenges, including the "Big Bang" science fair.

The school day begins at 8:40am and concludes at 3:10pm, with most extracurricular clubs running until 4:15pm. The campus is located on Priory Road, easily accessible via local bus routes serving Old Town and the Hampden Park area. While there is no on-site parking for parents, the surrounding residential streets allow for drop-off, though these become congested during peak times. The school operates a strict uniform policy, with navy blazers and the school tie required for all students.

Fees & Financial Aid

As a state-funded Church of England academy, St Catherine's College does not charge tuition fees. Education is free for all students aged 11 to 16. However, parents should be aware of associated costs such as the school uniform, which is available through specific suppliers, and optional extracurricular activities or school trips. The school provides support for families eligible for Free School Meals, including help with uniform costs through a dedicated fund. For those experiencing temporary financial hardship, the college manages a hardship fund to ensure all students can participate in essential educational experiences regardless of their financial background.

• Oversubscribed Status: With over two applications for every place, St Catherine's is one of the most in-demand schools in Eastbourne. Families living outside the immediate Old Town area or without a strong faith connection may find it difficult to secure a place in the first round of offers.
• 11-16 Structure: Because the school does not have its own sixth form, students must be prepared to change institutions at age 16. While the school manages this transition well, it requires students to be proactive about their post-16 applications as early as the autumn term of Year 11.
• Faith Integration: The Church of England ethos is genuine and pervasive. While the school welcomes students from all backgrounds, families should be comfortable with regular collective worship and an educational framework that reflects Christian values.

St Catherine's College is a robust and reliable choice for families seeking a secondary school that blends academic progress with a nurturing, faith-based environment. It suits students who thrive in a structured setting where pastoral care is a priority and where they can benefit from a broad, inclusive curriculum. The school's consistent performance and strong local reputation make it a cornerstone of the Eastbourne educational community.