St Anne's Catholic School Review 2026: Academic Strength and Catholic Values in Southampton

Set in the Bassett area of Southampton, St Anne's Catholic School has provided a rigorous and faith led education for girls since 1904. Originally founded by the Sisters of La Sainte Union, the school has evolved into a high performing academy that consistently outpaces local and England averages. Its distinctive status as the only all girls Catholic secondary school in the city makes it a significant draw for families seeking a single sex environment rooted in Gospel values.

Under the leadership of Julian Waterfield, who was appointed as Headteacher in July 2024, the school has maintained a reputation for academic ambition and high expectations. The latest official assessments confirm the school's standing; a 2022 Ofsted inspection graded the school as Outstanding across all categories, and a June 2024 monitoring visit confirmed that these high standards remain secure. This judgement reflects a culture where students are encouraged to be both academically curious and socially responsible.

The atmosphere at St Anne's is one of quiet purpose. The school motto, Ut Sint Unum (That They May Be One), is woven into the daily experience, promoting a sense of community that extends from the Year 7 pupils to the co-educational Sixth Form students. While the school is large, with a current roll of 1,225 students, it manages to maintain a close knit feel through its strong house system and emphasis on pastoral care.

Religion is not a peripheral subject here; it is the school's heartbeat. The chapel serves as a focal point for reflection, and the school's Catholic identity is visible in the corridor displays and the shared language of service. Students appear genuinely comfortable in their environment, moving between lessons with a confidence that stems from a clear, well enforced behaviour policy.

The academic performance at St Anne's tells a story of consistent excellence, particularly at the secondary level. At GCSE, the school achieved an Attainment 8 score of 56.3, which is significantly higher than the England average. even more impressive is the Progress 8 score of +0.72, which indicates that students make well above average progress from their primary school starting points.

Ranked 871st in England and 3rd in Southampton for GCSE outcomes, the school sits comfortably within the top 20% of schools in England (FindMySchool ranking). This strong performance is mirrored in the English Baccalaureate (EBacc) figures, where the average points score of 5.07 exceeds the England average of 4.08.

At A-level, the Sixth Form delivers solid outcomes. In the most recent measurement period, 40.9% of students achieved A* to B grades. Ranked 1705th in England and 4th in Southampton for A-level outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), the college provides a stable platform for post 16 study, though its primary academic strength remains at the secondary phase.

The curriculum at St Anne's is ambitious and broad, designed to challenge students while supporting those with varying needs. In the lower years, the focus is on building a secure foundation in core subjects while providing exposure to the arts and humanities. Teachers have expert subject knowledge and use it to design lessons that are both engaging and demanding.

The school places a high value on the EBacc suite of subjects, encouraging a large proportion of students to pursue languages and sciences at GCSE. In the Sixth Form, the subject offer expands to include a variety of A-level and vocational pathways, allowing students to tailor their education to their career aspirations. The school's 16 to 19 study programmes are designed to foster independent learning, preparing students for the rigours of university study.

Where Students Go Next

Destination data for St Anne's indicates a successful pipeline into higher education and employment. According to 2024 leavers data, 58% of the cohort progressed to university, a figure that reflects the school's academic focus. An additional 18% entered employment, while 4% secured apprenticeships, demonstrating a balanced approach to post 18 pathways.

While the measurement period showed three students applying to Oxford, the school maintains a steady flow of students into Russell Group institutions and other high ranking universities. Popular local destinations include the University of Southampton and Solent University, though students frequently move further afield for specialist courses.

Securing a place at St Anne's is a competitive process. As a voluntary aided Catholic school, the governors are the admission authority, and they apply a clear set of oversubscription criteria. Catholic students from feeder parishes are given priority, followed by other Catholic students and those from other Christian denominations or world faiths.

The school is consistently oversubscribed, with a subscription proportion of 1.67, meaning there are nearly two applications for every available place. In the most recent intake, 343 applications were received for approximately 200 offers. Parents interested in this option can use the Saved Schools feature on FindMySchool to manage their shortlist and track key dates.

Fees & Financial Aid

As a state funded academy, St Anne's Catholic School does not charge tuition fees. It is open to all students who meet the admissions criteria, regardless of financial background. There are no registration or enrollment costs. Families should, however, budget for standard secondary school expenses such as the school uniform, which is available through specific local suppliers, and optional educational trips.

For students in the Sixth Form, the 16 to 19 Bursary Fund is available to help with essential education related costs. This is a means tested fund designed to support students from lower income households with expenses such as transport, books, and equipment. Applications for this support are made directly to the school office at the start of the academic year.

Pastoral care is a clear strength of the school, anchored in the Catholic ethos of caring for the individual. The house system provides a layer of support that ensures every student is known and valued. Form tutors serve as the primary point of contact for families, and there is a dedicated team of pastoral support workers to handle more complex emotional or social needs.

Safeguarding culture is described as being deeply embedded in the school's operations. Students report feeling safe and know who to turn to if they have concerns. The school also places a strong emphasis on mental health, with various initiatives designed to promote resilience and emotional wellbeing among the student body.

Extracurricular life at St Anne's is varied and active. The school offers a range of clubs that cater to diverse interests, from the Debating Society and the Eco Committee to various music ensembles and choirs. Sport is also well represented, with regular fixtures in netball, football, and athletics.

A notable feature is the school's commitment to social justice and charity work. Students are frequently involved in fundraising for local and international causes, which helps to put their faith into practice. The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is a popular choice for those in the older years, offering opportunities for personal development and adventure outside the traditional classroom setting.

The school day typically begins at 8:40am and concludes at 3:15pm. For travel, the school is well served by local bus routes, and it is a short distance from Southampton Central station, making it accessible for students living outside the immediate Bassett area. There is no on site parking for parents, so drop off and pick up are managed in the surrounding residential streets.

• Catholic Ethos: The school's Catholic character is genuine and pervasive. Families uncomfortable with daily prayer, regular Masses, and explicit religious teaching should look elsewhere.
• Oversubscribed: With 1.67 applications for every place, entry is competitive. Families should review the admissions policy carefully to understand how the criteria apply to their specific circumstances.
• Single Sex Environment: The main school is for girls only. Families must weigh whether a single sex environment is the right fit for their daughter's learning style and social development.
• Sixth Form Scale: While the secondary phase is exceptionally strong, the Sixth Form is smaller and more co-educational. Some students choose to move to larger local colleges for a broader range of vocational options.

St Anne's Catholic School remains a premier choice for families in Southampton who value a combination of high academic standards and traditional Catholic values. Its Outstanding status is backed by impressive progress data, particularly at GCSE. Best suited to girls who thrive in a structured, faith led environment where academic achievement is celebrated. The main challenge for families is navigating the competitive admissions process.