About the school
Ofsted and Diocese Inspections
“The school’s values of service, dignity, respect, academia, cooperation and excellence are embedded in the life of La Sainte Union. Pupils demonstrate kindness towards each other. Bullying is rare.” Ofsted Inspection, December 2024
“The school has high expectations of pupils’ achievement. Pupils are keen to do well, and they are ambitious for their futures. Their successes are reflected in the outcomes they achieve at the end of Year 11.” Ofsted Inspection, December 2024
“Pupils behave well in lessons and focus on their learning.” Ofsted Inspection, December 2024
“Pupils benefit from comprehensive guidance on future careers and pathways.” Ofsted Inspection, December 2024
“Pupils are well prepared for life in modern society.” Ofsted Inspection, December 2024
“Students are happy, confident and feel valued by the school.” Catholic Schools Inspection 2023
“Relationships between staff and students are strong; students told inspectors they view the school as a place of safety in which they are well cared for.” Catholic Schools Inspection 2023
“The school successfully engages with parents and as a result, parents are supportive of the school’s mission.” Catholic Schools Inspection 2023
“Teachers have high expectations, and they model this frequently in lessons by supporting students to develop their knowledge and understanding.” Catholic Schools Inspection 2023
Mission
At La Sainte Union Catholic School, our mission is to create a flourishing community inspired by the life and teachings of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Rooted in Christian principles, we are dedicated to fostering a dynamic and compassionate environment that promotes the flourishing of all its members. We acknowledge that our connections with one another are deemed "sacred" through the principles of:
- Service,
- Academia,
- Cooperation,
- Respect,
- Excellence,
- and Dignity
Our commitment spans three key dimensions: Students, Staff, and Community. Please see our full Mission Statement below.
La Sainte Union Mission Statement
Curriculum
Our rigorous academic curriculum ensures broad progression pathways post-16 and post-18. There is a constant emphasis on high levels of literacy, intellectual challenge and pupils’ development as independent learners. Lessons are engaging and the sequencing of learning is carefully mapped by curriculum leaders.
“Leaders have designed a broad curriculum which offers a wide range of subjects, including Latin and drama. In all subjects, leaders have set out clearly what they want pupils to learn and when. This is sequenced so that pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), build their understanding over time.” Ofsted 2024
We are equally committed to developing students’ skills and knowledge beyond the classroom: all year groups are strongly encouraged to take part in our wide range of councils, clubs, societies and school events. Regular trips and a range of speakers ensure that girls are inspired to consider careers in a wide range of fields, including those not traditionally accessed by women. Our STEAM curriculum is particularly strong.
“Pupils benefit from the wide extra-curricular offer. They develop their interests through the range of clubs available, including football, drama and philosophy. Pupils enhance their leadership skills through a range of roles, for example as school council representatives or as reading mentors.” Ofsted Inspection, December 2024
Pastoral care
La Sainte Union staff, with their strong subject knowledge, work tirelessly to ensure all students achieve their full academic potential. The success of our school is also based on excellent relationships between staff and students and the dedicated support of subject and pastoral staff. Girls therefore feel safe and well cared for, and this is reflected in an ethos and culture amongst students of kindness and respect for others.
Our aim and ethos is also the integration of different identities relating to ability, belief, ethnicity, gender and sexuality. Girls of other faiths or no faith are well integrated and interfaith dialogue is also a key part of our religious education programme. Students have access to an extensive programme of religious education and worship, including daily prayers, weekly Mass and a retreat programme for pupils. The House system provides extensive leadership opportunities, promotes healthy competitions and enables students of all age groups to work collaboratively and to learn from each other. The Sixth Formers are excellent role models and take an active part in supporting younger students through a peer leadership programme.
“I feel confident at La Sainte Union and have made a lot of friends here. I have received tremendous support from all the staff. La Sainte Union is a caring community.” Year 7 pupil
Experience for life
Students are expected to engage fully in the life of the school and are given many opportunities to lead and organise key events such as assemblies, school council campaigns and charity fundraising.
Our extensive extracurricular programme in debating, drama, music and PE is a particular strength of the school with a wide variety of opportunities for students to showcase their talents and compete with other schools. Students frequently win awards in debating, drama and sports.
In addition, links with schools in France and Spain enhance both the language and cultural learning of students. Every other year, the school choir tours European Cathedrals and trips to CERN in Switzerland and NASA in Florida enrich the science curriculum.
There are many opportunities for student leadership, through committees, action groups and individual positions of responsibility. The school council groups meet the Headteacher fortnightly.
Unique opportunities
- Beautiful grounds, including dedicated outdoor spaces for a variety of leisure activities
- Sustained strong academic achievement
- Excellent behaviour
A broad academic curriculum at both GCSE and A level with impressive destinations to Higher Education.
The school has great teachers who encourage and engage my daughter to participate in activities so that she feels valued as a part of the La Sainte Union community. La Sainte Union continues to offer great support to my daughter, giving her every opportunity to share her experience, skills and thoughts.
Year 8 parent
