St Columba's College
SCCCatholic
Updated July 2026
Languages
English
French
SpanishSt Columba’s College is an independent school in St Albans for students aged 4 to 18, offering a holistic, values-based education across its Prep, Senior, and Sixth Form divisions. It is known for combining high academic ambition with first-rate pastoral care in a nurturing community.
Curriculum
Term structure
Teaching approach
St Columba’s College is a Catholic school founded on the mission of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart, emphasizing values of courage, courtesy, and compassion. The school aims to provide a holistic education where "heart speaks to heart," focusing on developing well-rounded, socially aware individuals. It promotes a growth mindset, resilience, and teamwork, ensuring every student is known, valued, and treasured.
Programmes
The school offers a continuous educational journey from age 4 to 18, structured into Lower Prep, Upper Prep, Senior School, and Sixth Form. The Prep School curriculum includes core subjects such as English, Mathematics, Science, Art, Music, Computing, and Modern Languages, and is a member of the Prep School Baccalaureate (PSB) group. The Senior School and Sixth Form provide pathways for A Level study, supported by careers education and leadership opportunities.
Outcomes
The school reports high academic achievement, with a significant percentage of A Level grades awarded at A-B and A-A. A large proportion of students secure places at Russell Group or top 10 universities, while others successfully transition into apprenticeships at organizations such as Amazon and PWC. Prep School pupils complete a Pre-Senior Baccalaureate (PSB) project, which provides a comprehensive record of their personal and academic development for their transition to the Senior School.
Student support
Learning support
The school provides academic support through small class sizes, with an average of 14 pupils and a maximum of 18 in the Prep School. Teachers are supported by learning assistants, and the school employs a SENCo to oversee academic standards and individual needs. Digital learning is monitored through systems like Securly and Senso to ensure a safe environment.
Frequently asked questions(5)
- How much is tuition at St Columba's College?
- Annual tuition at St Columba's College is £18K–£27.8K. Fees vary by year group — confirm the current schedule with the school.
- What ages does St Columba's College teach?
- St Columba's College enrolls students aged 4 to 18.
- Is St Columba's College a day or boarding school?
- St Columba's College is a day school.
- Is St Columba's College co-educational?
- St Columba's College is a co-ed school.
- Where is St Columba's College located?
- St Columba's College is an international school in Luton, United Kingdom.
Tuition & fees
Annual tuition by grade
2026-2027| Grade | Ages | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Reception – Prep 2 | 4–7 | £18K |
| Prep 3 | 7–8 | £21.3K |
| Prep 4 | 8–9 | £23.4K |
| Prep 5&6 | 9–11 | £23.7K |
| Senior | 11–18 | £27.8K |
Other fees(2)
| Meals· School meals are not included in the tuition fees | — |
|---|---|
| Bus / transport· Transport to and from College is not included in the tuition fees | — |
Discounts
- Sibling discount: 5% - 15%
Admissions
St Columba’s College offers private tours for the Prep, Senior, and Sixth Form, which can be booked by contacting the respective admissions offices. The school also hosts various events throughout the year, including Action Mornings and a Whole School Open Morning, to allow families to experience the school in action. Admissions are currently open for the 2027/28 academic year.
Calendar
The school provides downloadable term dates for the 2025-2026, 2026-2027, and 2027-2028 academic years on its website.
Facilities
About the campus
The campus is located on King Harry Lane in St Albans and includes specialized facilities such as a new Food Technology room, sports pitches, and interactive whiteboards in classrooms. The school also provides individual iPads for students to support digital learning. The Prep School utilizes outdoor spaces for its Forest School activities.
Co-curriculars
The school offers a wide range of co-curricular activities, including sports such as cricket and rugby, as well as music, drama, and charity projects. The SHAPE co-curricular programme is a key component of the Senior School experience. Additionally, the Prep School features a Forest School programme, which includes activities like den building, pond-dipping, and storytelling.
- Mr Karl Guest, MAHeadmaster
Karl joined St Columba’s College as Headmaster in September 2023, bringing over a decade of leadership experience in both single-sex and co-educational settings. Previously, he served as Deputy Head of Sydenham High School and held his first Headship at Alton School, Hampshire. He is a sports enthusiast with a passion for cooking, music, and travel.
- Mr Richard McCann, BAHead of Prep School
Richard joined St Columba’s College in 2002 and has served as Head of Guertin House and Head of Sixth Form. He assumed the role of Head of the Prep School in September 2020 and is passionate about preparing children for a dynamic world. He holds a BA in History and Ancient History from Queens University.
- Brother Joseph Holthaus, MADean
Brother Joseph serves as the vital link between St. Columba’s College and the Brothers of the Sacred Heart of the Province of the United States. He holds a BA in Secondary Education from Spring Hill College and an MA in English from Notre Dame University. His responsibilities include new faculty charism formation, institutional advancement, and maintaining the school's ethos.
- Mrs Katie Marson, MADeputy Head (Senior Attendance Champion)
Katie joined St Columba’s College in 2016 as Deputy Head, following 10 years as an Assistant Head at Finchley Catholic. She holds a First Class Honours Degree in Modern European Languages from Edinburgh University and transitioned to teaching from a career in Management Consulting. She also serves as the Senior Attendance Champion.
- Mr Kevin Boland, BADeputy Head of Prep, DSL and Senior Attendance Champion
Kevin has been at St Columba’s since 2007, serving as a Senior School form tutor and Head of McClancy House. He is a key figure in the Coindre Leadership Programme and oversees a system of discipline focused on personal responsibility and mental well-being. He serves as Deputy Head of Prep, DSL, and Senior Attendance Champion.
- Miss Charlotte Maton, BA (Hons)Deputy Head of Prep and SENCo
Charlotte joined St Columba’s in 2014 and has served as a Prep 1 Form Teacher and Subject Leader for English. She holds a First Class Degree in History and Politics from Sussex University and is committed to raising academic standards through initiatives in phonics and literacy. She currently serves as Deputy Head of Prep and SENCo.
- Mr David Waters, BAHead of Sixth Form
David is a History graduate from Liverpool University with a PGCE from Cambridge University and brings 16 years of teaching experience to the College. Formerly an Assistant Headteacher for Teaching & Learning and Curriculum at St George’s Harpenden, he is committed to providing strong pastoral support and leadership opportunities for A Level students.