St Teresa's Effingham (Senior School)

The school is committed to a values-based education that rejects a 'one size fits all' approach, focusing instead on the individual needs and holistic development of each pupil. It aims to foster curiosity, resilience, independence, and confidence, ensuring that students feel supported and listened to as they prepare for adulthood. The school maintains a strong emphasis on pastoral care and well-being alongside academic achievement.

The school offers a comprehensive academic curriculum from Year 6 through to the Sixth Form. Core subjects include Mathematics, Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics), English, Humanities (History, Geography, Religious Studies), Languages (French, Spanish, German, Latin), and the Arts (Drama, Dance, Art, Music). The Sixth Form curriculum includes A-Level courses and the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). Specialized pathways are available through the Equestrian and Tennis academies.

The school reports strong academic performance, including notable GCSE and A-Level results. Pupils are supported in their progression to higher education and adulthood through a curriculum that emphasizes both academic excellence and holistic development.

The school provides learning support services led by a dedicated SENCO and a team of specialists. Support is available for pupils with specific learning difficulties, and the school employs pastoral assistants and school counsellors to support student well-being. English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is also provided for international pupils.

Applications require a £90 registration fee. Upon acceptance, a deposit is required, which varies based on the applicant's status: £600 for day pupils, £2,500 for boarders from EU countries, and £15,285 for boarders from outside the EU. Prospective families are encouraged to attend open mornings and taster events, which can be registered for via the school's online parent portal.

The school operates on a three-term system: Autumn, Spring, and Summer. Each term includes a half-term break, and the academic year concludes in early July with prize-giving ceremonies. Boarding facilities close during half-term holidays and at the end of each term.

Located in the Surrey Hills, the campus features extensive sports facilities, including a 60m x 30m floodlit sand-and-fibre equestrian arena and multiple tennis courts. The tennis academy is based in a dedicated clubhouse with changing rooms, complemented by both hard and artificial courts. The school also provides boarding facilities and maintains specialized spaces for music, performing arts, and science.

The school offers a wide range of co-curricular activities, including a dedicated Equestrian Centre and the Effingham Schools Tennis Academy (ESTA). The Equestrian Centre provides riding lessons, holiday activities, and competition opportunities through the National Schools Equestrian Association (NSEA). ESTA offers tennis coaching, match play events, and performance camps for pupils of varying abilities. Additionally, the school supports the Duke of Edinburgh Award and a Combined Cadet Force (CCF).