St Joseph's College (founded in 1937) with the School of Jesus and Mary (founded in 1860) is the unification of two established independent schools. The school is situated in a 55 acre campus of wooded parkland based around Birkfield Lodge and Goldrood House, two Regency country houses. This environment provides an ideal backcloth to both academic and sporting activities. Accommodation on the site, in addition to the general teaching areas for students from 3 to 18 years, includes a boarding house, a CDT centre, a science centre and a sports hall. The ethos of the school is firmly embedded in the foundations of the original teaching orders, although there are no longer any Brothers or Sisters on the teaching staff. Religious Education including Personal and Social Education is taught to all students. The school is Christian by nature, but welcomes pupils and staff from all faiths. Pastoral care is particularly good and the feeling of a happy community is built around care and concern for each individual. Within a grammar tradition the school seeks to achieve the best possible results for each student irrespective of ability. Mathematics, Science, Art and Physical Education are strong departments. There is a strong sporting tradition with many students achieving County representation and better. There are many extra curricular activities including debating, a sixth form cultural society and an annual musical produced in a local theatre. There is a considerable commitment to supporting less fortunate peoples, both locally and abroad. Some students follow the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme, and a CCF detachment is ready for recruits.
PUPILS Age range 3 - 18; 749 pupils; 700 day (570 boys, 179 girls), 50 boarding boys. Main entry ages 5, 11 and into sixth. Approx 15% are children of former pupils. Own prep school provides more than 20% of intake. Transfer from maintained schools: 50% main intake, plus 25% to sixth.
