Founded in 1885 as a girls’ school for day and boarding pupils, the School’s traditions are well established. The first hundred and thirty years of its history reflect the School’s steady evolution into a forward-looking educational establishment for girls and young women which still retains the best values of the past whilst embracing new educational approaches and committing to preparing young women for their ongoing education and lives beyond School. In September 2015 the School celebrated its 130th Anniversary and remains proud of its past and optimistic for its future.

St Catherine’s is an academically selective Church of England School with a strong focus on roundedness. It offers all its pupils access to a first rate education in the broadest sense. There are approximately 900 pupils, aged 4 - 18, including some 270 in the Preparatory School, 170 boarders in the Senior School (boarding is from 11) and 175 in the Sixth Form.

The Prep School is situated just opposite the Senior School, providing the benefit of a village school atmosphere while also enjoying access to the excellent amenities of the Senior School, including a swimming pool, a 350-seat Auditorium, and playing fields. Most families choose to reside within a convenient driving distance or within walking distance from the school.