
This day and boarding school for girls aged 3-18 is a happy and thriving community providing a modern education based on Christian principles. Students receive individual care promoting their spiritual, moral, intellectual, creative and physical development.
Founded in 1933, the school is run by St Francis' College Trust, an educational charity, as a multi-denominational Christian community, ecumenical in outlook welcoming pupils of all faiths. The school provides day time weekday education for girls aged 3 – 18 and boarding facilities and care for older girls.
Set in the midst of Letchworth Garden City, St Francis' College has been providing a first class education for girls for over 75 years, blending traditional values and a modern vision.
Girls:
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Girls:
Boys:
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7 days boarding:
The school was founded in 1933 by the Sisters of Charity of Jesus and Mary, a Congregation of Roman Catholic Sisters. The Sisters ran the school successfully for some fifty years, but decided to reduce their educational commitment in the UK. In 1983 the running of the College was transferred to an educational charity, St Francis College Trust, run by a Board of Governors. The College became multi-denominational, but continues to be run on Christian principles
The buildings,sports fields and gardens of St Francis' College are set in over 7 acres within the Letchworth Conservation Area.
Broadway building Built in 1938 is the main entrance to the school. Its foundation stone was placed by Bishop Eugene van Rechem. Extensions were made to the Dining Hall, Chapel, and other large rooms in the 1960s. The Broadway Building contains inter alia the residential area for the boarders, classrooms, Sixth Form Centre, Head’s and her Deputy’s offices and some of the College administration staff.
In 1919, the Middle School was built. Later additions were constructed in 1924 round the central courtyard. The loggia, a large grassed area, is accessible through large french doors along the side of the Middle School.
Theatre was built in 1924, along with the gymnasium, with seating for 330 (although the original capacity was 600). Originally it was intended to be an Assembly Hall, but at the eleventh hour the design was altered to add a fly tower and create a theatre. The statue of St Francis, above the entrance, was added in 1937. The theatre was refurbished in 2012 and is very much an integral part of the school. It is also used by the local community host plays, dance shows and talks.
The College is accredited by the Independent Schools’ Council and is a member of various professional bodies:
The Association of Governing Bodies of Independent Schools
Girls’ Schools Association
Boarding Schools Association.
All girls and staff are a member of one of the four houses – Artemis, Athene, Hera and Selene. Each house comprises of students from all year groups in the Senior School. This breaks down barriers between the year groups and creates a sense of togetherness; encouraging the older students to look out for the younger ones. There are weekly house meetings and activities are organised by sixth form House captains supported by a staff Head of House. There is a great deal of healthy competition between houses. Girls taking great pride in their house achievements, whilst respecting the successes of other houses. There are many house events throughout the year from all areas of school life. This blend ensures that everyone has the opportunity to represent their house in something that they enjoy or are good at. For example house events include; house bake off, netball, hockey, house music, photography, swimming gala, debating, science quiz and sports day. Staff lead by example and take part in exactly the same events as the students. These competitions regularly attract crowds of supporters cheering for their house.
Years 7 -9 provide the introduction to the Senior School. The girls, aged 11-14 are offered a broad, balanced curriculum based on the National Curriculum but with opportunities for further study in a number of areas. Small classes ensure each girl receives individual attention.
At the end of Year 9, GCSE subjects are chosen, after careful consultation between members of staff, pupils and parents.
Years 10 -11. Having made GCSE choices, the girls focus on their subjects. However this is not a narrow curriculum as most girls study 10 subjects at GCSE level. These include a number of core subjects taken by all girls and others selected to reflect individual interests and abilities. We aim to ensure that girls have a balanced programme of study without premature specialisation.
In the Sixth Form, students have more freedom to pursue studies in their own way and in their own time. We expect most girls to take at least three A-level subjects and to achieve the grades required by the best universities.
A programme of Life Skills runs in parallel with the academic programme. This, together with the various extra curricular activities on offer, is designed to broaden students' awareness of the world around them and to prepare them for university and life beyond school.
Sports Activity – Basketball, football, rounders and gym visits, swimming, rock climbing, outdoor games, dance activity, ice skating at Somerset House
On-site Facilities
Recreational and sporting facilities include a 20-metre, indoor heated swimming pool, tennis and netball courts, a sports field and adjacent grassed sports/playing area.
Mystery Activity, Arts Activity ( painting, sketching, paper craft, working with textiles, making gifts, creating group murals, graphic design ) Media Activity (music making, drama, public speaking, film making, creative writing , current affairs )
weekend attractions: visit to Cambridge, visit to the Cathedral City of York, Visit to Thorpe Park , Visit to St Albans, Local Firework Display
Letchworth Garden City is a community focused town located in the beautiful North Hertfordshire Countryside. St. Francis’ College is located on the edge of the town centre, allowing its students, staff and parents easy access to all this thriving town has to offer. It is world’s first garden city, created in 1903. Planned to combine the best of ‘town and country’ living, Letchworth Garden City offers a unique heritage alongside some interesting places to explore.
Letchworth Garden City boasts great transport links, it is 30 minutes by train to London Kings Cross and 20 minutes to Cambridge. The boarding community take full advantage of this location and have the opportunity to visit a wide range of local interesting locations – historical houses, wildlife parks and Harry Potter Studios to name a few.
Broadway Letchworth Garden City SG6 3PJ
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