THE HOLY CROSS SCHOOL
School Prospectus
LEADING THE WAY IN EDUCATION SINCE 1931
WE ARE THE CHILDREN OF GOD, AND IN THE SPIRIT OF ST FRANCIS AND MOTHER BERNARDA, WE AIM TO CREATE A HAPPY FAMILY ENVIRONMENT IN WHICH ALL MAY GROW: IN FAITH, HOPE AND LOVE FOR GOD, IN LOVE AND RESPECT FOR ONE ANOTHER AND THE WORLD AROUND US, IN LEARNING AND WISDOM, SO THAT WE MAY LIVE LIFE TO THE FULL AND JOYFULLY SHARE THIS LIFE WITH OTHERS, ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO ARE IN ANY WAY DISADVANTAGED. SCHOOL MISSION STATEMENT
LEADING THE WAY IN EDUCATION SINCE 1931
In 1931, the pioneering Sisters of The Holy Cross founded our school with a vision of providing high-quality Catholic education to empower girls. Rich in history and tradition, The Holy Cross School continues to uphold the values entrusted to us while evolving to meet the needs and aspirations of our students For over 90 years, generations of young women from Kingston upon Thames and beyond have been proud to receive a first-class education in this vibrant and caring Catholic school
As the smallest secondary school in the area, we offer a unique and personalised experience where your daughter is a name, not a number Guided by our distinctive Catholic ethos,
Out of 6951 state schools in England, The Holy Cross School ranks joint 37th and proudly stands in the top 1% nationally for progress.
Source: DfE School Performance
we are a values-driven community promoting trust, tolerance, respect, and kindness. We celebrate each student's individuality, developing her full potential across a wide range of outstanding academic and extracurricular areas. Whilst excellence is a key priority, so too are compassion, kindness, and a deep-seated desire to support the disadvantaged.
In our calm, safe, and supportive classrooms, your daughter will work hard, be guided to identify her gifts and talents, and aspire to greatness. Aspiration transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary, encouraging students to learn joyfully and live fully. Our highly experienced and dedicated staff are committed to ensuring that each student makes sustained and substantial progress, experiencing success no matter what her starting point.
Our excellent pastoral system ensures that our students feel valued and cared for, as we believe a happy girl learns better. Students join us in Year 7 full of anticipation and leave in Year 13 as accomplished young women, having grown in confidence, knowledge, and compassion They emerge as potential leaders ready to make a difference locally, nationally, and globally
It is my hope that every student who walks through our iconic red doors enjoys her learning, seizes the opportunities available, and flourishes
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
INSPIRING STUDENTS TO ACHIEVE THEIR POTENTIAL
“Teachers have strong subject knowledge. They use their expertise to develop pupils’ understanding well. Across the curriculum, pupils learn in depth and achieve highly ”
Ofsted 2022
When Sisters of The Holy Cross established our school in 1931, they understood the transformative power of education, and in 2024 our curriculum is designed with that in mind At The Holy Cross School no subject or activity comes with a gender stereotype. Our curriculum is broad and balanced, with a flexible range of qualifications which are well matched to our students’ needs and interests, providing the pathway to appropriate destinations and preparing them for life beyond Holy Cross. Our classrooms are calm and positive learning environments; we have high expectations, clear boundaries and excellent standards of discipline based on dignity and respect for one another. Our longstanding academic excellence is maintained through the dedication of our subject specialist staff, many of whom are examiners at both GCSE and A Level for all of the main examination boards Teaching methods are varied, innovative and closely match the needs of our students We believe effective assessment and feedback lies at the heart of progress, and our results show that whatever your daughter’s starting point, she will make outstanding progress with us
She will be assessed regularly from Year 7 through to Year 13, and parents receive reports at the end of each term and also have an annual in person meeting with the teachers
Key Stage 4 Exam results: Summer 2024
88% of all grades were 4 or above
90% of students achieved 4-9 (A*-C) in both English and Maths
86% achieved 5 grades between 9 and 4 including English and Maths (the equivalent of 5A*-C)
36% of all exams were graded 7, 8 or 9 (A -A*)
Progress 8 is +1 03 placing The Holy Cross School in the top 1% nationally for progress.
Key Stage 5 Exam results: Summer 2024
21% A* - A
56% A* - B
82% A* - C
100% Pass Rate
PASTORAL CARE RESPECTING AND TAKING CARE OF EACH OTHER
“Staff are vigilant about pupils’ safety and report any concerns about pupils. They are well trained to support pupils’ emotional and mental health. Pupils spoke highly of the support they get at the school’s inclusion centre, St Theresa’s.”
Ofsted 2022
The Holy Cross School is committed to providing outstanding support and nurturing environments for students throughout their educational journey Students are successful when they feel happy and safe at school Our dedicated pastoral team, led by Form Tutors, establishes strong and positive relationships with each student, providing support and guidance. The continuity for the first five years, with Form Tutors serving as main points of contact, ensures they build lasting connections with students from Year 7 to Year 13
Tutor Time, led by Form Tutors, is a daily opportunity for prayer, active tutorial programmes, and individual check-ins. Supported by Directors of Year and an Assistant Headteacher, our pastoral team safeguards students, ensures their wellbeing, monitors academic progress, and fosters positive behaviour.
Mental Health and wellbeing are paramount at The Holy Cross School Trained Mental Health First Aiders offer active listening, support, and referrals to available services, including the School Health Practitioner, Mental Health Support Team, Grow Therapeutic Coaching, and Walk and Talk therapy
Additional support is provided through mentoring programmes like Big Sister, Little Sister and student mental health ambassadors in Team Empower.
Our distinctive House System, named after Christian values, creates a sense of belonging and healthy competition Students are awarded House Points in categories like Dedicated Learner and Exceptional Leader, participating in events such as House Debates, Christmas Hits, Music Festival, Inter House Sports and Science Fair.
To navigate friendship challenges, we implement the Girls On Board approach (empowering girls to learn how to resolve friendship turbulence), ensuring all Form Tutors, Directors of Year and Assistant Headteachers are trained to guide students effectively At The Holy Cross School, our pastoral care is designed to foster confident, compassionate and courageous young women, providing a supportive foundation for their personal and academic growth
True to our mission statement, St Theresa’s is our inclusion and SEND hub, supporting girls with emotional and SEND needs to grow in confidence, skills and resilience.
CATHOLIC ETHOS & VALUES
NURTURING THE SPIRIT
“The sense of community cohersion is very strong and is celebrated by pupils who acknowledge the richness that diversity brings to the community as a whole.”
Catholic Schools Inspectorate 2024
On 23rd September 1931, The Holy Cross School in New Malden was opened by Sisters of The Holy Cross (a Swiss order founded in 1844 by Mother Bernarda and Father Florentini) with the purpose of transforming young women ’ s lives through education To this day we are proud to continue that ethos. We still have strong links with the Holy Cross Sisters today, and we continue to build relationships with the sisters in India raising money for their vital projects each year.
Our Catholic faith is the beating heart of The Holy Cross School We believe it is our mission to walk alongside our students on a journey to make Jesus present for all We incorporate faith and Catholic Social Teaching into our daily lives, we live our faith in action with a strong focus on charity fundraising and promotion of local, national and global charities The school has been awarded 2 levels of the Oscar Romero Award for its’ outstanding Catholic Social Teaching and Social Justice.
We have two Lay Chaplains who support the spiritual development of our staff and students, and who coordinate our prayer and liturgy. Students take an active role in planning and leading our worship - be that through prayer, liturgy or music. Students have regular opportunities for the Sacrament of Reconciliation and to attend the celebration of Mass. Students have the opportunity to take leadership roles as Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, Altar Servers, CAFOD Young Leaders, Ignite Chaplaincy Team, Alpha Club Leaders, Spiritual Band members and Social Justice Ambassadors Our Social Justice Ambassadors are actively involved in embedding Catholic Social Teaching into all aspects of our school life. Our Head Girl Team (Year 13s) and Heads of House (Year 12s) also contribute to the Catholic Life and Mission of the school throughout the year and are inspirational leaders for our younger students.
Faith runs through everything we do and strive for at Holy Cross, and our students are given the opportunity to thrive on their spiritual journey.
ENRICHMENT A CULTURE OF INNOVATION AND CREATIVITY
“Leaders have created an environment, in keeping with the principle of the dignity of the human person, where a huge number of leadership opportunities for staff and students are not only offered but quickly accepted and taken up. ”
Catholic Schools Inspectorate 2024
At The Holy Cross School what happens beyond the classroom is just as important as what happens in the classroom
With over 40 clubs, our extensive enrichment programme offers numerous opportunities to nurture and develop our girls’ talents and skills with everything from Debate, Chess, Dance and Gardening through to Zumba, Computing, STEM and Orchestra We actively encourage girls to explore new activities - artistic, cultural, speaking, dramatic, mathematical, sporting, scientific and technological. A wide range of sports including trampolining, football, rugby, cricket, volleyball, netball and athletics are available to stretch and challenge our young sports stars of the future. We also enrich learning through homework clubs, revision classes, and subject “clinics”, many of which are led by our Sixth Formers
The Catholic life of the school is enriched through the students who take part in our Ignite Club, Alpha Club, Spiritual Band, Social Justice Ambassadors and Altar Servers. In Sixth Form, students are given the opportunity to be trained as Extraordinary Ministers of The Eucharist.
We are pleased to be able to provide our students with the chance to attend music concerts, West End theatrical performances, visits to places of historical interest, and residential trips, including international expeditions to Iceland, Italy, France, Spain, Kenya, New York and our Duke of Edinburgh programme.
Student Voice
We believe that our students have a pivotal role in helping us to drive our school forward, and they are eager to contribute representing their peers through the elected School Council, House teams, Eco Reps, Sports Captains, Mental Health Ambassadors, Diversity Ambassadors assuming various student leadership roles
Many girls engage in community work in our local community primary schools, nursing homes and beyond Fundraising for charitable causes is intrinsic to our ethos, reflecting their faith and fostering empathy for those less fortunate
SIXTH FORM
DEVELOPING THE SKILLS TO MOVE ON
Student experience:
“The combinations of a nuturing pastoral system, teachers willing to go above and beyond, and overall community feel of Holy Cross created an environment where I could thrive academically, whilst enjoying my school experience As a result, I have left not just with grades I am proud of, but with strong moral values, a determined work ethic, friends for life and lots and lots of incredible memories from an amazing seven years I can’t imagine having a better school experience anywhere else and I remain grateful that my parents decided to send me to Holy Cross!”
Lucy, Class of 2023
The majority of our Year 11 students choose to remain and continue their education into our Sixth Form where they know they will receive high quality teaching alongside excellent pastoral care and guidance. We are a mixed Sixth Form and accept applications from both girls and boys outside of the school.
Life in our Sixth Form is full of opportunities and challenges By the end of the two year journey we want our students to emerge confident, articulate and independent with the work ethic and skillset to thrive in higher education and employment
We offer our students:
Personalised support: our highly experienced Sixth Form team together with our on-site Careers Adviser provide support for applications into Russell Group, Oxbridge and other high tariff universities. Dedicated pastoral support helps students grow personally and navigate life’s challenges.
Outstanding subject specialist teachers: All our Level 3 programmes of study are taught by specialists in their field of teaching Some of our staff are able to offer advice in their field through previous careers, many others are exam board markers or Chief Examiners.
Small class sizes: Class sizes are kept small so that teachers have time to support students academically, guiding them through their studies. Our Sixth Form team are all subject experts in their field and have significant experience in both Level 3 teaching and higher education support.
Fantastic leadership and extra-curricular programmes:
A significant part of Sixth Form life is about enrichment Students are given leadership responsibilities and opportunities to get involved in life outside the classroom; this includes Heads of House, Head Girl Team, CAFOD Young Leaders Award, Young Enterprise, work shadowing, coaching, peer support of younger years, community work and school productions
Excellent exam success rate: A*-A: 21%; A*-B 56%; A*-C 82% (2024); 100% Pass Rate
Read more about our Sixth Form in the online
HOW TO APPLY
Girls transferring from Year 6 at Primary School to Year 7 at Secondary School must submit the Common Application Form (CAF) to their Local Authority Council (LAC) If you do not live in the Kingston borough, you need to apply through your borough’s LAC and you can include Kingston schools in your application.
In order for the school to apply our admissions criteria to applications made, the school requires additional information Please complete and submit the Supporting Documentation Form (SDF), along with any additional evidence
required, if you would like your application to be considered under one of the school’s faith criteria. From September 2025, the Planned Admission Number (PAN) for entry into Year 7 will be 150.
Application forms should be either posted to the school (to the main school address) or handdelivered to the School Office during school office hours (between 8.00am to 4.00pm). If you would like confirmation of receipt, please include a stamped self-addressed envelope with your application
“Staff provide the highest levels of pastoral care They are supportive and actively encourage every pupil to be the best that they can be.”
“The Holy Cross School is an Outstanding Catholic school because: Pupils are enabled and encouraged to grow and flourish as full members of a Catholic Christian community in which all are welcome It recognises and celebrates its’ Holy Cross and Franciscan heritage while pursuing a contemporary Catholic education mission ”
Section 48 Inspection Report, 2018