St. Francis' College Prospectus

What does a St. Francis’ pupil look like?

When asked, ‘What does a St. Francis’ pupil look like?’ the Head replied:

“Herself”.

Founded in 1933 and set amidst the lush green residential environment of Letchworth Garden City, the world’s first garden city, St. Francis’ College stands tall in this enviable location.

Now a day and boarding school for pupils aged 3-18, welcoming students of all faiths and none, we blend traditional values and a modern vision.

Our aim is to provide a stimulating education, based on Christian values, which enables young women to thrive in an ever-changing global environment. We seek to build intellectually creative minds through a rigorous and supportive educational experience, with a focus on close individual care. We aim to be a community that values the unique qualities of each member and promotes social responsibility, self-esteem and self-development.

THE UK’S FIRST ROUNDABOUT

Hidden in the depths of the tree-lined streets of Broadway, you’ll find the UK’s First Roundabout. Dating back from circa 1909, this landmark is a short distance from Broadway Gardens. with a view on a clear day to the beautiful Grade II listed Railway Station past the splendid fountain.

A warm welcome to our wonderful school

Good results happen naturally…

Our academic achievements are outstanding and we have a solid tradition of academic rigor.

However, we believe that academic success should be balanced with personal success in everything the students do. So, we have developed a growth mindset culture (the belief that intelligence and achievement can grow through effort, good teaching and experience) which permeates the whole school from top to bottom. Our students learn to set their own aspirational targets and we encourage them to nurture self-belief.

This means that good results happen naturally. And it is this philosophy and approach that has become an essential part of the St. Francis’ Way.

…with support and encouragement

“Our education exceeds national standards in every way and the experience you get at St. Francis’ College offers even more.”

HEADMISTRESS

Marilyn Monroe

At St. Francis’ we believe that given the right stimulus, the right environment, the right focus and support, and with effort and commitment, your daughter can be anything she wants to be.

A girl’s inherent talents are characteristics that she can cultivate through her efforts. So, with independent learning, practice, exploration and creativity all our studentss have the chance to grow and excel. Exceeding their own expectations…

“Give a girl the right shoes and she can conquer the world.”

Our talented and dedicated teachers nurture the individual interests our pupils are naturally drawn to.

It is our belief that if you are curious, you create opportunities and if you open new doors, you create possibilities…

Develop a passion for creativity

As one of the top all-girls independent schools in the country, St. Francis’ prides itself on building intellectually creative minds.

We have strong traditions in art, dance, drama and music. The Recycled Fashion Show is a popular annual event, and the girls are adept at developing their own photographs in the dark room. Annual dance and drama productions from Kindergarten to Year 13 are held in our 330-seat professional Theatre and our serene Chapel hosts regular music concerts.

Let the good stuff grow...

As the girls move up the school they gain confidence and self-esteem, becoming young women who can express their views clearly and honestly. They develop strong self-discipline, resilience, perseverance and are committed to giving the best in everything they do.

From kindness to togetherness, from tolerance to spiritual development and everything in between.

Sport is a big part of St. Francis’ and we provide a platform for all students to develop social, emotional and physical health, and for those whose aspirations take them beyond school to achieve Club, County, Regional and National representation.

Our pupils can participate recreationally and competitively in a range of activities: Athletics, Badminton, Cricket, Cross Country, Dance, Football, Gymnastics, Hockey, Netball, Rounders, Self Defence, Swimming, Tennis and Yoga.

At St. Francis’ we actively encourage empathy and compassion within our friendly community; a support network which allows our students to feel safe and nurtured in the pursuit of their dreams.

We’ve created a short film to convey this community support in action, and whilst new experiences can be a little daunting at first, rest assured we’ll support and encourage you in your endeavours.

Scan the QR code below to view our short video and get a sense of the genuine community spirit that is so abundant within our environment.

You can do this!

Once a St. Francis’ girl...

Emma Borthwick

Dr Nicola Fox

When a former pupil returns, the one thing they all tell us is that the values, spirit and behaviour they acquired when they were with us are still with them today, a moral compass that sits next to their heart, guiding them through life.

NOTABLE FORMER PUPILS

Jennie Bond, BBC Royal Correspondent Adenike Grange, Professor of Paediatrics, Former Minister of Health Emma Borthwick, Presenter, BBC Radio Cumbria Dr Nicola Fox, Heliophysics Division Director, NASA Jingle Gawley, Guildhall School of Music and Drama

always a St. Francis’ girl

Jennie Bond

Adenike Grange

Jingle Gawley

St. Francis’ is ideal for girls who thrive in a supportive all-female environment where they can relax and fulfil their potential.

It is widely known that girls excel in STEM subjects in an all-girls school and we have proof of this year on year with our excellent examination results.

Our all-girls environment allows the girls to be more focused on what they want to do and who they want to be.

Thriving and excelling...

All the students are aware of their personal responsibility to keep themselves healthy, physically and mentally. We have a superb catering facility at the school, with a varied and delicious menu to suit different tastes. So, boarding really is ‘home from home’!

Room to express yourself...

You can board at St. Francis’ from Year 6, and there is the option of weekly or flexi boarding, although the majority board full-time.

The boarding house has a lovely family atmosphere supported by experienced boarding staff and academic tutors. Boarding comes with a built-in social life, which means that the girls will be living with their friends – a recipe for fun!

Extracurricular opportunities are extensive with numerous chances to get involved in new hobbies, developing skills and interests.

St. Francis’

“A vibrant, warm and caring environment. The St. Francis’ College Boarding House experience will stay with me long after I have left the College.”

Head Boarder

The school has everything you would expect and more.

There’s a 330-seat purposebuilt theatre, a 20-metre indoor heated swimming pool, gymnasium, dance studio, hockey pitches and five courts for both netball and tennis.

Well-equipped, modern science laboratories and IT suites support the latest learning and technology. And there are seven acres of grounds for sports, with plenty of space to run, walk and chat with friends or just lay on the fields, listen to the wind through the trees, breathe the fresh air and dream…

Opening minds, fulfilling hearts...

We are an ‘outward looking’ community and our aim is to provide a stimulating education which enables young women to thrive in an ever-changing global environment.

We offer enviable opportunities to travel on an array of educational trips, both in the UK and overseas. Regular courses and talks give the girls the chance to try new activities throughout the year.

With London and Cambridge both so accessible, there are numerous outings to theatres, galleries and activity centres virtually every week as well as rock-climbing, indoor skiing and ice-skating.

Cor unum, anima una

One heart, one soul

The atmosphere and feeling that pervade at St. Francis’ have been described by many as ‘warm’, a delightful haven of peace and calm. As soon as you walk through those big oak doors into reception, you feel it. We’re a real school with real values that we live by every day.

At our heart is a proud and supportive community of teachers and pupils who really do care about each other. It’s the kind of school where friendships are made for life…

Show up. Be brave.

Be daring. Be full of light. Be honest. Be human.

Make mistakes. Make friends. Make amends.

Make yourself happy. Make a difference.

Alex Elle

Author and Poet

St. Francis’ College was founded in 1933 by the Sisters of Charity of Jesus and Mary, a congregation of Roman Catholic sisters based in Belgium, whose motto is ‘Cor unum anima una – one heart, one soul’. Since 1983, when the congregation decided to reduce its educational commitment in the United Kingdom, the College was run by an Educational Charity, St. Francis’ College Trust. In 2022 St. Francis’ became part of the Inspired Learning Group, a family of independent schools and nurseries delivering a rich education, combining passion and innovation to develop and inspire children in a nurturing environment. for a vibrant future.

The College is located in a very pleasant residential area of Letchworth Garden City, within easy reach of London and Cambridge. The railway journey from London (King’s Cross) takes less than 40 minutes, while by road the College is just 1.5 miles from the A1(M) Junction 9. It is ideally situated for access to Heathrow Airport and all the main London railway stations.

St. Francis’ College Cor unum, anima una

One heart, one soul

St. Francis’ College,

+44 (0) 1462 670511

Letchworth

+44 (0) 1462 682361

enquiries@st-francis.herts.sch.uk

www.st-francis.herts.sch.uk

This prospectus describes the broad principles on which St. Francis’ College is presently run. Although believed to be correct at the time of printing certain statements may become out of date from time to time. Parents wishing to place specific reliance on a statement in the prospectus should seek written confirmation of that statement from the Headmistress, before accepting an offer of a place. The prospectus is not part of any agreement between the parents and St. Francis’ College.

Designed by www.splashofpaint.com