St Catherine’s, Bramley

The Boarding Schools Association, which represents over 600 UK State and Independent Boarding Schools, has announced that St Catherine’s is a Winner in its annual ‘Supporting Excellence’ Awards. This recognition is for The 6 – our new home for Sixth Form day and boarding students which opened in Spring 2021.

“The new facilities are very impressive, matched only by the exceptional quality of the presentation.”

Boarding Schools Association Award Judges, 2022

Designed by IID Architects, with alumna Helen Whateley (Year of 2008) leading the process, our girls have swiftly made themselves at home in The 6 and Kate Hawtin, Head of Sixth Form, credits the design of The 6 with enhanced community cohesion. The girls take great pride in ‘their’ building and have clearly risen to new challenges of leadership and responsibility as a result. With L6 and U6 together, the year groups support each other, encourage each other as Prefects, and share revision tips. The huge kitchen island has become a study space for a quick bit of Maths revision with the resident House staff; the Common Room is an impromptu rehearsal space for House Dance, and the kitchen is a place to share and enjoy each other’s company.

One of the major benefits of boarding is the development of firm and lifelong friendships, as well as enjoying being part of a strong, supportive, happy and global community. The twin boarding bedrooms in The 6 are purposefully designed to prioritise girls’ wellbeing. Room-sharing encourages consideration of others’ views and opinions, co-operation and mutual support. Our girls deserve a building that recognises the role they play in School life as leaders, Prefects and role models and staff have been surprised by the multiple positive impacts of bricks and mortar on School life. Life at St Catherine’s is special and The 6 has further enhanced our strong, supportive and vibrant community.