Philosophy and Aims

Caterham School seeks to be one of the country’s finest co-educational schools, providing an education for life in a caring environment based upon Christian values.

Caterham strives to develop the whole person by:

• fostering an environment in which all pupils are happy, secure, confident and valued.
• stimulating all pupils to achieve their academic potential.
• encouraging the development in each pupil of spiritual and moral values, self-discipline, responsibility, and respect for others and the environment.
• offering a wide range of enriching co-curricular activities.
• promoting independent thinking and lifelong learning through innovative educational practice.
• nurturing a positive relationship with parents, Old Caterhamians, and the wider community.
• supporting and developing enthusiastic, dedicated staff who feel committed to the School.

Education for Life

‘'Caterham is a beautiful place in which to learn, enjoy, contribute and achieve.'’

Learning at Caterham School is an exciting adventure, full of opportunities for personal development, achievement and enjoyment. From Pre-Prep to Sixth Form we offer an education for life, giving our students the knowledge, skills and values they need to create their own success as thoughtful and confident individuals in the world beyond. We are a forward looking and dynamic school, embracing the new whilst retaining great pride in our traditions of academic excellence, breadth of activity and care. Since our foundation in 1811 we have been committed to enabling strengths and ambitions to flourish. Now students from across the world join us in our celebration of learning and accomplishment.

Friendship for life

‘’Caterham is a family community. We listen to each other, respect each other and learn from each other’’

Caterham is a Christian school united in a common understanding and practice of Christian values. Relationships within our community are founded in respect, friendship, and a powerful sense of mutual trust and acceptance of others. Open to all faiths or none, we promote the religious and spiritual life of our students, always encouraging them to put their beliefs into practical action.

Learning for Life

'My teachers are teaching me to teach myself. They won't spoon feed me.'

Independent thinking is central to Caterham School. Our students think for themselves, ask questions and solve problems in a spirit of discovery and excitement for learning. They are bright, free-thinking individuals who apply their knowledge and skills to the real world through inquiry, interaction and practical activity at every opportunity. Caterham teachers are true professionals with a passionate belief in their school and vocation. Their energy, determination and enthusiasm is a source of continual inspiration for everybody in the school community, not least their students. Lessons are engaging and challenging, allowing plenty of time for individual attention and support. We understand the craft of teaching and ensure that all our staff are involved in ongoing training at the highest standard.

Results for Life

'This school wants us to get the best results, and they want us to really enjoy the experience.'

We offer a diverse range of study, far exceeding the demands of the National Curriculum in every discipline. Preparation for formal study begins during the earliest school years. Our Senior School students choose their study options wisely following a careful process of expert guidance, and know that ultimately, their GCSE and A Level choices reflect their abilities and aspirations for the future. Our examination results are outstanding but they are not our only measure of success. We enable our students to identify and develop their interests in many ways because we believe that happiness and a sense of personal fulfilment are equally important.

Care for Life

'Caterham provides a most supportive environment for people from a huge variety of backgrounds.'

Caterham is a school of friendship, warmth and care for life. We value and support each member of our community as a unique individual, with unique needs, strengths and potential. Our exceptional standard of pastoral care ensures that each student, at each stage of school life, has the confidence to contribute and succeed.

We have a consistent approach to discipline based on honesty, trust and dignity. Our students take responsibility for their behaviour with respect and concern for others, themselves and the school environment. We listen to our students and encourage them to develop a sense of purpose and independence throughout their school career, providing careful guidance and support for their achievements.

Imagination for Life

'There are always so many new things to do and so many ways to be creative at Caterham. I want to try everything.'

Imagination has no limits at Caterham. Students discover their talents, express themselves and grow in confidence through a rich variety of creative and performing arts. At every age our young musicians, artists, actors and dancers have many important opportunities to contribute to our vibrant cultural heritage, and we make sure they enjoy the experience.

Excellent facilities, expert tuition, exciting performances; everyone is welcome to join in and the benefits are clear for other areas of school life and personal development. From a broad foundation in the arts to the pursuit of excellence in their chosen specialities. Caterham students develop their imagination and creativity for life

Energy for Life

'Caterham students love to be active.'

Caterham has a renowned tradition of sporting excellence and we continue to provide opportunities for involvement in sport and competition at every level. We have very high standards and we are inclusive in our approach, which is underlined by active and healthy living, teamwork and personal achievement. Our superb facilities and expert staff support a huge range of activities for each year group, allowing our students to find and develop their sporting talents in every direction. Caterham has produced a large number of successful sportsmen and women, from County to International level.

Family for Life

'We have lots of flexibility, lots of support, and lots of opportunities.'

Boarding at Caterham is very popular for very good reasons. We provide a safe and comfortable family environment with a balance of great fun, support, and a solid structure for purposeful work. There is a tremendous spirit of house loyalty and competition, shared by day and boarding students, who mix well together and share their pride in the school. Co-curricular activities are everywhere for everybody and we work hard to ensure that our boarders have lots to experience, in and out of school. From help with homework to personal advice and care, boarding students are extremely well looked after: most of our highly committed staff live on site, and all undertake specialist training approved by the Boarding Schools Association.

Boarding arrangements are extremely flexible to accommodate individual family circumstances and needs.

Responsibility for Life

'I think that my teachers really enjoy coming to work here every day. It's not just a job for them.'

Our lively Sixth Form offers challenges, responsibilities and great rewards for students as they reach the conclusion of their school career and prepare for university life. Sixth Form students are treated as young adults and have the respect, opportunities and space they deserve to succeed as individuals. They are important role models and school ambassadors with a mature sense of direction and purpose, confident and ready for the world ahead. Their outstanding academic achievements are complemented by diverse activity, adventure and acceptance of responsibility.

Caterham has an effective careers and Higher Education programme with a focus on independent and assured decision making, enriched by skills development and first rate research facilities. Each year, the vast majority of our students progress to their first choice of top tier universities.

Partners for Life

'Relationships are excellent in the school and the pupils become mature and thoughtful young people with experience in exercising responsibility and considering the needs of others.'

Positive and productive links between home and school are essential so parents have a special role at Caterham School. They are an essential part of our community and we value the considerable contributions and efforts they make to ensure that their children get the very best from their school days. Caterham has a thriving Parents’ Association organising regular social and fundraising events for the benefit of the school, often in partnership with our Old Caterhamians’ Association.