Programs

Primary School

From the earliest years, children tackle not just English, mathematics, and sciences but also dive straight into French and Latin. St. Francis’ College nurtures creative expression through drama, music, and dance, while weekly swimming sessions and musical theatre workshops round out the schedule. Those who wish can explore ballet, tap, or contemporary jazz with certified instructors. As they move into the second stage, humanities, computing, and a personal development course join the mix, helping them build genuine confidence.

Middle School

Between years seven and nine, students explore 21 subjects—far exceeding what the national curriculum demands. This breadth gives girls a chance to experiment with rare disciplines like Latin, media, and dance before they need to commit to exam courses. St. Francis’ College introduces Spanish in years eight and nine, so by GCSE time they’re working with three modern languages. Meanwhile, parents receive detailed reports and interim grades to stay fully informed.

Complete subject list:

• Languages: English, French, German, Spanish, Latin
• Sciences: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Computing, Mathematics
• Humanities: Geography, History, Religious Studies
• Arts and Creative: Art, Dance and Drama, Music and Media
• Personal Development and Physical Education
• Food Technology

GCSE at St. Francis’ College

Only three subjects remain mandatory for GCSE at St. Francis’ College—English, mathematics, and one science. Most students pursue nine disciplines, maintaining educational breadth without premature specialization. Rather than forcing rigid subject blocks, the school lets girls craft their own combinations. Everyone completes the HPQ qualification as well, which teaches source analysis and essay writing—skills universities consistently value when assessing applicants.

Available subject choices:

• Sciences: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Combined Sciences, Computing, Further Mathematics
• Languages: French, German, Spanish, Latin, Classical Studies
• Humanities: History, Geography, Religious Studies, Business
• Arts: Art and Design, Drama, Music, Photography, Dance
• Practical subjects: Food Technology, Physical Education
• English Literature

Sixth Form A-Level

St. Francis’ College offers 27 A-Level subjects—an exceptionally wide range for a school of this size. Among them are rare disciplines like Chinese for native speakers, Film Studies, and Music Technology. Most students take three courses, though ambitious ones can add a fourth AS subject with an exam at the end of year twelve. Everyone also completes the Extended Project Qualification over two years, choosing their own topic and working with a supervisor—something universities particularly appreciate.

Complete subject list:

• Sciences: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Computing, Psychology
• Mathematics: Standard and Further
• Languages: Chinese for native speakers, French, German, Spanish, Latin and Classical Studies
• Humanities: History, Geography, Economics, Politics, Sociology, Law, Religious Studies
• Arts: Art, Photography, Drama, Music, Music Technology, Film Studies
• Other subjects: English Literature, Business, Physical Education