The Catholic Independent Schools’ Conference is a professional association representing and supporting the leaders of Catholic independent schools in the United Kingdom and overseas. Its primary objective is to promote and assist the holistic education of children within a distinct Catholic ethos. The association provides a forum for Headteachers and Governors to network, share best practices, and engage in professional development. Additionally, CISC acts as a unified voice for the sector, liaising with the Catholic Education Service (CES) and other national bodies to represent the interests of Catholic independent education.
CISC Member Schools (14)
Cranmore School is an independent day school situated in West Horsley, Surrey, set within a 25-acre site in an area of outstanding natural beauty. Operating within the Effingham Schools Trust, the school employs a "diamond model," providing co-education in Lower Prep, single-sex education during later prep and senior years, and a co-educational Sixth Form at St Teresa's. The school claims to focus on a rounded education, fostering individual talents within a caring Christian community that welcomes all faiths. Facilities include a Science and Technology Centre, dedicated music and sports buildings, and a Forest School. Pastoral care arrangements have been rated 'Excellent' in inspection reports.
Laleham Lea School is a Catholic Independent Primary School situated in Purley, Surrey, providing education for boys and girls aged 3-11 years. The school claims to focus on a broad, balanced, and challenging curriculum within a happy and caring learning environment, underpinned by Christian values. It welcomes children of other faiths sympathetic to its ethos. The school features playgrounds, a lawn, an adventure playground, a Nature Trail, and a Sensory Garden, and utilises facilities at nearby John Fisher School and Purley Sports' Club.
Marymount International School London is an independent Catholic day and boarding school for girls aged 11-18. Established in 1955, it is situated on a 7-acre campus in Kingston upon Thames, bordering the picturesque Surrey countryside. The school claims to focus on the academic, emotional, spiritual, and social development of its students, welcoming diverse faiths and backgrounds. It was the first all-girls' school in the UK to adopt the International Baccalaureate curriculum, promoting independent thought and global citizenship within its international community.
Situated in the village of Mayfield, East Sussex, Mayfield School is an independent Catholic boarding and day school for girls aged 11 to 18. Occupying the historic Old Palace of the Archbishops of Canterbury, the school features 14th-century buildings and a medieval chapel. It claims to follow a "Cornelian" ethos, focusing on intellectual curiosity, integrity, and compassion. Set within rural grounds, the school offers over 80 co-curricular activities and supports a diverse community of more than 20 nationalities. The school aims to nurture the whole person, balancing academic standards with spiritual and emotional resilience.
Notre Dame Senior School is an independent Catholic day school for girls aged 11-18, situated in Cobham, Surrey. The school is set within 26 acres of countryside. It operates with a strong ecumenical tradition, welcoming families of all faiths, and claims to focus on a holistic, personalised academic and nurturing education, with pastoral care embedded in its approach. The school is built on a 400-year tradition of the Company of Mary Our Lady.
Situated in Wadhurst, East Sussex, Sacred Heart School is an independent Catholic school for children in Key Stages 1 and 2. A member of the Independent Schools Association and the Catholic Independent Schools’ Conference, the school claims to focus on the quality of relationships and teaching within its community. Its grounds host various activities, including a range of clubs and an after-school provision known as Busy Bees. The school also provides Parent and Toddler mornings, fostering early connections with the local community in its rural village setting.
Saint Christina's School is a co-educational Catholic independent preparatory school for children aged 3-11, situated in St John's Wood, Greater London. The school's urban location is nestled between Primrose Hill and Regent's Park, providing access to green spaces for activities. It features purpose-built accommodation with outdoor play areas and utilizes nearby parks for sports and outdoor learning. The school claims to focus on an ambitious education within a nurturing and inclusive environment, emphasizing confidence, curiosity, and creativity alongside academic development.
St Augustine's Priory is an independent Roman Catholic day school for girls aged 3-18, located in Ealing, West London. It offers co-educational nursery and preparatory sections. The school is situated on a 13-acre campus. It traces its heritage to 1634, educating girls in the Catholic tradition, and claims to welcome girls of all faiths.
St Columba's College is an independent, co-educational Catholic day school for pupils aged 4 to 18, situated in the Cathedral City of St Albans, Hertfordshire. The school stands in its own grounds, overlooking St Albans Abbey, approximately twenty-five miles from central London. Founded in 1939, and re-established in 1955 by the Brothers of the Sacred Heart, its educational philosophy is rooted in Catholic traditions and values, welcoming families of all faiths. The school claims to focus on academic excellence, pastoral care, and co-curricular offerings, aiming to develop confident, resilient, and compassionate individuals.
St George's College Weybridge is an independent, academically selective, co-educational day school located in Addlestone, Surrey. The school is situated within 100 acres of parkland. It is a Roman Catholic, Josephite institution, catering to students aged 11 to 18. The school claims to focus on a "perfectly balanced education" within a strongly Christian ethos, aiming to develop both academic success and individual talents.
St Mary's School, Hampstead, is an independent Catholic preparatory day school for girls aged 2.5 to 11. Situated in the urban, picturesque neighbourhood of Hampstead, North London, the school was founded in 1871. It welcomes girls of all faiths and none, while upholding its Catholic ethos which claims to focus on values such as kindness, compassion, and integrity. The school emphasizes a holistic education with academic rigor, strong pastoral care, and offers extensive outdoor spaces within its urban setting.
St Teresa's Effingham is an independent Roman Catholic day and boarding school for girls, established in 1928, situated in Effingham, Surrey. The school occupies 48 acres of grounds within the Surrey Hills AONB. It caters to pupils aged 4-18 and claims to offer an inclusive environment rooted in Catholic traditions, welcoming students from diverse backgrounds and faiths. The school's ethos emphasizes individual care, a 'can-do' attitude, and the development of students spiritually, emotionally, and academically.