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 (34)
Cranmore School is an independent day school set within 25 acres of grounds in West Horsley, Surrey. Founded in 1968, the school follows a Roman Catholic ethos and is part of the Effingham Schools Trust. It operates a diamond model, offering co-education in the early years before transitioning to single-sex provision for boys aged 7 to 16. The campus features various facilities, including a purpose-built music school with a Mander pipe organ, a 25-metre indoor swimming pool, a nine-hole golf course, and a contemporary Science and Technology Centre.
St Columba's College is a co-educational Catholic day school for pupils aged 4 to 18, situated in St Albans. Established in 1939 and managed by the Brothers of the Sacred Heart since 1955, the school occupies a site overlooking St Albans Cathedral. Its ethos is guided by the "Columban Code", which promotes courtesy, courage, and compassion. The campus combines historic properties with modern facilities, including a Sixth Form Centre and all-weather sports pitches. The school provides a broad curriculum complemented by an extensive co-curricular programme, including the Combined Cadet Force and Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
St Bernard's Preparatory School is a co-educational independent day school located in Slough, Berkshire, providing education for pupils aged 2 to 11. Rooted in the Catholic faith, the school welcomes children of all denominations and backgrounds, fostering a supportive environment built on mutual respect and shared values. The curriculum is designed to be creative and challenging, with small class sizes intended to enable tailored support for each pupil. Beyond academic studies, the school offers a broad range of extracurricular activities including sport, music, art, and drama, alongside leadership opportunities designed to develop character and confidence.
St Teresa’s Effingham is an independent day and boarding school for girls aged 2 to 18, set within 55 acres of parkland in the Surrey Hills. Founded in 1928 by the Religious of Christian Instruction, the school is situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is centred around an 18th-century manor house. It maintains a Catholic ethos while welcoming pupils of all faiths. Notable facilities include an on-site equestrian centre, a 300-seat performing arts theatre, and a tennis academy. Since 2019, it has formed part of the Effingham Schools Trust alongside Cranmore School.
St Joseph’s College, Reading, is an independent co-educational day school catering for pupils from early years up to the sixth form. Situated in Berkshire, the school focuses on developing well-rounded individuals by cultivating a supportive environment that builds individual confidence and a strong sense of community. Its curriculum is designed to offer a broad range of opportunities, ensuring that children can explore academic, creative, and physical activities. The school operates as an inclusive, nurturing environment designed to support the holistic development of every pupil.
St Mary's School, Hampstead, is an independent Catholic preparatory school for girls aged 2 to 11, with a co-educational nursery. Established in 1871 as a convent boarding school, it has occupied a Grade II listed building on Fitzjohn’s Avenue since 1926. The school is set within extensive grounds that include a leafy playground and a dedicated nursery garden. Notable facilities include a full-size chapel and a virtual reality room. Following "The St Mary’s Way", the school focuses on developing academic excellence, resilience, and moral integrity within a nurturing, faith-based community.
St Mary's School, Cambridge is an independent day and boarding school for girls aged 3 to 18, situated in the heart of Cambridge. Rooted in the Catholic tradition, the school provides a comprehensive educational journey encompassing nursery, prep, senior school, and sixth form stages. It focuses on fostering academic excellence, curiosity, and holistic development within a supportive community, offering flexible and full boarding alongside day provision.
Notre Dame Senior School is an independent Catholic day school for girls aged 11 to 18, set within 26 acres of parkland in Cobham, Surrey. The school occupies Burwood House, a Grade II listed 18th-century manor house once owned by the Earl of Ellesmere. Founded by the Company of Mary Our Lady, it follows the educational philosophy of Saint Jeanne de Lestonnac. Facilities include a 370-seat professional-standard theatre, a heated indoor swimming pool, and an Innovation Hub for STEM studies. The curriculum is complemented by a diverse range of extracurricular activities in music, drama, and competitive sport.
Set within 70 acres of parkland near Chelmsford, New Hall School is a Catholic boarding and day school catering for pupils aged 1 to 19. Operating a distinctive "diamond model" teaching structure, it provides co-educational nursery and preparatory divisions, single-sex senior education, and a co-educational sixth form. The school occupies the Grade I listed former Tudor Palace of Beaulieu, an architectural highlight once owned by Henry VIII. Focusing on developing well-rounded individuals through its comprehensive co-curriculum, it provides vast sporting facilities and its own outdoor centre for natural sciences.
Rydes Hill Preparatory School & Nursery is a co-educational independent school for children aged 2 to 7, located in a leafy suburb of Guildford. Founded in 1945 by the Daughters of Mary and Joseph, the school is based in Rydes Hill House, a striking 18th-century Georgian building featuring a Victorian clocktower. Now part of the Tormead family, the school follows a nurturing ethos where "happy children learn". Specialist facilities include a dedicated STEAM suite, a performing arts centre, and Forest School areas, supporting a broad curriculum delivered through small, individualised classes.
Laleham Lea School is a Catholic independent co-educational day school for pupils aged 3 to 11, situated in Purley, Surrey. Founded in 1945, the school is housed in a Victorian building and provides a primary education rooted in Christian values. It emphasises a nurturing environment with small class sizes to support individual academic and personal growth. The curriculum is broad, incorporating various extracurricular activities alongside core subjects. The school aims to develop well-rounded individuals within a close-knit community, preparing them for the transition to senior education.
Farnborough Hill is a Roman Catholic independent day school educating girls aged 11 to 18, encompassing senior and sixth form stages. Located on the Hampshire and Surrey border, the school is set within 65 acres of parkland and is housed in a Grade I listed historic mansion once owned by Empress Eugénie. Rooted in a Christian ethos while welcoming pupils of all faiths, the school emphasises character development alongside academic achievement. It provides a broad curriculum supported by extensive co-curricular pursuits in sports, creative arts, and technology.