COLOMA CONVENT GIRLS' SCHOOL in Croydon, Croydon

Education Centre Information: Coloma Convent Girls' School:

Establishment Type:Voluntary Aided School
Phase of Education: Secondary
Status: Open
Local Authority: Croydon
Boarders: No Boarders
Sixth Form: Has a sixth form
Urban/Rural Description: Urban > 10k - less sparse
Special Classes: Has Special Classes
Religious Character: Roman Catholic
Diocese: Archdiocese of Southwark
Nursery Provider: No Nursery Classes
Total Pupils: 1079
Number of girls: 1079
Admissions: Comprehensive
Age Range: 11-18
Gender: Girls
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Background:

Opened in west Croydon in 1869 by the Congregation of the Daughters of Mary and Joseph, a Belgian order, founded by Reverend Canon Van Crombrugge. The school moved to a new site on the edge of Shirley Hills in 1965, and became a voluntary-aided Roman Catholic comprehensive school in 1978. The school is over-subscribed; therefore, entry at Year 7 is generally likely only for children of practising Catholic families. In Year 12, however, students of other denominations and faiths, who are in sympathy with the ethos of school can frequently be accommodated. Facilities include tennis and netball courts, a lacrosse and athletics field, a purpose-built sixth-form centre with computer suites and a media editing suite, a chapel, science laboratories, libraries, a music studio, a drama studio, a hall and stage, specialist classrooms, two gymnasia, art and pottery rooms, five computer suites. A new design technology centre has opened. Specialist music college status from September 2005; has developed additional recording, composing, and performance facilities; also new courses in music technology and performing arts. There is an annual Christmas concert and summer show at the Fairfield Halls; school choir has visited Italy. About 400 pupils learn musical instruments; there are two orchestras, several choirs, including gospel choirs, and large instrumental ensmbles. The main sports at the school are lacrosse, netball, tennis, athletics, gym and dance; also trampolining, volleyball, badminton, basketball, football and rounders. There is tennis coaching after school and a ski trip to Austria for Year 9 pupils. Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme. Charity fundraising is a strong feature, with more than £20,000 raised in 2006 for the Gambian Children's Trust, in addition to support of other local and national charities. Over-subscribed, with nearly three applications per place. Ethos: 'Every member of the school community is motivated to see that they can make apositive difference through love, commitment and service. Prayer, respect for one another, integrity, kindness and compassion are greatly valued'.