THE HOLY CROSS SCHOOL
School Prospectus
LEADING THE WAY IN EDUCATION SINCE 1931
TABLE OF CONTENTS 01
LEADING THE WAY IN EDUCATION SINCE 1931
02
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
03
PASTORAL CARE
04
CATHOLIC ETHOS & VALUES
05
ENRICHMENT
06
SIXTH FORM
07
HOW TO APPLY
WE ARE THE CHILDREN OF GOD, AND IN THE SPIRIT OF ST FRANCIS AND MOTHER BERNARDA, WE AIM TO CREATE A HAPPY FAMILY ENVIRONMENT IN WHICH ALL MAY GROW: IN FAITH, HOPE AND LOVE FOR GOD, IN LOVE AND RESPECT FOR ONE ANOTHER AND THE WORLD AROUND US, IN LEARNING AND WISDOM, SO THAT WE MAY LIVE LIFE TO THE FULL AND JOYFULLY SHARE THIS LIFE WITH OTHERS, ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO ARE IN ANY WAY DISADVANTAGED.
SCHOOL MISSION STATEMENT
LEADING THE WAY IN EDUCATION SINCE 1931
Students at The Holy Cross School make exceptional progress, with outcomes consistently well above the national average. Source: DfE School Performance
In 1931, the pioneering Sisters of The Holy Cross
we are a values-driven community promoting
founded our school with a vision of providing
trust, tolerance, respect, and kindness. We
high-quality Catholic education to empower
celebrate each student's individuality,
girls. Rich in history and tradition, The Holy Cross
developing her full potential across a wide range
School continues to uphold the values entrusted
of outstanding academic and extracurricular
to us while evolving to meet the needs and
areas. Whilst excellence is a key priority, so too
aspirations of our students. For over 90 years,
are compassion, service to others, and a deep-
generations of young women from Kingston upon
seated desire to support the disadvantaged.
Thames and beyond have been proud to receive
In our calm, safe, and supportive classrooms,
a first-class education in this vibrant and caring
your daughter will work hard, be guided to
Catholic school.
identify her gifts and talents, and aspire to
As the smallest secondary school in the area, we
greatness. Aspiration transforms the ordinary into
offer a unique and personalised experience
the extraordinary, encouraging students to learn
where your daughter is a name, not a number.
joyfully and live fully. Our highly experienced and
Guided by our distinctive Catholic ethos,
dedicated staff are committed to ensuring that each student makes sustained and substantial progress, experiencing success no matter what her starting point. Our excellent pastoral system ensures that our students feel valued and cared for, as we believe a happy girl learns better. Students join us in Year 7 full of anticipation and leave in Year 13 as accomplished young women, having grown in confidence, knowledge, and compassion. They emerge as potential leaders ready to make a difference. It is my hope that every student who walks through our iconic red doors learns joyfully, lives fully and flourishes. 2
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
INSPIRING STUDENTS TO ACHIEVE THEIR POTENTIAL “Teachers have strong subject knowledge. They use their expertise to develop pupils’ understanding well. Across the curriculum, pupils learn in depth and achieve highly.” Ofsted
When Sisters of The Holy Cross established
She will be assessed regularly from Year 7 through
our school in 1931, they understood the
to Year 13, and parents receive reports at the end
transformative power of education, and in
of each term and also have an annual in person meeting with the teachers.
2026 our curriculum is designed with that in mind. At The Holy Cross School no subject or
Key Stage 4 Exam results: Summer 2026
activity comes with a gender stereotype, there are no limits.
84% of all grades were 4 or above
Our curriculum is broad and balanced, with a
84% of students achieved 4-9 (A*-C) in both
flexible range of qualifications which are well
English and Maths
matched to our students’ needs and interests,
73% achieved 5 grades between 9 and 4
providing the pathway to appropriate
including English and Maths (the equivalent
destinations and preparing them for life beyond
of 5A*-C)
Holy Cross. Our classrooms are calm and positive
35% of all exams were graded 7, 8 or 9
learning environments; we have high
(A -A*)
expectations, clear boundaries and excellent standards of discipline based on dignity and
Key Stage 5 Exam results: Summer 2026
respect for one another. Our longstanding academic excellence is maintained through the
26% A* - A
dedication of our subject specialist staff, many
54% A* - B
of whom are examiners at both GCSE and A
84% A* - C
Level for all of the main examination boards.
99% Pass Rate
Teaching methods are varied, innovative and closely match the needs of our students. We believe effective assessment and feedback lies at the heart of progress, and our results show that whatever your daughter’s starting point, she will make outstanding progress with us.
3
PASTORAL CARE
RESPECTING AND TAKING CARE OF EACH OTHER “Staff are vigilant about pupils’ safety and report any concerns about pupils. They are well trained to support pupils’ emotional and mental health. Pupils spoke highly of the support they get at the school’s inclusion centre, St Theresa’s.” Ofsted
The Holy Cross School is committed to providing
Additional support is provided through mentoring
outstanding support and nurturing environments
programmes like Big Sister, Little Sister and
for students throughout their educational journey.
student mental health ambassadors in Team
Students are successful when they feel happy and
Empower.
safe at school. Our dedicated pastoral team, led by Form Tutors, establishes strong and positive
Our distinctive House System, named after
relationships with each student, providing support
Christian values, creates a sense of belonging
and guidance. The continuity for the first five
and healthy competition. Students are awarded
years, with Form Tutors serving as main points of
House Points in categories like Dedicated
contact, ensures they build lasting connections
Learner and Exceptional Leader, participating in
with students from Year 7 to Year 13.
events such as House Debates, Christmas Hits, Music Festival, Inter House Sports and Science
Tutor Time, led by Form Tutors, is a daily
Fair.
opportunity for prayer, active tutorial programmes, and individual check-ins. Supported by Directors
To navigate friendship challenges, we implement
of Year and an Assistant Headteacher, our
the Girls On Board approach (empowering girls
pastoral team safeguards students, ensures their
to learn how to resolve friendship turbulence),
wellbeing, monitors academic progress, and
ensuring all Form Tutors, Directors of Year and
fosters positive behaviour.
Assistant Headteachers are trained to guide students effectively. At The Holy Cross School,
Mental Health and wellbeing are paramount at
our pastoral care is designed to foster confident,
The Holy Cross School. Trained Mental Health First
compassionate and courageous young women,
Aiders offer active listening, support, and referrals
providing a supportive foundation for their
to available services, including the School Health
personal and academic growth.
Practitioner, Mental Health Support Team, Grow Therapeutic Coaching, and Walk and Talk therapy.
True to our mission statement, St Theresa’s is our inclusion and SEND hub, supporting girls with emotional and SEND needs to grow in confidence, skills and resilience. 4
CATHOLIC ETHOS & VALUES NURTURING THE SPIRIT
“The sense of community cohesion is very strong and is celebrated by pupils who acknowledge the richness that diversity brings to the community as a whole.” Catholic Schools Inspectorate
On 23rd September 1931, The Holy Cross School
and students, and who coordinate our prayer
in New Malden was opened by Sisters of The
and liturgy. Students take an active role in
Holy Cross (a Swiss order founded in 1844 by
planning and leading our worship - be that
Mother Bernarda and Father Florentini) with the
through prayer, liturgy or music. Students have
purpose of transforming young women’s lives
regular opportunities for the Sacrament of
through education. To this day we are proud to
Reconciliation and to attend the celebration of
continue that ethos. We still have strong links
Mass. Students have the opportunity to take
with the Holy Cross Sisters today, and we
leadership roles as Extraordinary Ministers of
continue to build relationships with the sisters in
Holy Communion, Altar Servers, Faith in Action,
India raising money for their vital projects each
Ignite Chaplaincy Team, Alpha Club Leaders,
year and some of our Sixth Formers do gap years
Spiritual Band members and Social Justice
in India.
Ambassadors. Our Social Justice Ambassadors are actively involved in embedding Catholic
Our Catholic faith is the beating heart of The
Social Teaching into all aspects of our school
Holy Cross School. We believe it is our mission to
life. Our Head Girl Team (Year 13s) and Heads of
walk alongside our students on a journey to make
House (Year 12s) also contribute to the Catholic
Jesus present for all. We incorporate faith and
Life and Mission of the school throughout the
Catholic Social Teaching into our daily lives, we
year and are inspirational leaders for our
live our faith in action with a strong focus on
younger students.
charity fundraising and promotion of local, national and global charities. The school has
Faith runs through everything we do and strive
been awarded 3 levels of the Oscar Romero
for at Holy Cross, and our students are given the
Award for its’ outstanding Catholic Social
opportunity to thrive on their spiritual journey.
Teaching and Social Justice. We have two Lay Chaplains who support the spiritual development of our staff 5
ENRICHMENT
A CULTURE OF INNOVATION AND CREATIVITY “Leaders have created an environment, in keeping with the principle of the dignity of the human person, where a huge number of leadership opportunities for staff and students are not only offered but quickly accepted and taken up.” Catholic Schools Inspectorate
At The Holy Cross School what happens beyond
We are pleased to be able to provide our
the classroom is just as important as what
students with the chance to attend music
happens in the classroom.
concerts, West End theatrical performances, visits to places of historical interest, and
With over 40 clubs, our extensive enrichment
residential trips, including international
programme offers numerous opportunities to
expeditions to Iceland, Italy, France, Spain,
nurture and develop our girls’ talents and skills
Kenya, New York and our Duke of Edinburgh
with everything from Debate, Chess, Dance and
programme.
Gardening through to Zumba, Computing, STEM and Orchestra. We actively encourage girls to
Student Voice
explore new activities - artistic, cultural, speaking, dramatic, mathematical, sporting,
We believe that our students have a pivotal role
scientific and technological. A wide range of
in helping us to drive our school forward, and
sports including trampolining, football, rugby,
they are eager to contribute representing their
cricket, volleyball, netball, Wimbledon Ball Girls
peers through the elected School Council, House
and athletics are available to stretch and
teams, Eco Reps, Sports Captains, Mental Health
challenge our young sports stars of the future.
Ambassadors, Diversity Ambassadors assuming
We also enrich learning through homework clubs,
various student leadership roles.
revision classes, and subject “clinics”, many of which are led by our Sixth Formers.
Many girls engage in community work in our local community primary schools, nursing homes and
The Catholic life of the school is enriched
beyond. Fundraising for charitable causes is
through the students who take part in our Ignite
intrinsic to our ethos, reflecting their faith and
Club, Alpha Club, Spiritual Band, Social Justice
fostering empathy for those less fortunate.
Ambassadors and Altar Servers. In Sixth Form, students are given the opportunity to be trained as Extraordinary Ministers of The Eucharist. 6
SIXTH FORM
DEVELOPING THE SKILLS TO MOVE ON
Student experience: “I will never forget the words of Mr Oliver, Head of Sixth Form, and Mrs McConn-Finch; "The red doors are always open to you". And they truly were Holy Cross has a way of embracing you - with warmth, with kindness, and welcoming arms. What sets this school apart is its constant support, from pastoral care to caring teachers. Since Year 7, Holy Cross has been more than just a place of learning. It’s been a place where I’ve grown - not only in academics, but in confidence, and in character. I am leaving this school with more than just grades, but with beautiful friendships and
Outstanding subject specialist teachers:
memories I will forever cherish.”
All our Level 3 programmes of study are taught
Siena Baker, Former Student
by specialists in their field of teaching. Some of our staff are able to offer advice in their field
The majority of our Year 11 students choose to
through previous careers, many others are exam
remain and continue their education into our
board markers or Chief Examiners.
Sixth Form where they know they will receive high quality teaching alongside excellent
Small class sizes: Class sizes are kept small so
pastoral care and guidance. We are a mixed
that teachers have time to support students
Sixth Form and accept applications from
academically, guiding them through their studies.
both girls and boys outside of the school.
Our Sixth Form team are all subject experts in their field and have significant experience in
Life in our Sixth Form is full of opportunities
both Level 3 teaching and higher education
and challenges. By the end of the two year
support.
journey we want our students to emerge Fantastic leadership and extra-curricular
confident, articulate and independent with
programmes:
the work ethic and skillset to thrive in higher
A significant part of Sixth Form life is about
education and employment.
enrichment. Students are given leadership responsibilities and opportunities to get involved
We offer our students:
in life outside the classroom; this includes Heads
Personalised support: our highly
of House, Head Girl Team, Faith in Action, Young
experienced Sixth Form team together with
Enterprise, work shadowing, coaching, peer
our on-site Careers Adviser provide support
support of younger years, community work and
for applications into Russell Group, Oxbridge,
school productions.
high tariff universities and degree apprenticeships. Dedicated pastoral support
Excellent exam success rate: A*-A: 26%; A*-B
helps students grow personally and navigate
54%; A*-C 84% (2026); 99% Pass Rate
life’s challenges.
Read more about our Sixth Form in the online 7
prospectus.
HOW TO APPLY
Girls transferring from Year 6 at Primary School to
required, if you would like your application to be
Year 7 at Secondary School must submit the
considered under one of the school’s faith
Common Application Form (CAF) to their Local
criteria. From September 2027, the Planned
Authority Council (LAC). If you do not live in the
Admission Number (PAN) for entry into Year 7 will
Kingston borough, you need to apply through your
be 150.
borough’s LAC and you can include Kingston schools in your application.
Application forms should be either posted to the school (to the main school address) or hand-
In order for the school to apply our admissions
delivered to the School Office during school
criteria to applications made, the school requires
office hours (between 8.00am to 4.00pm). If you
additional information. Please complete and
would like confirmation of receipt, please
submit the Supporting Documentation Form
include a stamped self-addressed envelope with
(SDF), along with any additional evidence
your application.
“Staff provide the highest levels of pastoral care. They are supportive and actively encourage every pupil to be the best that they can be.” Catholic Schools Inspectorate
8
“The Holy Cross School is an Outstanding and encouraged to grow and flourish as full members of a Catholic Christian community in which all are welcome. It recognises and celebrates its’ Holy Cross and Franciscan heritage while pursuing a contemporary Catholic education mission.” Section 48 Inspection Report
CONTACT US 25 Sandal Road, New Malden, KT3 5AR 0208 395 4225 www.holycross.kingston.sch.uk hxs@holycross.kingston.sch.uk
THE HOLY CROSS SCHOOL
Catholic school because: Pupils are enabled