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Hi, does anyone have any views or experience of St Columba's College in St Albans? How does it compare to Habs, St Albans Boys and QE Boys, Barnet? Thanks.

I think they produce decent boys and their results are pretty good. Academically, not in same league as QE and Habs though.

Saint albans, habs and QE boys are all highly selective schools, and turn out brilliant results. Columbas is not as selective, pretty low key in the area but get the impression its a "nice" school and gives a more "gentle" ride.

So it boils down to what you are looking for really, if looking i was for a good selective school, i wouldnt be looking at saint columbas, BUT thats not to say there arent any genuises thriving there.

Yes, because believe it or not...Catholics can be bright too!

I know a few boys that have been at Sr Columbas, it isn't pushy but does seem to offer a broad and solid education. If I had a son who wasn't highly academic it would be a very good choice. Not sure how positive the 6th form is as I know some boys struggled with advice on Uni's and didn't get the offers that they hoped.

"Yes, because believe it or not...Catholics can be bright too!"

Care to expantiate further ?

as others have said, Columbas is perceived to be less academic - partly because they have a prep dept so have an automatic intake wheras the others have an exam for entry at 11 and are more selective and academically focused. It depends on your son and what will suit him best.

Plenty of Catholics at St Albans School. I think most catholics with a bright child would be pragmatic enough to choose St Albans over St Columba's. And there are plenty of non-Catholics at St Columba's.