St Columba's College v Habs, St Albans & QE Boys?

9 replies

PlutoMum · 11/02/2012 07:53

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.

OP posts:

Moominmammacat · 11/02/2012 15:42

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

bulletpoint · 11/02/2012 19:55

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.

Colleger · 11/02/2012 20:07

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

allaboutthename · 11/02/2012 22:00

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.

bulletpoint · 11/02/2012 22:11

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

Care to expantiate further ?

trixie123 · 12/02/2012 17:34

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.

MrsJAlfredPrufrock · 12/02/2012 22:14

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.

IVA111 · 08/06/2012 00:34

i am wondering whether St Columba's will still offer better academic education then schools in Harpenden ( rounwood park or Sir john lawes)

PooshTun · 08/06/2012 00:45

Ditto comments about how St Columba not being in the same league as St Albans Boys or Habs. I have no knowledge of QE Boys but I understand it to be similar to St A Boys and Habs.

Flip