St Edmund's College
11+ Admissions Guide 2026

St Edmund's College is an independent day and boarding school for pupils aged 3 to 18, set in Ware, Hertfordshire. Founded in 1568 by Cardinal William Allen, it is the oldest Catholic school in England. Originally based in Douai, France, the college moved to England in 1793 and became fully co-educational in 1986. The school operates as an unincorporated charitable trust, with a board of governors serving as trustees. The school comprises a preparatory school for pupils aged 3 to 11 and a senior school for those aged 11 to 18, both sharing the same site. Boarding pupils are accommodated within the main school building, with separate areas for girls and boys. The school has recently refurbished its science department, classrooms, hall, and parts of the boarding house. St Edmund's College aims to inspire pupils intellectually and spiritually, nurturing their understanding of the Catholic faith and helping each member of the community to realise their potential in body, mind, and spirit. Pupils come from a range of professional backgrounds, with many families based in Hertfordshire or north London. The school also welcomes boarders from the UK and from a variety of other countries, and provides support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, as well as those for whom English is an additional language.

All devices not student's classroom device kept in locker during school day. Phones confiscated if used and returned at 4.30pm. Pupils must not capture media without consent or post without consent.