St. Columba’s College, St. Albans 11+ Practice Papers

St Columba’s College, St Albans – 11+ Practice Papers with Video Explanations

St Columba’s College, founded in 1939 by the Brothers of the Sacred Heart, is a respected Catholic independent day school located in the heart of St Albans, Hertfordshire.

Originally established as a boys’ school, it has a long tradition of academic and pastoral excellence, deeply rooted in Catholic values.
In 2021, the College became fully co-educational, admitting girls across all year groups, and now offers a fully inclusive learning environment for boys and girls aged 4 to 18.
The school remains guided by the charism of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart, focusing on community, compassion, service, and holistic development.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Pupil Numbers & Structure

Total pupils: ~900
Prep School (Ages 4–11): ~200 pupils
Senior School & Sixth Form (Ages 11–18): ~700 pupils
The school offers a seamless transition from Prep to Sixth Form, with many pupils remaining throughout their entire school career.

Class sizes are small, especially in key subjects and in Sixth Form, supporting individual attention and academic progress.

🎓 Academic Reputation

St Columba’s College enjoys a strong academic reputation with a focus on both achievement and character education. It combines academic rigour with excellent pastoral care, and pupils are encouraged to be both high-achieving and well-rounded.

Key Academic Features:

High-quality teaching and learning, across a wide and balanced curriculum
Focus on critical thinking, values-led leadership, and communication
Emphasis on individual support and stretch to help pupils reach their full potential
A dedicated Learning Support department for those who need academic or emotional guidance

📊 Academic Results

✅ GCSE Results:

Over 60% of grades were 7–9 (A–A*)
High pass rate across all subjects, particularly in English, Maths, and Sciences

✅ A-Level Results:

Over 50% of grades were A–A*
Consistently strong university destinations, including:
- Oxbridge and Russell Group universities
- Courses in medicine, law, economics, engineering, and the arts

🏫 St. Columba’s College – Contact Information

School Name: St. Columba’s College
Type: Independent Catholic Co-educational Day School (Ages 4–18)
Location: St. Albans, Hertfordshire

📍 Address:

St. Columba’s College
King Harry Lane
St Albans
Hertfordshire
AL3 4AW
United Kingdom

☎️ Telephone:

+44 (0)1727 892040

📝 Exam Board: School’s own test

You can view the school’s location on the map below:

How to Use ExamTutor 11 Plus Practice Papers with Video Explanations to Achieve High Scores for St. Columba’s College, St. Albans, in the 11+ Entrance Exam

St. Columba’s College, St. Albans uses its own 11+ entrance test for admission to Year 7. To secure a place, students must perform well in the exam, which assesses English, Mathematics, and Reasoning skills.

Why Use ExamTutor 11 Plus Practice Papers with Video Explanations?

✔ Designed for Independent School Entrance Exams – Covers question types that may appear in the St. Columba’s College, St. Albans entrance test.
✔ Video Explanations for Every Question – Helps students understand mistakes and improve problem-solving skills.
✔ Identifies Strengths & Weaknesses – Tailored practice to improve weaker areas.
✔ Boosts Confidence & Exam Performance – Familiarisation with exam-style questions reduces anxiety.

How to Use ExamTutor for St. Columba’s College, St. Albans 11+ Exam Preparation

1. Understand the Exam Format

📌 St. Columba’s College, St. Albans 11+ entrance test typically includes:

English – Reading comprehension, creative writing, and grammar.
Mathematics – Problem-solving, arithmetic, and numerical reasoning.
Reasoning (Verbal & Non-Verbal) – Logical thinking, pattern recognition, and spatial awareness.

✔ Start by introducing your child to each section and understanding what is tested.

2. Create a Structured Study Plan

✔ Allocate dedicated study time for each subject every week.
✔ Use ExamTutor practice papers to track progress.
✔ Practice under timed conditions to improve speed and accuracy.

3. Boost Confidence with Video Explanations

Some 11+ question types can be challenging for students. Our expert-led video explanations:
🎥 Break down complex questions step by step
🎥 Teach proven problem-solving techniques
🎥 Show shortcuts and strategies to save time in the exam
🎥 Help students reinforce learning and build confidence

How to Use Video Explanations Effectively:

✅ Review incorrect answers with video solutions – Identify and correct mistakes early.
✅ Take notes on key strategies – Record important problem-solving techniques for future reference.
✅ Rewatch explanations for difficult topics – Reinforce learning by revisiting challenging areas.

4. Develop Exam Strategies & Time Management

✔ Teach skimming and scanning techniques for comprehension questions.
✔ Use mental maths tricks to speed up calculations.
✔ Practice logical reasoning techniques to improve accuracy in reasoning questions.

5. Take Practice Exams & Review Performance

✔ Schedule practice exams close to the real test date.
✔ Analyse results and focus on weak areas.
✔ Use ExamTutor’s tutor-led video explanations for targeted revision.

6. Boost Confidence & Reduce Exam Stress

✔ Maintain a positive and encouraging learning environment.
✔ Encourage regular breaks and revision balance.
✔ Use mindfulness techniques to stay calm before the exam.

Final Tips for Success

✔ Start preparation early – At least 6-12 months before the exam.
✔ Use ExamTutor’s practice tests regularly – Build confidence with real exam-style questions.
✔ Practice writing skills – Creative writing is often a key component in independent school exams.
✔ Stay consistent – Small daily practice sessions are more effective than last-minute cramming.
✔ Attend an open day or taster session at St. Columba’s College, St. Albans – Familiarity with the school environment can boost confidence.

By using ExamTutor 11 Plus Practice Papers with Video Explanations, your child will gain strong exam skills, improve accuracy, and build confidence—increasing their chances of success in the St. Columba’s College, St. Albans 11+ Entrance Exam.

📌 Start practicing today to help your child achieve a top score and secure a place at St. Columba’s College, St. Albans! 🚀

St. Columba’s College, St Albans – Year 7 Admissions Criteria & How to Apply

📝 Year 7 Entry Overview

Entry Age: 11+ (Year 7)
Type: Co-educational, independent Catholic day school
Entry Point: Major intake year into the Senior School
Religious Affiliation: Roman Catholic (all faiths welcome)
Location: St Albans, Hertfordshire

📋 Admissions Criteria

St. Columba’s College is academically selective and seeks pupils who will thrive both academically and personally. Admissions decisions are based on:

Entrance Assessment
Interview with a senior member of staff
Reference from the current school
All-round potential and character

🧪 Entrance Assessment

📅 Assessment Date:

Usually held in January of Year 6 for entry the following September
Early registration (by mid-November) is recommended

🧠 Assessment Format:

Candidates sit papers in:

English – Comprehension and creative writing
Mathematics – Based on Key Stage 2 curriculum
Verbal Reasoning – Testing logic and language skills

The assessments are designed to identify academic ability and potential.

🗣️ Interview

Shortlisted candidates are invited for a friendly interview with a senior staff member
Focus is on:
- Interests and hobbies
- Approach to learning and school life
- Family values and suitability for the school community

🏫 School Reference

A confidential reference is requested from the candidate’s current school
Covers academic performance, behaviour, effort, and social development

💷 Registration & Fees

Registration Fee: £100 (non-refundable)
Deposit: Payable upon accepting a place (refundable when the pupil leaves, subject to terms)

💰 Scholarships & Bursaries

🎓 Scholarships Offered at 11+:

Academic Scholarship – based on entrance exam performance
Music Scholarship – audition required
Sport Scholarship – assessment and references needed
All-Rounder Scholarship – for candidates strong in multiple areas

💸 Bursaries:

Means-tested bursaries are available for families needing financial assistance
May be awarded in addition to a scholarship
Early bursary application required, including full financial disclosure

🧾 How to Apply – Step-by-Step

Visit the School
- Attend an Open Morning, Taster Day, or book a personal tour
Register
- Complete the online registration form on the school website
- Pay the £100 registration fee
Sit Entrance Exam
- Held in January of Year 6
Attend Interview
- Shortlisted candidates are interviewed shortly after the exam
Offer Made
- Offers are made in February, with a deadline to accept
Scholarships/Bursaries
- Indicate interest on the registration form
- Additional documentation and assessments required

St. Columba’s College, St. Albans | 11+

11+

CEM