St Joseph’s College

About the school

Situated in the heart of Reading, St Joseph’s College is the leading independent day school for boys and girls aged 3 to 18 in Berkshire.

For us, success is about more than just exam results or awards. We celebrate each pupil as an individual, and aspire for them to leave St Joseph’s as mature and confident citizens, ready to tackle life head on with energy and vigour.

The College is situated close to Reading University and convenient to the town centre and the M4. The College consists of the Senior School (ages 11 to 18) and the Prep School (ages 3 to 11). The Senior School and Prep School are located within a single campus.

St Joseph’s is a Catholic school welcoming pupils of every faith or no faith. Pupils are educated in an atmosphere where Christian values and standards are recognised and established. The size of our classes means everyone receives the individual guidance and support they need to achieve their potential. Staff, pupils and parents form strong links, with a focus on both the academic progress and the wellbeing of each pupil.  We encourage all pupils to develop an awareness of their own role in society.

In September 2012 Andrew Colpus was appointed as Headmaster of the College. Sharon Boccaccini was appointed as College Deputy Head (Prep) in January 2020. During the past five years the Governors have taken a number of measures to develop the College. In addition to becoming co-educational these include an emphasis on marketing and a substantial investment in facilities, buildings and staff. Consistently rising pupil numbers provide momentum for growth and the confidence to make further investment.

Independent School of the Year

The College has won several awards over recent years including TES Independent School of the Year, Outstanding Progress at the Education Business Awards and Outstanding Leadership Team at the Leadership Awards.

We were named the TES Independent School of the Year in November 2015. The judging panel said the school demonstrated “outstanding initiative that shows there is always hope if you have a strong vision and stakeholder support. There are signs that other schools in the sector are beginning to follow suit in cutting their fees: a trailblazing approach.”

Our Mission and Aims

At St Joseph’s, our mission is to encourage, inspire, challenge and support pupils to fulfil their potential in a community founded on Christian values.

We aim to develop life skills of commitment, collaboration, confidence and communication in each pupil, throughout each of their years at the school.

The College was inspected by ISI in February 2014.

The main findings of the report states:

• Attainment is generally high in relation to pupils’ abilities
• The curriculum plan provides pupils with a rich learning experience
• Teachers know their pupils well and offer care, support and guidance which is greatly appreciated by pupils and parents
• The personal development of all pupils throughout the College is excellent
• The relationships between staff and children and amongst the children themselves are friendly and supportive
• The senior leadership team share a clear vision for future development

Why St Joseph’s?

At St Joseph’s we offer:

• A safe and happy environment in which academic and social skills are developed
• Education for boys and girls from age 3 to 18
• A varied curriculum and excellent facilities
• A strong sense of community
• High academic reputation
• Wide range of extra-curricular activities including a strong tradition of music and drama

St Joseph’s is staffed by teachers who combine the best in traditional educational values with a sharp awareness of what is appropriate for pupils who need to be prepared for the 21st century. Our pupils are encouraged to be confident, questioning, independent learners, whilst at the same time developing a moral and spiritual sense of purpose in their lives and in their studies.

Working at St Joseph’s is rewarding. The College has its own salary scales, and staff are entitled to a fee discount for their children. There is a professional, friendly and supportive Staff Room and professional development is nurtured and encouraged. There is strong support for new teaching staff. Newly qualified teachers can undertake their accredited NQT year through the Independent Schools Council programme and a number of members of staff have completed teaching qualifications whilst employed at St Joseph’s.

Looking to the future, St Joseph’s will continue its ambitious plans to enhance and develop the College. However, we will ensure that as we grow, our caring ethos remains at the heart of the College. The warm and friendly nature, together with the way pupils display concern and respect for one another, are often commented upon by visitors and parents. We are proud of this and it is one of the most rewarding aspects of working here.