Education is more than the sum of lessons taught—it is the art of shaping minds, the science of fostering curiosity, and the craft of preparing individuals for a life of purpose. It is found in the spark of discovery, the resilience built through challenge, and the quiet confidence that grows with each new step forward. A truly exceptional school does not simply impart knowledge; it creates an environment where learning is an experience—one that inspires, transforms, and empowers.
St. Catherine’s British School stands apart by embracing this philosophy at its core. It is a forward-thinking institution with a deep commitment to progress embedded in its ethos. While mindful of the broader educational landscape, the school remains focused on continuously evolving and striving to be the best version of itself.
At the heart of St. Catherine’s approach is a strong emphasis on early childhood education, where young learners are engaged through play-based learning, particularly in outdoor environments. This intentional and nurturing focus lays the foundation for a lifelong love of learning.
The school takes immense pride in its students, fostering high self-esteem, academic excellence, and a holistic approach to education. St. Catherine’s is dedicated to developing reflective, independent, and globally minded individuals, ensuring that each student is prepared to navigate an ever-changing world with confidence and curiosity.
Recognizing that meaningful learning occurs when students make connections, St. Catherine’s designs its curriculum around thematic learning, providing clear learning outcomes and real-world context. By linking education to the wider world, students are encouraged to see the bigger picture, making their learning experiences more relevant and impactful.
A distinctive feature of St. Catherine’s is its warm and inclusive ethos. Walking through the school, visitors immediately sense its vibrancy and supportive atmosphere. The Lower School’s main corridor and classrooms reflect the school’s core values—nurturing, engaging, and learning-focused. Creativity and critical thinking are at the center of the school’s educational philosophy. As students progress to the Upper School, their skills and responsibilities take shape in new ways. IB students, for instance, actively support younger peers by offering course selection advice and study guidance, reinforcing a strong sense of community and mentorship.
St. Catherine’s British School is committed to being an open, welcoming, and accessible institution where each child is valued. The school seeks the highest standards in all areas, fostering a strong partnership with parents to ensure the best possible educational experience for every student.
St. Catherine’s celebrates the richness of its diverse community, where cultural backgrounds and lived experiences are recognized as key strengths. While students and staff come from different parts of the world, a shared mission and commitment to core values—care, integrity, curiosity, and dedication—unite them in a common educational journey centered on academic excellence.
At St. Catherine’s, these values are not just ideals but principles that are actively lived out each day. Communication and consistency play a vital role in fostering a cohesive and supportive learning environment, ensuring that every member of the school community feels valued and empowered. By embracing both diversity and unity, St. Catherine’s continues to cultivate an inclusive atmosphere where students thrive academically and personally.
At St. Catherine’s, fostering a love of learning means nurturing well-rounded students who excel intellectually, socially, physically, and creatively. These core principles are embedded in the school’s mission, shaping every aspect of the curriculum, initiatives, and daily interactions within the community.
St. Catherine’s offers a rigorous academic program that prepares students for IGCSEs and the IB Diploma Programme. Through small class sizes, expert faculty, and an inquiry-driven approach, students are encouraged to think critically, creatively, and independently. The school’s commitment to the IB ensures an exceptional learning experience, equipping students with the skills and knowledge required to excel at top universities worldwide.
Character development is a fundamental aspect of education at St. Catherine’s. The school fosters compassion, resilience, and global citizenship, instilling in students a strong sense of personal and social responsibility. Volunteerism and intercultural understanding are integral to the student experience, from learning the power of action and initiative in the Lower School to leading CAS projects during the IB years. Graduates leave with a deep commitment to making a positive impact on the world.
Physical education, sports, and outdoor expeditions play a vital role in student development. Through activities such as hiking in the Greek mountains as part of the International Award Programme, students cultivate leadership, perseverance, and teamwork, reinforcing the importance of physical well-being alongside academic success.
Creativity is celebrated at St. Catherine’s, with students encouraged to explore and express themselves through performing arts, music, debate, design, and a wide range of extracurricular activities. By fostering innovation and self-expression, the school ensures that students develop confidence and a passion for the arts.
By integrating academic excellence with personal growth and real-world applications, St. Catherine’s prepares students not only for university but for a lifetime of learning, leadership, and success.
At St. Catherine’s, global citizenship is a core value, shaping the way students engage with the world and develop essential life skills. The school fosters problem-solving, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills within a multicultural context, ensuring that students are well-equipped for the complexities of an interconnected world.
Every lesson at St. Catherine’s is an opportunity to exchange knowledge and build essential skills that extend far beyond academic achievement. The curriculum, particularly the IB, plays a significant role in developing these competencies, while the extracurricular program further enhances them. Whether on the sports field, through themed learning events, in debating, Model United Nations, or volunteering activities, students cultivate critical thinking, diplomacy, and leadership. These attributes become ingrained in their character—often demonstrated through actions rather than words—preparing them for the challenges of the future.
Preparing students for global citizenship is central to the school’s mission. Character-building and interpersonal skills are integrated into both academic and extracurricular activities, reinforcing values such as resilience, accountability, and empathy. From engaging classroom discussions to handling challenges on the sports field, students learn the importance of teamwork, integrity, and personal responsibility. St. Catherine’s places strong emphasis on relationships, fostering a supportive and inclusive community that nurtures students, staff, parents, governors, and alumni.
St. Catherine’s combines the best of British educational heritage with a global outlook, firmly rooted in its Greek setting. The school follows the National Curriculum of England and Wales as a foundation while tailoring it to meet the diverse needs of its international student body. This approach ensures that students receive a broad and adaptable education, preparing them to thrive in a rapidly changing world where diversity and cross-cultural understanding are vital.
With ambitious expansion plans, St. Catherine’s is continuously evolving to enhance student experiences both inside and outside the classroom. From September 2025, the school will introduce a wider range of IB subjects and increase specialist teaching in the Lower School. Upgraded facilities in the Lower School will further enrich learning, while a new bridge connecting the two campuses will serve as a physical representation of the school’s unity and shared vision. Beyond 2025, St. Catherine’s remains committed to innovation, ensuring that cutting-edge facilities continue to support an inspiring and forward-thinking educational experience.
Through its commitment to academic excellence, character development, and global citizenship, St. Catherine’s prepares students not just for university, but for leadership in an ever-evolving world.
Extracurricular activities are an integral part of the St. Catherine’s experience, offering students opportunities to develop cultural, physical, and intellectual skills beyond the classroom. The school provides an extraordinary range of activities, including architectural design, robotics, a variety of sports such as basketball, football, swimming, and badminton, as well as musical theatre, SAT preparation, and orchestra. These programs enable students to explore new interests, develop resilience, and cultivate a well-rounded skill set, contributing significantly to their overall well-being and personal growth.
The IB Diploma Programme is the academic cornerstone of St. Catherine’s for students in Years 12 and 13. Years of rigorous teaching, study skills development, and structured support systems prepare students for the challenges of the IB. The IGCSE program, which precedes the IB, provides a strong foundation, ensuring students enter the program with the skills and confidence needed to succeed.
At St. Catherine’s, the IB is more than just an academic qualification—it is a comprehensive learning experience that extends beyond the classroom. Through Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS), students cultivate compassion and a sense of responsibility, applying their knowledge to benefit their communities. The school’s commitment to the IB is unmatched in Athens, as it is the sole academic focus, allowing for a tailored and exceptional IB experience.
The Upper School is designed around the IB learner profile values, with state-of-the-art facilities that support academic excellence. Science labs provide unique opportunities for independent research, while a well-resourced library fosters a culture of intellectual exploration. With 49 IB courses available, students benefit from exceptional academic breadth and depth. The faculty, averaging 11 years of IB teaching experience, ensures high-quality instruction, while small class sizes—averaging nine students per class—allow for personalized attention.
St. Catherine’s consistently delivers outstanding IB results, ranking among the top-performing IB schools in Athens.
However, beyond the impressive statistics, what truly defines the IB experience at St. Catherine’s is its heart. The school places immense value on the well-being and success of each student, whether they have been part of the community since nursery or have joined specifically for the IB years. The support system extends beyond academics, nurturing students emotionally and socially, ensuring they graduate not only prepared for university but also for life.
St. Catherine’s IB graduates leave with the courage to face challenges, the resilience to overcome obstacles, and the intellectual curiosity to continue learning. The IB Diploma Programme at St. Catherine’s is not merely an education—it is a transformative journey that shapes the leaders and thinkers of tomorrow.
Service is deeply embedded in the culture of St. Catherine’s, extending beyond the IB CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) requirements to reflect a genuine commitment to social responsibility. Senior students engage in a variety of impactful initiatives, both locally and internationally. They volunteer at the Athens Marathon, organize a school-based blood donation clinic, and host charity sports competitions. Additionally, students support turtle conservation programs on the Greek islands and participate in environmental projects, including a recent conservation-focused trip to South Africa. These experiences foster leadership, empathy, and a lifelong dedication to making a difference.
St. Catherine’s provides tailored support for university admissions, ensuring students are well-prepared for applications in both the UK and the US. The Futures Department offers extensive resources, personalized counseling, and a unique internship program with leading companies in Athens. Initiatives such as University Week, Careers Week, and mentorship from alumni ambassadors equip students with the knowledge and confidence to navigate their academic and professional futures successfully.
The school day at St. Catherine’s is designed to maintain a healthy balance between academics, extracurricular activities, and personal growth. Students are encouraged to excel academically while also engaging in sports, arts, and community service, ensuring a well-rounded education. Beyond academics, the school fosters a joyful and supportive environment where students build lifelong friendships and develop the skills to thrive in the future. St. Catherine’s is not just a place of learning—it is a place where students grow, discover their passions, and prepare for bright futures.
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