St Ambrose College

About the School

Saint Ambrose College is a Catholic state funded Independent Grammar School with a selective intake. As a state funded school, there are no fees. Saint Ambrose College is one of twelve schools in England in the Edmund Rice Schools Network and was rated ‘Outstanding’ by both Ofsted and the Diocese of Shrewsbury upon our last inspections.

In June 1940 the pupils and De La Salle Brothers of Les Vauxbelets College, Guernsey, evacuated the island and re-established their school in the local area. In 1942 the school was officially named ‘St Ambrose College’, in honour of Bishop Ambrose Moriarty, who had been so supportive. The De La Salle Brothers returned to Guernsey following the liberation of the Channel Islands and in September 1946, at the request of the Bishop, the Christian Brothers took responsibility for St Ambrose College. Whilst no Brothers have taught at St Ambrose College since the 1990s, The Christian Brothers are still represented on the Governing Body and the charism of Blessed Edmund Ignatius Rice, is retained at the heart of all that we do.

The College is rich in extra-curricular activities with something for everyone. The main team sports are rugby, cricket, and athletics, but there are numerous other sporting activities and clubs on offer, many of which make use of our swimming pool. At St Ambrose College, staff believe in a broad curriculum offer to ensure that the boys ‘have life to the full’ and this is reflected in the opportunities to engage with the Creative Arts both inside and outside of the classroom.

Boys are actively involved in the liturgical life of the College and develop the Catholic Spirituality through liturgical celebration. All boys have the opportunity to take part in retreats during their time at College and Mass is celebrated in the College every Thursday morning. Through the Edmund Rice International Group, Justice and Peace Group and other charitable and immersion opportunities, the boys ensure that the Essentials of Edmund Rice education relating to compassion and concern for others are visible in daily College life.

There are over 1000 boys on the College roll, including 200 gentlemen in the Sixth Form. St Ambrose College is proud to say that most students proceed to Russell Group universities and a number to Oxford and Cambridge. Examination results place St Ambrose College amongst the highest achieving schools in the country and staff celebrate the achievements of all boys annually through different awards evenings for different key stages.

Saint Ambrose is first and foremost, a Catholic College and a Catholic ethos must exist in the daily life of everyone. St Ambrose College reflect the Eight Essentials of Edmund Rice education in all that they do.