“Young people grow to fill the space we create for them.”

Chief Rabbi Jonathan Sacks

St Gabriel’s offers an enriching curriculum and a co-curricular life that builds character and resilience, whilst inspiring and enabling pupils to achieve and become successful, rounded young adults.

Relationships are one of the strengths of St Gabriel's; walk through any of our departments and you will hear a real quality to the dialogue between teachers and pupils.

Pupils are supported to work independently and there is always a sense of purpose to what they are doing.  Within the curriculum, they also develop collaborative working skills; focused critical thinking and listening; perseverance, without immediate gratification; an ability to interact in a community, and how to work together with others with different views and values. These are all skills required for university life and future careers.

A wide range of visits and co-curricular activities provide opportunities for pupils to develop as leaders, learn how to communicate under pressure and to encourage and enthuse others. Above all they learn to turn failure in to success.

To facilitate a greater understanding of the wider world, there is a programme of guest speakers who provide fascinating insights that are eagerly anticipated by pupils, parents and teachers alike. 

View news articles on some of our most recent speakers:

• Kevin Gaskell - Ocean5 Rowing the Atlantic
• Baroness Pidding - Role of the House of Lords
• Kerry Bennett - RAF Pilot and Aspiring Astronaut
• Baroness Susan Greenfield 'Where Classics Meets Neuroscience'
• Sarah Dance - 'Life as an Auctioneer'
• Simon Gallup, Roger O'Donnell and Dr Henry Stead - 'The Poetry of Pop'
• Abi Elphinstone - widely acclaimed children's author
• Careers in STEM - Sophie Macfarlane-Smith and Nafeesah Ikram

In our supportive environment we challenge pupils’ limits and fear of failure; we help them to learn about each other and to know themselves well so that they can be confident and brave in the decisions they make both at school and in their future lives.

Clubs, Practices & Clinics

Within school we normally run a programme of over 60 co-curricular clubs and subject clinics for our pupils to explore. From football to chess, Robotics Club to Jazz Band, debating and curriculum clinics. There is plenty for all of our pupils to do at lunchtime as well as before and after school.

The Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award scheme is run by the school and all pupils in Year 10 are encouraged to participate.

The equestrian team welcomes everyone who has a horse or pony, and some means of getting it to competitions. Riders compete at all levels and abilities in a league run jointly by six local schools and a second run by the National Schools Equestrian Association.

More details on activities can be found in the booklet below, alongside the termly clubs, practices and clinics timetables .

Junior Duke Award

The Junior Duke, which was set up in 2007, is a nine-level award challenge aimed at helping children become more independent and confident in dealing with new situations.  It offers children the opportunity to gain new experiences while being introduced to new skills, talents and passions along the way.  Each year group has 10 challenges to choose from and must complete seven to achieve the award and receive their Junior Duke Award badge and certificate.

Duke of Edinburgh Award

The Duke of Edinburgh Award (DofE) is non-competitive and open to all young people – it's about setting personal challenges and pushing personal boundaries. There are three levels of DofE programme which, when successfully completed, lead to a Bronze, Silver or Gold Award.

Through their DofE, pupils will make friends and memories and build on their confidence, resilience and self-esteem, which can benefit mental health. Along the way, they will acquire skills and attributes for work and life, like problem-solving, team-working and self-motivation – and they will achieve an Award that is recognised by top employers and can help them stand out when applying for university or jobs.

To achieve both the Bronze and Silver Awards, participants must complete four sections: Skills, Volunteering, Physical and an Expedition.