Pastoral Support

As a 'community of learners' the school values academic excellence and learning and has high expectations of those who join the school. The school is committed to the pursuit of excellence in teaching and learning throughout the curriculum and this commitment is expressed through our dynamic Catholic ethos.

The school sets high standards of academic achievement and behaviour that instil values which enable students to develop into confident young adults and enjoys an outstanding reputation for academic achievement based on a consistent record of excellent examination results. The school's highly professional staff are dedicated to ensuring that every pupil fulfils their full potential. 

Working at St Joan of Arc Catholic School 

St Joan of Arc Catholic School is a comprehensive, Catholic, 11-18 co-educational school of 1250 students, including 200 in the Sixth Form. Academic results are consistently high and the school is heavily oversubscribed. At our most recent Ofsted inspection we were rated “a good school” with the behaviour and attitude towards learning of the students identified as “outstanding”. The last Diocesan inspection confirmed that the school is an “outstanding Catholic school”. As a large secondary academy we have many opportunities for both teaching and support staff. 

An attractive and easily accessible location in south west Hertfordshire 

Situated on a greenbelt site in Rickmansworth, St Joan of Arc Catholic School is a 10 minute drive from the M25 motorway and there is ample parking for cars on site .The school is only a 5 minute walk from Rickmansworth station which is served by the Chiltern overground line (Aylesbury-Marylebone) and the Metropolitan underground line (Amersham - Aldgate). The school site is very attractive and is close to the town centre where there are numerous shops and services.

A strong ethos with clear vision and values

The ethos of St Joan of Arc Catholic School is epitomised by the school’s mission statement – ‘Love Christ- Inspire Others’. Students and staff commit to the acts of love, service, respect, justice and faith. As members of the school community we are committed to serving each other, the pupils and the wider community. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural attitudes are “outstanding”.

Committed and friendly staff  

Our dedicated staff work hard, share a positive outlook and enjoy working and engaging with the students. New members of staff are made welcome and settle in quickly. There is a low turnover of staff each year although some move on due to advance their careers or to relocate. We provide in-house training for staff and combine this with access to external training courses as appropriate. Socially, the staff run a ‘Comforts Fund’, staff teas are held every Friday afternoon and there are regular social events. In addition staff are encouraged to support events run by the PFA.

Talented, committed and friendly students 

The students are from a diverse range of backgrounds and from a wide catchment area. At our most recent Ofsted inspection behaviour at the school was found to be ‘outstanding’. Students of all abilities make good or better progress throughout the school. Standards are identified as significantly above average because students have outstanding attitudes towards their learning and are keen to make the most of the opportunities that the school gives them. The school aims to develop each student to reach their potential and to develop into caring, active and well-rounded citizens. Students get on very well with each other because of the school’s emphasis on care and respect, they feel safe and pastoral systems are effective.