Principal's Welcome
I am absolutely delighted to be Principal at St Ambrose College and consider it a privilege to be entrusted with the leading of the college at such an exciting time.
Saint Ambrose College is a Catholic, state-funded Grammar School with a selective intake. As a state-funded school, there are no fees. We are a Christian Brothers school and therefore, our mission is very much rooted in the vision and charism of Blessed Edmund Rice. Along with four other Christian Brothers schools in the north-west of England and one Lasallian school, we are part of the Laetare CMAT. We also enjoy strong relationships and partnerships within the Diocese of Shrewsbury.
Saint Ambrose is first and foremost a Catholic College shaped in the vision and charism of Blessed Edmund Rice, and we endeavour to reflect the Eight Essentials of Edmund Rice education in all that we do.
In June 1940, the pupils and De La Salle Brothers of Les Vauxbelets College, Guernsey, evacuated the island and re-established their school in our local area. In 1942 the school was officially named ‘St Ambrose College’ in honour of Bishop Ambrose Moriarty, who had been so supportive. In September 1946, at the request of the Bishop, the Christian Brothers took responsibility for the College.
There are over 1000 boys on the College roll, including over 280 gentlemen in the Sixth Form. We are proud to say that they proceed to a range of third level opportunities, particularly to Russell Group universities and a number to Oxford and Cambridge. Our NEET figures evidence the strong careers education and guidance in place. We celebrate the achievements of our boys annually through several awards evenings for different key stages.
The College was awarded 2 exceptional grades (achievement and personal development/wellbeing) and 5 strong grades in our most recent OFSTED inspection of November 2025. The language used in the accompanying report captures the strengths and uniqueness of the school. In 2022 we were judged Outstanding in all areas of our denominational inspection. The report on our website is certainly worth reading with some of the most notable comments stating that, “St Ambrose College provides an outstanding Catholic education for all pupils” and “All pupils are known and cared for as individuals and the opportunities they have to be the best they can be, are exceptional.”
Examination results place us amongst the highest achieving schools in the country in terms of attainment and progress. GCSE results in 2025 saw our attainment 8 (A8) score rise for the 6th year in succession to a school record of 76.11. Almost 70% of students attained at least a grade 7 in BOTH English and mathematics. 50% of all grades at GCSE were 8/9 and 75% of grades were 7-9. In 2025 there wasn’t a Catholic school nationally where boys achieved a higher A8 score. Despite an exceptionally high starting point, students continue to make excellent progress in the Sixth Form where the progress score was captured by ALPS at a score of 2 on a scale of 1 to 9. The score of 2 places us in the top 10% of schools for key stage 5 progress. Attainment at key stage 5 saw 52% of grades awarded at A*/A and more than 80% of grades awarded at A* -B.
However, our focus is very much on developing and forming the whole person, as can be seen in our mission statement. The opportunities provided to our students are “exceptional, whether they be through societies, Creative Arts or through high-quality sports provision, an area for which the school is renowned far beyond the local area. In addition, we place the highest importance on ensuring a high quality of safeguarding and pastoral care for all in our community.
To arrange a visit to our college, please contact: admissions@st-ambrosecollege.org.uk.
Mr D Rainey
Principal