ST PAUL'S CATHOLIC COLLEGE in West Sussex, Burgess Hill

Education Centre Information: St Paul's Catholic College:

Establishment Type:Voluntary Aided School
Phase of Education: Secondary
Status: Open
Local Authority: West Sussex
Boarders: No Boarders
Sixth Form: Has a sixth form
Urban/Rural Description: Hamlet and Isolated Dwelling - less sparse
Special Classes: No Special Classes
Religious Character: Roman Catholic
Diocese: Diocese of Arundel and Brighton
Nursery Provider: No Nursery Classes
Total Pupils: 950
Number of boys: 528
Number of girls: 422
Admissions: Comprehensive
Age Range: 11-18
Gender: Mixed
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Background:

St Paul's R.C. School opened on the 10 September 1963 as a secondary modern school to serve the Mid Sussex area. The school changed its status to become a Catholic comprehensive school in 1973. Around the same time, the County boundaries were changed and Haywards Heath became a West Sussex town, having previously been in East Sussex.With the continued growth in pupil numbers, it became clear of the need for some additional classrooms and specialist facilities. A successful bid was made to the DfES for funding of about £1.4 million in 1998. However, coinciding with this bid, was the possibility of St Paul's being offered a green field site in Burgess Hill to rebuild the school.In September 2004, St Paul's Catholic College (as it is now known) moved to the new site in Burgess Hill. Forty-two years since St Paul's first opened, there are now approximately 850 students on roll at our new site, with well over 70 teachers and 50 support staff, compared with just two in 1963.Facilities offered include; Spacious classrooms: the new school has a very large sports hall, main hall, learning resource centre and classrooms including the 100 sq ft art studios. Outdoor games area suitable for most weathers and large enough for five full size tennis courts, four mini tennis courts and five netball courts. Use of the triangle leisure centre via the underpass onsite, particularly during enrichment afternoon. ICT provision: interactive whiteboards in every classroom, a wireless network, 250 brand new desktop computers and laptops for all year seven students. The college is committed to develop the full academic potential of each individual, whilst recognising their different and unique abilities, through a broad and balanced curriculum relevant to their needs and those of society.