CATs College Cambridge
2014.09.29
Overview
CATS College (formerly Stafford House College) is a coeducational Independent day and boarding school located in Canterbury, Cambridge and London, catering primarily for foreign students. It is owned by the Cambridge Education Group. The school specialises in teaching English and preparing students for pre-university exams such as A-Levels and the International Baccalaureate. It was the first school in the UK to offer University Foundation programmes for students wanting to go to university from overseas, and the College has in the region of 52 nationalities studying IB, A level, University Foundation or preparation and GCSE courses. It was voted LTM High School of the Year in 2010 and won an award from the Independent Schools Association in 2012. Most students are international boarders although British students attend the college who want to experience a strong international education.
Established year: 1952
Location
CATS College Cambridge provides students with an opportunity to live and study in the world's most famous centre of learning. Cambridge is a university town and the county town of Cambridgeshire, England. It lies in East Anglia, on the River Cam, about 50 miles (80 km) north of London. According to the United Kingdom Census 2011, its population was 123,867 (including 24,488 students). This makes Cambridge the second largest city in Cambridgeshire after Peterborough, and the 54th largest in the United Kingdom.
There is archaeological evidence of settlement in the area during the Bronze Age and Roman times; under Viking rule Cambridge became an important trading centre. The first town charters were granted in the 12th century, although city status was not conferred until 1951.
Cambridge has a diverse economy with strength in sectors such as research & development, software consultancy, high value engineering, creative industries, pharmaceuticals and tourism. Described as one of the "most beautiful cities in the world" by Forbes in 2010, tourism generates over £350 million for the city's economy. Over 40% of the workforce have a higher education qualification, more than twice the national average.
Cambridge's two universities, the collegiate University of Cambridge and the local campus of Anglia Ruskin University, serve around 30,000 students, by some estimates.
From London by train: 55 minutes
Address: 13-14 Round Church, Street Cambridge CB5 8AD
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Learning environment
CATs College Cambridge has a traditional School Building in the city centre, surrounded by beautiful Cambridge architecture. In CATs College Cambridge students will find such facilities as purpose-built science labs and seminar, tutorial, lecture rooms. Teaching equipment includes interactive whiteboards and the campus offers bespoke libraries and Personalised Learning Centre which are open all week long.
Supervised relaxation and social area are close at hand. High speed WiFi networks make it easy to research on the internet or contact family and friends. A choice of healthy hot and cold meals and snacks are available on-site every day of the week.
Highlights/Advantages
- Available on an invite-only basis for highly motivated / Gifted & Talented students.
- Gives you 70 extra UCAS points! (equivalent to an AS level at A+).
- Helps students achieve higher results and be more attractive to Universities and employers.
- Students take part in a number of activities related to communication, working with others, improving academic performance and problem solving.
Awards
- In 2010 it featured in the following prestigious LTM Star Awards:
- LTM Star High School - CATS College Canterbury: WINNER
- LTM Star Innovation - CATS College Cambridge: FINAL SHORTLIST
- British Accreditation Council for Independent Further & Higher Education (BAC) – CATS College London
Accommodation
CATs College Cambridge has a broad range of accommodation options available, including friendly and welcoming homestays and comfortable student residences.
Homestay
Living with an English family is an ideal way to use what you have learned in the classroom in a practical way. This option is only available to students over 18 years of age. It offers the opportunity to live in a friendly Cambridge family setting, and students gain direct experience of daily life and culture in the UK. Half Board Single Rooms are available. - A private room with breakfast and dinner provided by the host family. (Hot lunch taken at College)
College Residences
CATs College Cambridge offers a range of residences for different age groups and prices, ranging from single, single en-suite and twin. The College has 30 different residences for students all within a short walk or bus journey of the College and City Centre.
- Chesterton Lodge: fully supervised College Lodge with 19 bedrooms, 13 single and six twin rooms. All rooms have en-suite bathrooms. This option is only available to students under 16 years of age. 20 minutes' walk from the College and the city centre.
- Varsity House: fully supervised residence for students 16-17 years of age. Full- board, single en-suit rooms are available. 15- 20 minutes' walk from the College and the city centre.
- Masters House: fully supervised College Lodge with seventy-eight bedrooms. All rooms have en-suite bathrooms. 20 minutes' walk from the College and the city centre. This option is only available to students over 18 years of age.