St Catherine's is a small day school preparing children thoroughly but imaginatively for entry to selective independent senior schools in the Greater Manchester area.
The school combines the best of traditional teaching with the fostering of individual talent and development of independent thought. St Catherine's has a broadly based Primary Curriculum remaining constantly aware of National Curriculum guidelines whilst concentrating on the requirements of the Senior Schools in the area.
The school has a Catholic foundation using an RE scheme appropriate for all faiths. A full range of Primary games and PE are available for all pupils. Weekly swimming lessons are given from Reception (4+) upwards. Instrumental music, speech, drama and ballet lessons are provided by peripatetic teachers. There is a wide range of extra curricular activities including computer club, chess, music ensembles and games practices.
The school is non selective at Kindergarten (3+), Reception (4+) and Year 1 (5+). Children seeking admission from Year 2 (6+) are assessed for potential rather than acquired skills.