Explore Guildhouse School, London: A Comprehensive Review
Guildhouse School, formerly CATS College London, is a private school in central London focused on preparing students for university and beyond. In this guide, we’ll cover what the school offers – including academics, support, fees, and student life – to help you decide if it’s the right fit.
Table of Contents
Key Features of Guildhouse School
- Local authority: Camden
- Established: Late 17th century
- Pupils: 163
- Gender: Co-ed
- Ages: 15-24
- Religion: Non-denominational
- Tuition Fees: £12,458 per term (inclusive of VAT)
- Boarding Fees: £7,173 – £9,808 per term (inclusive of vA)
Guildhouse School Results
Latest Results:
- A level Results (2025): 71.4% A*-C
Academic Achievements:
95% of the Russell Group universities have accepted students from this programme.
Between 2020-2023, 67% of students achieved at least one A*/A grade.
57% of UFP (University Foundation Programme) students achieved at least one A*/A grade.
Guildhouse students have gone on to various notable universities upon graduation. Here are some of the top university destinations:
University of Cambridge: Notable destinations include Economics, Veterinary Medicine, Mathematics, and Natural Science.
University of Oxford: Experimental Psychology.
University of St Andrews: Economics and Management, Computer Science, Mathematics, Philosophy.
London School of Economics and Political Science, University of London: Economics, International Relations, Politics and Economics, Social Anthropology.
Imperial College London: Biomedical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Natural Science.
Durham University: Business Management, Economics, General Engineering, Psychology, Finance.
Loughborough University: Economics, Electronic and Computer Systems Engineering, English with Business.
UCL (University College London): Applied Medical Sciences, Biomedical Science, Chemistry, Economics, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Linguistics, Mathematics, Medicinal Chemistry, Nutrition and Medical Sciences, Pharmacy, Psychology.
University of Bath: Biomedical Science, Computer Science and Mathematics, Management.
University of Stirling: Business Management, Economics, International Business Management.
Studying A-Level at Guildhouse
Studying A levels at Guildhouse School offers a tailored and supportive environment for motivated international students looking to excel academically. Here’s a glimpse into what it’s like to pursue A levels at the school:
Programme Structure and Focus:
- A levels are a focused qualification comprising three subjects, typically studied over two years, culminating in examinations in the second year.
- At Guildhouse School, the A level programme is specifically designed for international students, with additional English language support provided to ensure students can thrive in their studies.
- Students have the flexibility to choose from a wide range of subjects, allowing them to tailor their studies to align with their university goals.
- Furthermore, 83% of Russell Group universities have accepted Guildhouse students, highlighting the quality and reputation of the school’s academic programmes.
Subject Offerings:
- Students study 3 subjects over the two-year A level qualification, with the option to choose one subject from each subject block.
- Subject blocks cover a diverse range of disciplines, including sciences, humanities, and social sciences, ensuring students have a broad and well-rounded educational experience.
- From Biology and Chemistry to History and Economics, students have the opportunity to explore their academic interests and strengths while preparing for university-level studies.
Supportive Environment:
- With an average class size of 11 students, Guildhouse School provides a supportive and personalised learning environment.
- Teachers work closely with each student to ensure they receive the guidance and support needed to excel academically.
- Additionally, students benefit from a rich and diverse school community, fostering collaboration, critical thinking, and intellectual curiosity.
Boarding Experience in Guildhouse
The boarding experience at the school offers a supportive and enriching environment for students under the age of 18. Here’s a detailed description of what students can expect:
Location and Accessibility:
- The boarding house is conveniently situated just three minutes away from the school, allowing students to be in the midst of academic and social activities.
- It’s centrally located in the Bloomsbury area of Central London, renowned for its residential charm and proximity to academic institutions like the University of London and the British Museum.
- Holborn and Russell Square Underground stations are nearby, ensuring easy access to transportation.
Accommodation Features:
- Students have the option of single or shared rooms with private en-suite bathrooms, offering comfort and privacy.
- The accommodation includes shared social spaces and communal areas, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie among students.
- Premium accommodation is available for those seeking additional space and amenities, including a personal welcome pack for a smooth transition into residence.
Safety and Support:
- House Parents provide round-the-clock supervision and pastoral care, ensuring the safety and well-being of students.
- 24-hour security and CCTV monitoring offer added peace of mind.
- Supportive House Parents assist students in settling into their new environment, addressing concerns such as homesickness and academic challenges.
- Full catering services, laundry facilities, and cleaning services are provided for convenience and comfort.
Community and Social Life:
- The boarding house fosters a vibrant and inclusive community, where students can socialise, study, and relax together.
- Monitored wireless internet access allows students to stay connected and engaged.
- Regular social activities and events create opportunities for students to bond and build lasting friendships.
Extracurricular Activities in Guildhouse
At Guildhouse School, students have a plethora of co-curricular and extra-curricular activities to engage in, ensuring a well-rounded and enriching educational experience.
Co-curricular Activities:
- Arts and Crafts: Unleash creativity through various artistic mediums.
- Biology Olympiad: Challenge yourself in the field of biology through competitions and events.
- Bloomberg Trading Club: Learn about finance and economics through hands-on trading simulations. To date, over 250 students have achieved the Bloomberg Market Concepts Qualification (BMC).
- Business Workshops: Gain practical skills and insights into the world of business.
- Capoeria: Explore the Brazilian martial art form combining elements of dance, acrobatics, and music.
- Chess: Sharpen strategic thinking and problem-solving skills through the game of chess.
- Debate: Hone your public speaking and critical thinking abilities through structured debates.
- Robotics: Dive into the world of robotics and engineering through hands-on projects and competitions.
- Song Writing: Cultivate musical talent and express yourself through the art of songwriting.
- The Incubator (Business Challenge): Collaborate with peers to develop entrepreneurial ideas and projects.
Extra-curricular Activities:
- Basketball: Stay active and develop teamwork skills on the basketball court.
- Fitness Class: Work on physical fitness and well-being in a supportive environment.
- Girls Football: Join the football team and compete in matches and tournaments.
- Holiday Events: Enjoy various fun-filled activities like paintballing, bowling, and ice skating during holidays.
- Zumba: Dance your way to fitness and have a blast with Zumba classes.
Activities/Trips Jan-June 2023-24:
- From exploring new cities like York and Edinburgh to embracing cultural experiences such as visiting the Warner Bros studios for the Harry Potter Exhibition, the school organises enriching trips that complement classroom learning.
- Engage in thrilling experiences like paintballing, go-karting, and rock climbing.
- Immerse yourself in the arts with theatre outings to see productions like Phantom of the Opera, Moulin Rouge, and Hamilton.
- Experience adrenaline-pumping adventures with activities like VR experiences, Thames Rib Rides, and Go Ape at Battersea.
- Dive into educational excursions with tours of landmarks like the Houses of Parliament and St Paul’s Cathedral.
Guildhouse School Academic Calendar
Dates 2025/2026
Autumn Term 2025
- Term Dates: Monday 1st September – Friday 22nd December
- Half Term Holiday: Saturday 25th October – Sunday 2nd November
- Christmas Holiday: Saturday 13 December – Sunday 4th January
Spring Term 2026
- Term Dates: Monday 5th January – Thursday 2nd April
- Half Term Holiday: Saturday 14th February – Monday 23rd February
- Easter Holiday: Friday 3rd April – Sunday 19th April
Summer Term 2026
- Term Dates: Monday 20th April – Friday 19th June
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Dates 2026/2027
Autumn Term 2026
- Term Dates: Tuesday 1st September – Friday 11th December
- Half Term Holiday: Monday 26th October – Monday 2nd November
- Christmas Holiday: Monday 14th December – Monday 4th January
Spring Term 2027
- Term dates: Tuesday 5th January – Thursday 25th March
- Half Term Holiday: Monday 15th February – Monday 22nd February
- Easter Holiday: Friday 26th March – Monday 12th April
Summer Term 2027
- Term dates: Tuesday 13th April – Friday 18th June
Guildhouse School Testimonials and Reviews
My experience at Guildhouse has been great. I cannot stress this enough I will miss this place.
Guildhouse School has helped me a lot with my university applications I was researching universities and they helped me to know the unis and choose which one I’d really like to go to.
The love and enthusiasm that my teachers have for their subjects reflected on me too as I gained a love and passion for them. The support they showed me through my A Level is priceless. I really appreciate their hard work and everything they have done for me.
If you want to go to university in the UK, or plan on studying abroad, or if you really enjoy studying certain subjects, you get to study them deeply at A-Level not just superficially. You see some stuff that you would otherwise only see at university.
Frequently Asked Questions about Guildhouse School
Through their core values they build our students’ confidence and decision-making capabilities by nurturing their intuition and creativity so they can problem solve, make an impact, and become effective change makers.
Their boarding house is located just three minutes from the school, meaning students can study and live in the heart of the action. They also offer catered or self-catered accommodation for over 18s – allowing you to be more independent and preparing you for life at university.
Students should be back at their residence by either 20.00 or 21.30 Sunday-Thursday, and either 22.00 or 22.30 on weekends depending on their age. Evenings can then be spent doing homework or private study, or socialising with your friends. Lights out Sunday to Thursday is at 23.00.
Students can take part in a range of activities. The full list of current activities can be found on their activities page.
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