School Aims
Aims of the School
Our Purpose
Abraham Colfe founded our school in 1652 with a single purpose: to transform the lives of children in South East London through education.
That founding purpose continues to shape the character and feel of Colfe’s today – and inspires our future direction. We are a warm, inclusive and ambitious community in which pupils are known as individuals and encouraged to make the most of their talents. We hold dear our commitment to widening access and aim to keep a Colfe’s education within reach, with the Leatherseller Scholarship Programme forming a fundamental part of that commitment.
We provide an education that combines academic excellence with a broad and enriching experience beyond the classroom, underpinned by outstanding pastoral care and a culture that places wellbeing at the heart of school life. We recognise the primacy of each pupil’s individual journey and seek to develop curious, articulate and independent young people who are equipped to flourish in a rapidly changing world and make a positive impact in their communities and beyond.
Our Ambition
We aim to strengthen Colfe’s position as a leading all-through independent school rooted in its local community and recognised for the quality of its academic outcomes, pastoral care and co-curricular provision. Central to this ambition is a commitment to equipping pupils with the future skills they will need, including confident oracy, self-awareness, critical thinking and the thoughtful use of emerging technologies.
We seek to widen access further over time, deepen the impact of our bursary and scholarship provision, and continue to evolve our curriculum and teaching so that pupils are exceptionally well prepared for life in a changing world.
Our Priorities
- To deliver academic excellence through a broad curricular offer and inspiring teaching that nurtures curiosity, independence and intellectual growth for every pupil.
- To place exceptional pastoral care and pupil wellbeing at the heart of school life, creating a caring and supportive environment where every pupil feels seen and heard – valued, safe, and empowered to thrive emotionally and socially.
- To provide a rich and varied co-curricular programme that develops character, leadership and resilience beyond the classroom, as well as kindling interests and friendships that may last a lifetime.
- To foster a strong sense of social responsibility, encouraging pupils to respect others, celebrate difference and make a positive contribution to the wider world.
- To equip pupils with critical future skills — including confident oracy, self-awareness, critical thinking and the effective use of emerging technologies — so they are well-prepared for life beyond school.
- To promote social mobility through ambitious, sustainable bursary provision, including the Leatherseller Scholarship Programme, ensuring that access to a Colfe’s education is not determined solely by financial circumstance.
