Financial aid is provided for able pupils whose families from low-income families. Priority is given to pupils in local comprehensive schools, especially those pupils who qualify for free school meals:

• Academic merit-based and means-tested scholarships are available at the point of entry to the Senior School (11+) and the Sixth Form (16+).
• Leathersellers’ Scholarships (fully-funded Sixth Form places). A limited number of scholarships are awarded each year, supported by funding from the Leathersellers’ Company and philanthropic donations. Past scholars have gained university places at prestigious universities such as Cambridge, UCL, Durham and Bristol, to study a wide range of courses such as Medicine, Law, Math’s, Engineering and Architecture.

We partner with a number of local maintained schools in Lewisham and Greenwich. Many pupils who attend these sessions go on to apply for Colfe’s Sixth Form and Leatherseller Scholarships. Activities include:

• Weekly enrichment classes in Latin and German
• Masterclasses to stretch and challenge in Maths, Science, French and Spanish
• Taster lessons in new A-level subjects – Economics, Business, Psychology and Philosophy
• Invitations to attend lectures, societies and concerts/recitals and our biennial Careers Fair
• Opportunities to join our orchestra, choir and debating club
• Joint training and CPD for teachers. Last year departments collaborated in languages, religious studies, art and geography

We are the only independent school, and founding partner of the St Catherine’s College, Oxford Catalyst Programme. The programme bring together pupils from local state schools in Lewisham to gain access to Oxford colleges and tutors.

Colfe’s pupils currently volunteer in the following areas:

• Year 10-12 pupils go to three local primary schools, Brindishe Manor, Trinity and St Winifred’s, each week. Pupils support classroom teachers with a range of activities.
• Annual Community Day with the BrunBear Foundation – over 300 hours of community service during one day within the local area.
• Year 12 and 13 scholars go back to their previous schools to mentor and tutor younger pupils.
• Through the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme, many students volunteer in a wide range of activities such as; cubs, charity shops, hospitals and park runs.

As well as supporting local causes, the school is also involved in a range of of international charities.

• Amnesty International
• Care4Calais (a refugee charity)
• Little Dresses for Africa
• Partnership with The Kotu School in The Gambia