Annette Poulain is the Head of St Andrew’s College Cambridge, leading the college, its staff and its boarding community across the academic year. Her career in independent education spans more than two decades, with senior leadership posts in selective independent schools and boarding colleges across the UK before joining St Andrew’s.
She holds postgraduate qualifications in education and educational leadership, and is a longstanding advocate of small-school, individually-focused sixth-form education.
Her priorities at St Andrew’s College Cambridge as an independent boarding school in Cambridge are clear: keep the community small enough that every student is known, set academic standards high enough to compete with the very top private schools in the UK, and look after each student as a whole person across academic, pastoral and personal life.
Welcome to St. Andrew’s College Cambridge
St. Andrew’s College is a dynamic co-educational boarding and day school, rooted in tradition but forward in spirit. This simple description, while accurate, only hints at the depth and richness of life here.
What truly defines us is our community, one that is inclusive, caring and deeply connected. At St. Andrew’s, every student is seen, heard, and supported. Our size allows us to offer a personal approach, where each young person is recognised not only for what they achieve, but for who they are. From the moment they arrive, our pupils become part of a nurturing environment where relationships are strong, and every individual matters.
We believe that education is not just about exam results, it’s about developing confident, curious and compassionate young people, equipped to face the world with resilience and purpose. Our values of Respect, Creativity, and Resilience are woven into every part of school life. These timeless principles guide us in preparing students for a world that is constantly evolving.
Our location in the heart of Cambridge places us in a unique position. Surrounded by a city renowned for academic excellence, innovation and culture, our students are inspired to reach higher, think deeper and explore more widely. Learning here takes many forms, from lessons and labs to music, Arts, sport, and community events. Each day is an opportunity to discover, grow and contribute.
We also know that education works best when it’s a shared journey. At St. Andrew’s, we place great value on strong partnerships with families. Through open communication and mutual trust, we work alongside parents to support every student’s development, academically, socially and emotionally. Together, we help each pupil flourish and build a foundation for life.
We invite you to visit and see for yourself what makes our college so special. Come and experience the warmth, the energy, and the sense of purpose that define our community.
I look forward to welcoming you personally.
Annette Poulain
Head
St. Andrew’s College Cambridge
What is the Head’s vision for our students?
The next few years at St Andrew’s are focused on three strategic priorities. The first is to deepen academic outcomes year on year, building on our existing G5 and Russell Group progression and extending the Oxbridge and US Ivy League pipeline. The second is to keep widening access to the Cambridge University ecosystem, expanding the PhD-tutor network, the library partnerships and the public-lecture programme that our students use. The third is to maintain the standard of pastoral care that ISI inspectors have recognised, with continued investment in boarding-house refurbishment, mental-health-first-aid training and the personal tutor system.
What does a typical week at St Andrew’s look like from the Head’s perspective?
A typical week begins with a senior leadership meeting first thing on Monday, reviewing the weekend in boarding and the week ahead in academic life. Mornings are typically spent on lesson observations, student meetings and conversations with parents. Afternoons bring tutorials, extracurricular activities and meetings with personal tutors. The end of each week includes a check-in with the safeguarding team, a walk through the boarding houses, and a quiet hour preparing for whatever the next week will bring. The pattern is busy but consistent, and it is built around being present and visible to staff and students alike.
How can families meet the Head before applying?
Families considering St Andrew’s are welcome to meet the Head before applying, and there are several ways to do so. Individual visits can be arranged through admissions for families especially those visiting Cambridge from overseas. Virtual tours and online meetings with the Head are available for families who cannot travel to the UK in advance. Our Contact Us page sets out how to book each of these.
