New Beginnings
Absolutely Cheshire meets Serena Cubbin, the new headteacher of St Anselm’s College in Birkenhead.
It’s very early days of your headship at St Anselm’s College – how proud were you to take on the post?
I have been in post for five weeks at the time of writing. It has always been my ambition to be the headteacher of this college since the very first day I walked through those doors almost eight years ago. I am extremely honoured and privileged to hold this position in a college that has stepped in history and academic excellence. I know and understand the impact that being an Anselmian can have on a student. My husband was a past student (and currently works in the College also) and my son is in Year 10, so I see first-hand how fantastic this College is.
In a nutshell, what does St Anselm’s College offer?
Our mission is to ensure that every student is given the opportunity to reach their full potential through the use of their God-given talents. Where inclusivity, wellbeing and a sense of belonging are extended to every member of the community, encompassing past, present and future Anselmians.
At our College we take immense pride in our reputation for high academic performance and in setting high standards for every student. Learning centred on both challenge and support are fundamental elements of our ambitious curriculum. We are extremely proud of the academic excellence that our students achieve, and of the genuine drive our staff have to transform future aspirations into reality for all of our students.
Our commitment is to nurture not only brilliant minds but also compassionate hearts, fostering an environment where each student is invited to live out the values of Catholic social teaching and have a direct impact on the lives of others through charitable works, such as with SVP and the Martin Gallier Suicide Safe Community. Our motto, ‘Fides Quaerens Intellectum’, which translates to ‘Faith seeking understanding’, is a reminder to us all to seek God, not only with our hearts, but with our minds, and in all that we do. It ultimately underpins our daily interactions with one another. We are champions of respect, tolerance and diversity, as recognised by our Mental Health Award and Anti-Bullying Alliance Schools Award.
What would we find in a typical classroom?
Walking through the College and visiting classrooms is the highlight of my day. It’s where you witness passionate teachers bringing learning to life, igniting curiosity in every corner. Students are engaged, enthusiastic, and eager to share their knowledge, their growth, and their experiences with others. Every classroom offers something unique, with no lesson ever the same as the next – a true celebration of dynamic, inspired learning.
As you would expect from a grammar school, our curriculum is ambitious, and we make no secret about our drive to push and challenge our students to be the best they can be. We strongly believe in focusing on the concept of marginal gains, and as such, we encourage our boys to go that little extra and give that 1% push every day.
We have very high expectations of our students, independent learning and revision is the norm. As well as providing exceptional support in the classroom, our staff run intervention clubs at lunchtime and at the end of the College day, Monday to Friday.
How important is the pastoral side to life at St Anselm’s College?
The pastoral side of the College is at the heart of everything we do. We take pride in truly knowing each student, prioritising their mental health and well-being, and offering counselling and support when needed. As an anti-bullying, suicide-safe, and mental health-aware College, we ensure students feel supported and safe. Our Personal Development curriculum, enriched by guest speakers and external organisations, addresses the key challenges young people face today. With a strong culture of safeguarding, we are committed to creating a nurturing, inclusive environment for all.
Do you offer plenty outside of the classroom?
We currently have over 63 enrichment clubs, which we track and monitor attendance and engagement. Our extensive enrichment opportunities provide the perfect opportunity to develop skills such as effective communication, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence. Our clubs range from board games to robotics, from Dungeons and Dragons, to Journalism society, from chess club to the debating society.
Our students have the opportunity to travel to a range of exciting places both close to home and far abroad each year, to countries across Europe and as far as Canada and Japan. Our immersion to Sierra Leone each year is literally transformational. Watching our Y12 students teaching and discussing mathematics, science and English with the students whilst at St Joseph’s School for the Hearing Impaired in Makeni was a truly unbelievable experience for all.
We are also renowned for our sporting achievements, last Saturday morning alone we had over 230 students involved in some form of sport.
What are you looking forward to most this new school year?
I am excited to witness our students flourish and become the very best version of themselves. I look forward to seeing them conquer challenges with resilience and celebrating their successes alongside them. Watching them leave in Year 13, filled with confidence and excitement for the next chapter of their journey, is a true joy. Even more, I can’t wait for them to return as inspiring role models to motivate and uplift the next generation of Anselmians.
