Our Aims & Values
At St Mary’s, our aims and values are at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to providing an excellent, aspirational education within a caring and happy community, where every pupil is known as an individual, encouraged to believe in themselves and supported to achieve their full potential.
Our holistic approach combines academic ambition with outstanding pastoral care and a rich range of opportunities beyond the classroom. We want every pupil to leave St Mary’s with the knowledge, skills, confidence and character to embrace opportunities, overcome challenges and make a positive contribution to the world around them.
Our Aims
We aim to provide:
- A stimulating and ambitious education that challenges and inspires pupils to strive for excellence, developing knowledge, skills, independence, self-discipline and a lifelong love of learning.
- A carefully balanced framework of challenge and support that enables every pupil to fulfil their individual potential while developing confidence, resilience and self-belief.
- A broad range of opportunities within and beyond the classroom, enabling pupils to discover their passions, develop new skills and become confident, responsible citizens.
- An inclusive and compassionate community built on kindness and empathy, which recognises, respects and celebrates the religious and cultural diversity of our pupils and wider community.
- High moral standards within a Christian ethical context, reflecting the School’s Anglican foundation and encouraging integrity, respect and an awareness of the needs of others.
- Strong partnerships with parents, the local community and the wider world, working together to provide the best possible experience and outcomes for every pupil.
Our Values
Character education is a deliberate and purposeful part of a St Mary’s education. Alongside academic achievement, we develop the values, behaviours and personal qualities pupils need to thrive at school and throughout their lives.
By encouraging pupils to develop both academically and personally, we support their wellbeing while building the confidence, resilience and self-belief to pursue their ambitions. We want our pupils to be ready for an ever-changing world, equipped not only with knowledge but with the curiosity, adaptability and strength of character to respond positively to new opportunities and challenges.
Our TAKE CARE values bring this approach to life. They represent the character strengths we encourage every St Mary’s pupil to develop:
- T – Team players: Pupils learn to collaborate, lead and support others, whether in lessons, sports teams, musical ensembles or through mentoring and leadership opportunities. They develop a strong sense of responsibility towards their peers and wider community.
- A – Adventurous: Pupils are encouraged to embrace new experiences, take appropriate risks and make the most of the many opportunities available to them, from co-curricular clubs and sport to music, drama, trips and enrichment.
- K – Kind: Kindness and empathy underpin our community. Pupils learn to care for others, value different perspectives and build positive, respectful relationships.
- E – Enthusiastic: Pupils approach learning and school life with energy and positivity, sharing their interests and contributing enthusiastically to activities, events and charitable initiatives.
- C – Curious: We encourage pupils to ask questions, think independently, explore ideas and seek out new knowledge, developing a genuine enthusiasm for learning.
- A – Ambitious: Every pupil is encouraged to set high expectations for themselves, striving for their personal best academically while developing their talents and interests beyond the classroom.
- R – Resilient: Pupils learn that success is a journey. They develop the determination to persevere, learn from setbacks and have the confidence to try again when things do not go to plan.
- E – Excellent: Pupils strive to be the best they can be, approaching everything they do with commitment, honesty and integrity.
Together, our aims and values provide the foundations for a St Mary’s education: developing confident, compassionate and ambitious young people who are ready to embrace their future and make a positive difference in the world.
