Why St Mary’s?
At St Mary’s School, our commitment is to every pupil: to provide an aspirational learning journey towards personal excellence beyond expectations. We consistently achieve individual student success through a finely balanced approach that combines academic rigour and high expectations with exceptional pastoral care, developing the whole child and enabling every pupil to achieve their personal best.
Our results speak for themselves. This year, half of all A Level grades achieved were A* or A, with 76% awarded at A*–B. At GCSE, 45% of grades were awarded at 9–7, with more than 70% achieving grades 9–6.
This strong academic foundation begins in our Prep School, where benchmark assessments consistently show that our children are achieving above national averages. By the end of Year 6, more than 70% of the cohort go on to achieve 11+ success or secure scholarships to leading senior schools, including St Mary’s.
These outcomes reflect not only the academic ambition and high expectations we have for every pupil, but also the individual support, encouragement and exceptional pastoral care that underpin a St Mary’s education.
Unsurpassed Pastoral Care
The promotion of self-care and responsibility for others enhances the sense of community that underpins our in-school support when well-being may be impacted. It is not just our students who TAKE CARE. All school staff at St Mary’s, together with a team of Sixth Form Peer Supporters, have been trained in Mental Health Awareness through MHFA England courses.
Our pastoral and medical teams support students to promote positive mental and physical health, whether through a proactive and bespoke pastoral programme for each year group or by encouraging those who need additional support to access appropriate services at the earliest opportunity.
Matilda, our Well-being Dog, will gradually enhance targeted emotional support for students requiring assistance. By providing a framework of support and challenge to develop non-cognitive skills, character education underpins the success and well-being of all members of our community.
A Learning Environment for Success
We are committed to providing an aspirational learning journey that enables every student to achieve excellence beyond expectations. Smaller classes mean that teachers build strong relationships: staff know each student’s strengths, interests and aspirations, can quickly identify and address areas for development. Expert teaching of our innovative and academically rigorous curriculum both challenges and supports learners, ensuring that every child can flourish and make excellent progress to achieve their individual potential.
Our holistic education places character development at the heart of classroom learning; our students learn how to be independent learners, to take responsibility for themselves and to respect and value the contributions of others. We take care to plan our curriculum so that by the end of every stage in their education, our students are equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to provide a strong foundation on which to build in the next. This includes thorough preparation for external examinations, and our results are testament to the attention we give to every student.
Learning is further enriched through a wide range of educational visits, subject-focused workshops, competitions and co-curricular clubs that inspire curiosity, deepen understanding and broaden horizons.
