Our Value-Added Approach to Education
Academic Value-Added
At St Mary’s, every pupil is known as an individual, with their own strengths, talents and ambitions. Our academic philosophy is simple: To provide an aspirational learning journey for every student to achieve excellence beyond expectations.
Central to this commitment is our focus on Value Added: the extra progress, learning and enrichment our students achieve beyond expectations. In short, Value-Added measures the additional difference a St Mary’s education makes.
Value-Added is measured by how much higher students achieve in their GCSEs and A Levels, compared to their original predictions.
The results speak for themselves:
At GCSE, students achieve at least one grade higher on average than baseline predictions. 34% of all grades are at least two grades higher. At A Level, the value-added results our students achieve ensure they access the higher education courses and degree apprenticeships they aspire to.
Case Studies: GCSE Success
2026
Lily achieved grades 5-8 in her GCSEs, including six Grade 8s with an average value-added of one and a half grades higher than her predicted grades. She is now studying Psychology, Business Studies and Media Studies at A Level.
Leah achieved grades 7-9 in her GCSEs, with an average value-added of over one and a half grades higher than her predicted grades. She is now studying English Literature, History and Religious Studies at A Level.
Katya achieved grades 5-9 in her GCSEs, with an average value-added of over one and a half grades higher than her predicted grades. She is now studying Biology, Psychology and Religious Studies at A Level.
2025
Annabelle achieved grades 9 to 6 across all subjects, averaging almost two grades above her predictions. She now studies English Literature, Psychology and Drama at A Level.
Ramini achieved results averaging two grades above baseline and is now studying Biology, Chemistry and Psychology, alongside an EPQ in Neuroscience. She plans to apply for Medicine.
Case Studies: A Level Achievement
2026
Lucy achieved A*A*A* in English Literature, History and Spanish, with a Value Added of one grade per subject. She is now taking a gap year and applying to the University of Oxford to study Spanish.
Tilly achieved A* A* A in Fine Art, Drama and History, with an average value-added of one and a half grades higher than her predicted grades. She is now reading Liberal Arts at Birmingham University.
Freya achieved A*AA in Business Studies, Sociology and Psychology, with a Value Added of one grade per subject. She now reads Business and Management at the University of Nottingham.
2025
Laura achieved A* A* A* in English, History, and Politics, with an average value-added of one grade higher than her predicted grades. She went on to study Law at Exeter University and is now completing a master’s degree at Durham University.
Sophie achieved AAB in Drama, Sociology and Religious Studies, with an average Value Added of over one grade per subject. She now studies Journalism and Communication at Cardiff University.
Value-Added is achieved through high academic advantage and enrichment.
Our academic advantage comes from:
- Small class sizes with regular assessment and personalised feedback
- Dedicated and passionate teachers
- High quality digital and learning resources
- Teaching with our TAKE CARE values in mind: Teamwork, Ambition, Curiosity, Resilience, Kindness and Enthusiasm
- A stellar programme of enrichment and learning beyond the classroom
Academic enrichment that makes a difference:
- Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) – Year 12 students complete a qualification worth half an A Level, building research, critical thinking and project management skills.
- Educational Visits – Recent highlights include Berlin (GCSE History), Iceland (GCSE & A Level Geography & Science), Paris (A Level History of Art) and a Gurdwara (Year 8 RS
- Extensive Co-Curricular Programme – Academic societies and clubs including Literary Society, Robotics, Japanese and History Clubs, Scholars’ Lunches, Music Theory
- Competitions & Awards – national success, including Highly Commended awards, Science Olympiad medals, top 5% Gold in Chemistry, and strong UK Maths Challenge results across Years 7–13
This Enables Students To:
- Build strong, supportive relationships with teachers
- Thrive in an environment where they are known as individuals
- Deepen subject knowledge and curiosity
- Achieve outstanding results
- Secure places at first choice universities
Adding Value to Academic Performance
Students complete nationally standardised assessments in Year 7 to establish a
personalised baseline. From day one, progress is carefully tracked. Support begins in Year 7 through:
• Daily Maths Challenge in tutor time
• Literary Society and curated reading lists
• Additional reading support from Oracy 21 trained Year 12 Literacy Ambassadors
Further assessments take place in Year 10 and Year 12, supporting students as they begin GCSEs and A Levels.