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Empowering girls

St Mary’s Colchester is an independent school in Essex for girls age 4-16. We provide a complete education designed specifically to empower girls to thrive at school and beyond. We also have a Kindergarten for children age 2-4, where we offer an outstanding academic and all-round pre-school education.

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Experts in educatinggirls

12th

highest performing Prep School in England, ranked by Sunday Times

Pupils’ attainment at the end of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), in National Curriculum tests in Year 6 and at GCSE is excellent.
ISI INSPECTION REPORT

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

16th

highest performing independent secondary school with no sixth form in England, ranked by the Sunday Times

At St Mary’s we empower girls by inspiring them to see the world as one full of limitless possibilities and equipping them with the knowledge, experiences and skills to thrive
MRS NICOLA GRIFFITHS, PRINCIPAL

EDUCATION FOR LIFE

100+

years’ experience in educating girls

The quality of the pupils’ personal development is excellent
ISI INSPECTION REPORT

PASTORAL CARE

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St Mary's Voices

Discover the unique atmosphere of St Mary’s Colchester through the voices of pupils, teachers and parents. Gain valuable insights into our school’s culture, values and educational journey by watching their heartfelt video testimonials.

Testimonials

Higher attainment continues to be seen at single-sex schools, compared with co-ed schools when looking at all subjects.

GSA’S ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT IN GIRLS’ SCHOOLS REPORT

My daughter has made such progress since joining St Mary’s – not only has her academic work improved, but she is confident and happier in her own skin.

ST MARY’S PARENT

Robust research consistently proves that girls’ schools fuel the best futures for young women

DONNA STEVENS, GSA’S CEO

We know that success in life comes from more than just impressive exam results. In addition to a high-quality academic education, we also deliver an all-round education designed specifically for girls to thrive at St Mary’s and in life.

MRS NICOLA GRIFFITHS, PRINCIPAL

I feel very pleased but also relieved that I have done so well in my GCSEs. Returning to school to collect my results today and seeing my teachers who provide such a supportive environment for us to learn in has felt like I’m celebrating with family.

LEXI, FORMER YEAR 11 STUDENT

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News & Updates

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19 March 2025

STEM LEGO event inspires next generation of female engineers for British Science Week

St Mary’s School held an Eager Engineers STEM event on Saturday 15 March to help inspire girls’ futures. Marking British Science Week, the event at St Mary’s Lower School offered girls...

11 March 2025

Girls inspired for their futures on International Women’s Day

On Saturday we held our first Future Females Careers Fair on International Women’s Day to help empower girls’ futures. Girls in Year 4 (age 8) through to Year 11 (age 16)...

12 February 2025

International Women’s Day art competition launched

To mark International Women’s Day, an art competition for school age children has been launched by St Mary’s School in Colchester. The challenge is to create a piece of artwork inspired...

30 January 2025

St Mary’s orchestra members and British Army band join forces

St Mary’s School welcomed a prestigious British Army Band to work with their Lower School and Senior School orchestra members in a one-day workshop. A group of musicians from the British...

9 December 2024

St Mary’s Senior School ranks highest performing Independent School in Essex with no sixth form

The Sunday Times has identified St Mary’s Senior School as the top school in Essex and 16th in England, in its rankings of top independent secondary schools with no sixth forms....

Rated excellent

ISI REPORT

A big, warm hello from all the girls at St Mary’s! Our Lower School and Senior School pupils have returned with bright smiles and boundless energy, settling in brilliantly as they step confidently into the new term.
#HelloFromStMarys #BackToSchool #NewTermNewEnergy #GirlsInEducation #LowerSchoolLife #SeniorSchoolShine #WelcomeBackGirls #EmpoweredGirls #FirstDayVibes

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A big, warm hello from all the girls at St Mary’s! Our Lower School and Senior School pupils have returned with bright smiles and boundless energy, settling in brilliantly as they step confidently into the new term.
#HelloFromStMarys #BackToSchool #NewTermNewEnergy #GirlsInEducation #LowerSchoolLife #SeniorSchoolShine #WelcomeBackGirls #EmpoweredGirls #FirstDayVibes