Attend a St Mary’s Open Day

We are very proud of our pupils’ success in their GCSE examinations. Our Senior School is the top non-selective school in Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk, based on GCSE Attainment 8 scores released by the Government. The national Attainment 8 scores are based on how well pupils in a school have performed in up to 8 qualifications across key subjects at the end of Key Stage 4. In August 2025, 55% of GCSEs were 7-9 or equivalent (comparable to grades A*-A), more than double the national average. More than half of the results for the core subjects of Maths, English and Science were graded 9-7. An exceptional 100% of results for Latin, Fashion & Textiles and Hospitality & Catering were graded 9-7 or equivalent.

St Mary’s Lower School is the 12th highest performing Prep School in England, as ranked by the Sunday Times. This year, eight pupils passed their 11+, making us the biggest feeder to Colchester County High School for Girls. Our pupils also achieve outstanding SATs results. In 2025, 90% achieved the higher standard in Reading, almost three times the national average of 33%, 74% achieved the higher standard for Maths, almost three times the national average of 26%, 58% achieved the higher standard for Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling, almost double the national average of 30%, and 42% achieved greater depth for Writing, over three times the national average of 13%.

We’re able to achieve such success by tailoring the education to suit the needs of each individual in our small classes, and by giving the pupils the encouragement and support they need to aim high.