Education for life

Using our expertise in educating girls, we empower pupils by inspiring them to see the world as one of limitless possibilities. We equip girls with knowledge, experiences and skills to thrive not only at St Mary’s, but in life beyond school. We do this in an environment designed specifically for girls – one that is free from judgement and stereotypes, and full of respect and support.

Benefits of all-girls education

St Mary’s is an active member of the Girls’ Schools Association (GSA). The GSA is the professional association representing the UK’s leading girls’ independent schools.

The school benefits from the GSA’s support and the latest information and thinking on the most successful ways to achieve the highest standard of education for girls. Membership also brings many opportunities for pupils to meet with others from GSA schools to further their learning and life experience.

Research from around the world shows many benefits of an all-girls education, from higher academic achievement and higher aspirations to increased confidence and improved mental wellbeing. Further information can be found below.

Higher academic achievement

Research from around the world provides evidence of higher academic achievement in all-girls’ schools.

Studies include those which have shown girls in single-sex schools to be ahead in reading, maths and languages. Research has also shown girls to outperform students in co-ed schools at Key Stage 4 (GCSE level).

At St Mary’s, our Lower School pupils perform significantly higher than national average in SATs and we are consistently ranked amongst the highest performing Preparatory Schools in England by The Sunday Times. There is a high 11+ pass rate for those who choose to sit the exam, alongside a strong record of academic scholarship offers for our Senior School.

The National Association for Able Children in Education (NACE) has recently reaccredited the Lower School with the NACE Challenge Award. This award is given in recognition of commitment to high-quality provision for more able learners within the context of challenge for all.

At the Senior School we consistently see strong GCSE success in subjects from STEM to the arts and humanities, reflecting the school’s commitment to delivering a strong and enriching education. In 2024, almost 40% of results at GCSE level were graded 9-7 or equivalent (comparable to grades A*-A). This year The Sunday Times ranked St Mary’s Senior School as top in Essex and the 16th highest performing independent secondary school with no sixth form in England.

Freedom from stereotypes

The environments created by all-girls’ schools can mean girls are less likely to be influenced by negative gender stereotypes.

At St Mary’s we nurture the whole person and provide an environment free from judgement and stereotypes, where the girls can be themselves.

There is evidence that attending an all-girls school can impact on subject choice and career paths. For example, girls in single-sex schools are more likely to study maths and sciences, including computer science, and enter male-dominated fields such as engineering.

Pupils at St Mary’s consistently achieve excellent results in GCSE science. In 2024, over two thirds of Biology, Chemistry and Physics GCSE results were graded 9-7 (equivalent to A*-A).

Higher aspirations

Research suggests girls in all-girls schools have higher aspirations, greater motivation and are challenged to achieve more.

At St Mary’s, we inspire the girls to see the world as one full of limitless possibilities. We also aim to challenge the girls academically, creatively and physically. For example, every pupil belongs to one of the school’s four Houses and throughout the year, there are challenges of all kinds. This includes sports competitions, quizzes and charity fundraisers, which offer opportunities for pupils to work together across the year groups and compete against their peers.

As a member of the Independent Schools Association (ISA), St Mary’s pupils are able to take part in an extensive programme of local and national sporting, arts and cultural events and competitions. St Mary’s Lower School is also a member of the Independent Association of Preparatory Schools, a prestigious organisation comprising the top-performing preparatory schools in the world. Membership offers our pupils opportunities to take part in inter-school challenges, practising their social skills and pitting their wits against their contemporaries.

Each year, pupils at St Mary’s Senior School complete The Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards. The nationally respected programme encourages young people to acquire new skills, challenge themselves and make a contribution to their communities. The skills developed through DofE are widely recognised in education and employment as evidence of commitment, teamworking, strength of character and resilience.

St Mary’s is also a global member of the Round Square Organisation, a worldwide network of over 200 top schools in more than 50 countries across six continents. Educational philosopher, Kurt Hahn, who founded the Round Square organisation, believed that: “There is more in us than we know if we could be made to see it; perhaps, for the rest of our lives we will be unwilling to settle for less.”

Greater leadership opportunities

Research indicates that action taken in school years can help reduce the gender gap in leadership. All-girls’ schools can provide greater leadership opportunities for girls and more exposure to positive female role-models. This is something we’re passionate about at St Mary’s.

From helping in the library to perhaps becoming a Lower or Senior School Head Girl, Games Captain, House Official or Prefect, there are many opportunities for the girls to develop their leadership skills.

Positions of responsibility also enable pupils to make an active contribution to the school community. School Councils at both the Lower School and Senior School give pupils a voice and their input into school life is highly valued.

Girl friendly teaching

Neuroscience and brain research has shown that male and female brains differ and that the sequence as well as the rate of development of the brain are different, which can impact on the way pupils learn. Girls’ schools can tailor their teaching to how girls learn best.

At St Mary’s we have over 100 years’ experience of educating girls. As a member of the GSE we also benefit from the latest information and thinking on the most successful ways to achieve the highest standard of education for girls in a complex and changing world.

Increased confidence

Research indicates that girls from all-girls’ schools are generally more confident and emotionally in control, and this mental toughness correlates with attainment, aspiration and wellbeing.

Girls in single-sex environments have been shown to develop life skills such as taking positive risks with their learning, greater participation in discussions and increased competitiveness.

At St Mary’s the positive culture enables pupils to develop the strength of character and self-belief they need to thrive.

There are opportunities for the girls to find, develop and extend their talents and passions, both within the curriculum and through clubs and enrichment. Successes both inside and out of school are celebrated.

Girls’ confidence in performing is grown through workshops and opportunities in a range of drama productions and concerts, from Nativity performances and small informal music concerts to large scale productions and a whole school Carol Service. We also see incredible success in competitions and exams across the creative and performing arts.

Improved mental wellbeing

Single-sex schools have been shown to encourage improved self-esteem and help ease social anxieties girls may experience. Studies have shown girls to find an all-girls environment more supportive and the incidence of bullying for girls to be lower in single-sex schools.

At St Mary’s we know that for girls to achieve their very best they must feel confident, relaxed and secure. Every girl at St Mary’s has access to, and support from, a network of staff who are highly trained in pastoral matters.

The size of the school means we are able to have regular, meaningful interactions with each pupil, and our staff know the girls incredibly well. The atmosphere is calm, supportive and nurturing, allowing girls to develop self-confidence.

More likely to drive change

Research suggests that girls from single-sex schools are more likely to drive change.

At St Mary’s, in addition to our focus on academic achievement and building valuable life-skills, we also aim to develop the girls as active global citizens.

St Mary’s School is an Eco-School and has the highest accolade of a Green Flag with distinction. There are numerous initiatives throughout the school aimed at improving sustainability and we are committed to preparing our young people for the future, from how to mitigate the impacts of climate change to promoting Green Careers.

Fundraising activities at St Mary’s are pupil-led. Initiatives are driven forward by members of the Charities Committee at the Lower School and by a range of leaders at the Senior School, including the House Officials, Round Square Committee and Miss Comrie Scholars. The pupils choose charities to support each academic year. As a school we also support national fundraising initiatives, including Children in Need and Red Nose Day.

Through partnerships with internationally renowned organisations, pupils at St Mary’s are equipped to play a full part in life and in their communities, inside and outside of school. We are an International School, accredited by the British Council. This gives us opportunities to forge links with schools and organisations around the world. From exchange visits to our partner school in Holland and talks and workshops by representatives of international and cultural groups, St Mary’s girls are introduced to the global community and encouraged to become fully involved.

As a global member of the Round Square Organisation, a worldwide network of over 200 top schools in more than 50 countries across six continents, pupils also have opportunities to collaborate and share experiences with like-minded peers and establishments across the globe.

Greater participation in sport

A large majority of girls have been found to have a strong preference for all-girls PE classes, and research suggests greater participation in sport tends to be seen in single-sex contexts.

At St Mary’s, girls participate in a wide range of sports. Throughout the year, Lower School pupils have lessons from dancing and orienteering to football and hockey, while at the Senior School, sports on offer have ranged from tennis and basketball to climbing and golf.

Pupils take part in local and national competitions such as netball tournaments and swimming galas throughout the year, often with great success. There are opportunities for the girls across the school to become Sports Leaders, developing their coaching and leadership skills.

Character education

At St Mary’s we know that success in life comes from more than just impressive exam results. Pupils have access to a brilliantly balanced education, designed to develop exceptionally well-rounded individuals. Our aim is to equip girls with the knowledge, experiences and skills to thrive at St Mary’s and beyond.

St Mary’s is a global member of the Round Square Organisation, a worldwide network of over 250 top schools in more than 50 countries, across six continents. The Round Square organisation was founded by Kurt Hahn, whose educational ideas about ‘character education’ were also instrumental in the creation of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. Hahn believed that: “There is more in us than we know if we could be made to see it; perhaps, for the rest of our lives we will be unwilling to settle for less.”

Membership was granted to St Mary’s in June 2017 after passing a rigorous inspection, which focused on six key ‘Ideals of Learning’ – internationalism, democracy, environmentalism, adventure, leadership and service – identified by German educational philosopher, Kurt Hahn.

Round Square’s online opportunities allow students to learn, celebrate and discuss to improve their international understanding. These opportunities include engaging RS Study Labs, immersive, student-led sessions on diverse topics, fostering deep learning and global perspectives. Interactive RS Zoom Postcards connect peers worldwide in real-time, sharing insights and experiences on culture, global issues, and more. These online platforms empower students to expand their horizons and build their global networks, and enhance their understanding.

Pupils in Year 10 and 11 have the opportunity to become a member of the St Mary’s Round Square Committee and lead Round Square activities at St Mary’s.

A number of Senior School pupils have also had the privilege of representing St Mary’s at Round Square International Conferences, where they work with students from across the global Round Square community. As well as listening to inspiring keynote speakers, pupils also take part in adventure and service activities. In the past, pupils have visited countries such as Kenya, Canada and India.

Membership of this prestigious organisation offers pupils opportunities to collaborate and share experiences with like-minded peers and establishments across the globe.

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
Pupils’ academic and other achievements are excellent, in confirmation of the school’s aspiration to help pupils develop creative flair, sporting prowess and other talents From ISI inspection report 2023 - rated 'excellent'
The school has a sustained track level for high achievement National Association for Able Children in Education (NACE)