Welcome to St Mary’s Colchester. We’re an independent all-girls school in north Essex for girls age 4-16, with a Kindergarten for children age 2-4. As you explore our website, you’ll find out more about St Mary’s and the enlightened, empowering and complete education we provide, designed specifically for girls to thrive.
At St Mary’s we believe that girls are remarkable and have different educational needs. With us, your daughter will be inspired, build resilience, advance academically, learn what interests her and grow. We understand that the girls’ wellbeing matters and is critical to achieving. Girls at St Mary’s are not only self-confident and capable, but also kind and considerate.
We know that as parents, you want the world for your daughter – and so do we. And when she leaves us she’ll be empowered to rise to the challenges and the opportunities the world presents.
visit Us
I hope that as you explore our website you’ll get a feel for the unique character of our school. You’ll find plenty of information on our website. But often people find that by visiting us they get the best insight into all we have to offer.
So please take a look at whether you can make one of our upcoming open days or arrange an individual tour at a time that’s convenient to you. Our Registrar, Mrs Justine Tierney, can also be contacted directly on 01206 594256 or at registrar@stmaryscolchester.org.uk to answer any questions and to arrange a visit.
Academic excellence
I am immensely proud that The Sunday Times ranked St Mary’s Lower School as the 12th highest-performing preparatory school in England. Many girls achieve scholarships to senior school. In addition, we have an impressive 11+ pass rate for those who choose to sit the exam.
At the Senior School we see fantastic GCSE results each year. This year The Sunday Times ranked St Mary’s Senior School as the top performing in Essex and 16th nationally, for independent secondary schools without a sixth form.
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 girls the encouragement and support they need to aim high.
You may already be aware that research from around the world provides evidence of higher academic success 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 pupils in all-girls schools to outperform students in co-ed schools at Key Stage 4 (GCSE level).
Rated excellent
I was extremely proud that the Independent School Inspectorate (ISI) rated St Mary’s as excellent in our last inspection. This rating is the highest award and covers both ‘the quality of the pupils’ academic and other achievements’ and ‘the quality of the pupils’ personal development’.
The key findings emphasised the high levels of attainment across the curriculum for Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), in National Curriculum tests for Year 6 and at GCSE level. We were delighted that our emphasis on the importance of pastoral care was also documented by inspectors.
Our commitment at the Lower School to high-quality provision for more able learners within the context of challenge for all, was also recognised by the National Association for Able Children in Education (NACE) in our reaccreditation of the NACE Challenge Award.
Benefits of an all-girls school education
Having taught in a variety of schools, I am passionate about all-girls schools and the benefits they bring.
There is research from around the world that demonstrates numerous benefits. For example, 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. All-girls schools are able tailor their teaching to how girls learn best.
Other benefits of an all-girls school education, as shown by research, include higher academic achievement, freedom from stereotypes and higher aspirations. All-girls schools have also been linked to increased confidence and improved mental wellbeing.
You can read more about the benefits of an all-girls education on our website. By visiting us you will see many of the benefits for yourself and I would be more than happy to share my views and experiences on the many benefits of all-girls schools if you would like to find out more.
Empowering girls to thrive
At St Mary’s we use our expertise in educating girls to empower pupils. We also inspire pupils to see the world as one full of limitless possibilities.
We equip girls with knowledge, experiences and skills to thrive at St Mary’s and beyond. We do this in an environment designed specifically for girls. One that is free from judgement and stereotypes, and full of respect and support.
I’m a strong believer that success in life comes from more than just impressive exam results. At St Mary’s we offer a brilliantly balanced education in order to develop exceptionally well-rounded individuals.
The girls have opportunities to take part in a wide variety of clubs, enrichment activities, music and drama productions, visits and international travel experiences, giving them ample opportunity to learn new skills and develop talents.
There are numerous positions of responsibility available to the girls, which help develop their leadership skills. We also foster team spirit through initiatives such as the School Council and School Houses.
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. St Mary’s pupils benefit from our international links, helping broaden their horizons.
A positive environment
We are proud to have charitable status, meaning all fees are reinvested into the school. We are also truly independent, with no owners or shareholders. A committed governing body oversee the running of the school to ensure we provide a high-quality education and a positive learning environment.
For young people to thrive I firmly believe they must feel confident, relaxed and secure. At St Mary’s we provide an environment that is safe in every respect. Every child is also known and understood, and the girls feel comfortable challenging themselves and asking questions.
Before children even start at St Mary’s we take time to get to know them and their families. We have initiatives in place from induction programmes to buddy systems to help pupils settle. People often describe St Mary’s as feeling like one big family.
There’s a positive culture at St Mary’s and we believe in instilling the values of respect and courtesy. Through our charity and outreach work, pupils also develop a strong sense of community. Additionally, we are a leading Eco School and St Mary’s pupils get a strong sense of caring for the environment as a result.
It is in this positive environment that our pupils develop the strength of character and self-belief they need to thrive.
Enquire today
So if you’re looking to find the best school in Colchester for your daughter – a school that delivers an excellent academic and all-round education with outstanding pastoral care – arrange to visit us today. You can also contact our Registrar on 01206 594256 or at registrar@stmaryscolchester.org.uk.
The following pages of our website will give you a sense of the school. Nothing will give you a better insight than visiting the school yourself however. This is especially true if you haven’t visited an all-girls school previously.
Our main entry points are in our Kindergarten, Prep (Reception) Class and Year 7. Girls may be able to join other year groups however, if a place is available.
Please see our admissions processes for the different entry points for further details. Please note however, that date of registration is a key factor when offering places. We therefore advise you to contact us as early as possible regarding a place.
You can contact our Registrar on 01206 594256 or at registrar@stmaryscolchester.org.uk for further information.
We very much look forward to helping you explore St Mary’s as an option.
Mrs Nicola Griffiths
ST MARY’S PRINCIPAL
