Scholarships & bursaries

St Mary’s Scholarship programme is designed to accelerate the development of students that are able in a variety of disciplines. Scholars act as role models and leaders to other students and as ambassadors for St Mary’s. They are encouraged, and expected, to make the most of the wealth of educational opportunities available to them to extend, broaden and strengthen their aptitudes and talents, and to gain valuable experience that will stand them in good stead for the future.

Year 7 Scholarships

All registered pupils will be considered for the Academic Scholarship, which will be awarded based on outstanding performance in the Year 7 entrance assessment. Scholarships for Art, Drama, Music, Sport and STEM must be applied for. Applications for Year 7 2026 entry open on Monday 1 September 2025 and close on Sunday 2 November 2025. In addition, all St Mary’s Lower School pupils will be considered for the All-round (Miss Comrie) Scholarship, named in honour of Miss Phyllis Comrie, St Mary’s headmistress, 1935-1957, who had a desire for outstanding St Mary’s Lower School pupils to progress to Senior School on a special designated Scholarship.

Details of our Year 7 admissions timelines are available on our Admissions Process page. Further information about Scholarships available can be found in our Scholarship guide.

Scholarship Guide

Further information

Visit us to find out more about Scholarships and all we have to offer at St Mary’s. We hold open days throughout the year. We also hold an annual Scholarship information event in the summer term. Alternatively, our Registrar is happy to conduct individual tours at a time to suit you.

Contact Mrs Justine Tierney, our Registrar, on 01206 594256 or at registrar@stmaryscolchester.org.uk to arrange a visit today. Alternatively, complete our online form to arrange a visit.

Open Days

Reserve a place at an open day

prospectus

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'

Pupils’ attainment at the end of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), in National Curriculum tests in Year 6 and at GCSE is excellent From ISI inspection report 2023 - rated 'excellent'

Bursaries

Bursaries are available in exceptional circumstances to provide short term financial assistance to parents experiencing unexpected financial difficulties.

The award of Bursaries at St Mary’s is decided on a case-by-case basis by the School’s experienced Bursary Committee including members of the Governing Body. Bursaries are subject to an annual review, however, they may be reviewed sooner when the School is informed of a change in a family’s financial circumstances.

Parents are required to complete a Bursary Application Form and a covering letter providing background to the request is advised. Please contact the Finance Office for more information and guidance and for a Bursary Application Form.

Please be advised that the Bursary Committee meets on a termly basis, usually during the second half of a term, in order that decisions regarding bursary awards can be communicated ahead of the following term’s invoices being prepared.

School Fee Plan

For those who would like, there is an option to spread your fees and pay monthly through My School Fee Plan*.

My School Fee Plan

*St Mary’s School (Colchester) Limited is an appointed representative of Premium Credit Limited which is Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. School Fee Plan is a trading style of Premium Credit Limited (company number 02015200). Credit is subject to status, affordability, terms and conditions apply. Over 18s only. Failure to keep up with your repayments could result in your agreement being cancelled.

A single Entry Deposit of £400 is required on acceptance of a place and is refunded after the end of a pupil’s final term in the school, following final adjustments.

Visit Us

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prospectus

Download our prospectus here