Arrange a visit to St Mary’s - St Mary’s Colchester

Arrange a visit to St Mary’s

Find out more about why more parents are choosing St Mary’s for their daughters by arranging a visit today.

Reserve an open day place

Which Open Day would you like to attend?
St Mary’s understands and acknowledges that it is a data controller in relation to the personal data that you have provided. We will ensure that we comply with all legislation and regulatory requirements in force relating to its use. For more information about how we use the data and your rights, please read our Privacy Notice.
Consent
On occasion we may contact you with information that may be of interest to you, for example upcoming admissions deadlines, news and events.
Note - you may withdraw consent at any time by contacting the School’s Data Protection Manager at dpm@stmaryscolchester.org.uk. This will not affect the lawfulness of any processing carried out by the School before you withdraw your consent.

We are very proud to share that:

  • 55% of GCSE results were graded 9-7 in 2025, more than double the national average
  • the Lower School has been ranked 12th highest performing prep school in England
  • St Mary’s received the top rating of Excellent in our ISI inspection
  • we achieve exceptional 11+ results and are the top feeder school to Colchester County High School for Girls
  • St Mary’s has been shortlisted for Independent Girls’ School of the Year 2025

 

Places at St Mary's Lower School

Due to increased demand for places at St Mary’s Lower School, additional classes have been added. We now therefore have places within most year groups so please arrange a visit online or contact our Registrar, Mrs Justine Tierney, on 01206 594256 or at registrar@stmaryscolchester.org.uk to find out more.

Places at St Mary's Senior School

We have limited availability in some year groups at St Mary’s Senior School. To find out more, arrange a visit online or contact our Registrar, Mrs Justine Tierney, on 01206 594256 or at registrar@stmaryscolchester.org.uk.

A strong academic education

We are very proud of our pupils’ success in their GCSE examinations. This year, 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.

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. Our aim is to 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.

At St Mary’s, we know that success in life comes from more than just impressive exam results and 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 a global member of the Round Square Organisation, a worldwide network of over 200 top schools in more than 50 countries, and St Mary’s pupils benefit from our international links, helping broaden their horizons.

School Fees

Termly fees (including VAT) Termly lunch cost (mandatory)
Prep (Reception) Class-Year 2 £4,750 £300
Year 3-4 £5,300 £300
Year 5-6 £5,900 £300
Year 7 £6,600 £350
Year 8-9 £7,050 £350
Year 10-11 £7,550 £350

There are three terms per academic year.

Transport

Due to demand, our school transport routes have expanded. New routes from out towards Frinton and Ipswich have been added to our Senior School and we now have buses running to our Lower School from Lexden Road and Chitts Hill, for pupils in Year 4 and above.

Our St Mary’s bus routes currently include Great Horkesley, West Bergholt, Braiswick, Danbury, Chelmsford, Maldon, Witham, Felsted, Great Notley, Coggeshall, Mersea, Peldon, and Layer. New stops and routes are considered each year. Please contact us to discuss further.

Other providers of school transport stop right outside St Mary’s Senior School – please contact the transport providers directly for information on routes, timetables and prices.

To find out more, please don’t hesitate to contact our Registrar, Mrs Justine Tierney, on 01206 594256 or at registrar@stmaryscolchester.org.uk.

Contact Our Registrar

St Mary's brand-new Kindergarten extension
Visit our Kindergarten

Kindergarten extension official opening

Friday 7 November 2025, 9.30-10.30am