Prep school life

Before girls even start at St Mary’s we take time to get to know them and their families. For those joining our Preparatory Class (Reception), we hold a series of familiarisation sessions. For those looking to join us in other year groups, where spaces are sometimes available, we offer Taster Days. This is where girls have the opportunity to take part in all aspects of school life. They also get a real sense of what it’s like to come to school at St Mary’s.

For further information or to discuss availability, please contact our Registrar, Mrs Tierney, at registrar@stmaryscolchester.org.uk or on 01206 594256.

The Lower School day

Parents can bring their daughters to school from 8.25am and the school day officially begins at 8.40am. The school is easily accessible with ample parking for a convenient and safe school run.

Following Registration the girls have Assembly. These are led by our Principal, Vice-Principal, special guests or the pupils themselves. Lessons then take place until 10.15am when the girls have break. During this time, pupils put on their wellies and are free to explore the outdoor environment. They often play with friends or relax in our beautiful grounds.

At 10.35am, lessons continue until lunch at 11.45am for infants or 12.15pm for juniors. During the lunch break, girls can join a club or play outside with friends.

Lessons resume at 1.20pm until 3pm for infants or 3.25pm for juniors. Infants who have a sibling in the juniors can join activity club until the juniors finish at 3.25pm. There are numerous clubs available, from ballet to STEM Lego. Alternatively, our finishing time allows pupils to continue with any clubs, interests or hobbies they have outside of school.

8.00am	Breakfast Club
8.25am	Girls may enter their classrooms
8.40am	School day begins
8.45am	Registration
8.50am	Assembly
9.15am	Lessons
10.15am	Break (snack and drink provided)
10.35am	Lessons
11.45am/12.15pm	Lunch for infants/juniors and outdoor play
1.20pm	Lessons
3.00pm	School day ends for infants, optional story-time available until 3.25pm for those with siblings
3.25pm	School day ends for juniors, selection of optional after-school clubs and wrap-around available
4.30-6pm	After school care provision available

Wrap around care

In addition to clubs, wrap around care is available from 7.30am. Our daily Breakfast Club begins at 8am, designed to help busy families. Children enjoy a light breakfast and a chance to catch up with friends before the school day. Wrap around care is available until 4.30pm or 6pm, with a light tea being served for those staying until 6pm.

School holiday clubs

Our hugely popular holiday club, SMASH, runs during school holidays for St Mary’s Lower School pupils. Activities on offer range from creative arts and music, to STEM Lego and Forest School. Following parent feedback, from September, brothers of St Mary’s pupils will also be able to attend our holiday club.

Life in Prep Class

St Mary’s Lower School is ranked 12th highest performing prep school in England by the Sunday Times.

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

Watch this film to gain an insight into life in our Prep (Reception) Class.

Moving on with confidence

On leaving the Lower School, most Year 6 girls move up to our Senior School or go to one of the state selective (grammar) schools. We prepare pupils for the move by familiarising them with the Senior School. For example, girls often use the facilities and are taught by the specialist teachers there. The Eco teams, choirs and orchestra from the Lower School and Senior School also often come together. This gives Lower School pupils an insight into Senior School life and helps them take the next step with confidence.

Exclusive Senior School Scholarships

Our prestigious All-round Scholarship is 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 and kindly bequeathed a gift in her Will to enable this. They are awarded to St Mary’s Lower School pupils following interviews to those with the potential to make a substantial contribution to the life of the school.

Further details about the Miss Comrie Scholarship can be found in our Scholarships Guide. We also hold an annual Scholarship information event where families can find out more about all the Senior School Scholarships on offer.

Loyalty discounts available

We have introduced a loyalty discount for Lower School pupils who progress to the Senior School. The discount is not in addition to another discount such as Scholarships, although sibling discounts will still apply. We hope this will support pupils to continue their journey at St Mary’s. Please contact Mrs Justine Tierney, our Registrar, for further information.

12th

highest performing Prep School in England, ranked by the Sunday Times

highest performing independent secondary school with no sixth form in England, ranked by the Sunday Times

Find out more

The school has a sustained track level for high achievement National Association for Able Children in Education (NACE)

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'

Curriculum

Find out more about the outstanding academic provision

Welcome

Welcome to St Mary's Lower School

Enrichment

Read about the abundance of opportunities on offer