Senior school life

Before girls even start at St Mary’s we take time to get to know them and their families. We also help families develop a good understanding of Senior School life. Girls looking to join Year 7 attend an informal interview. It is here that we start to get a real insight into their talents and passions.

For pupils moving to the Senior School from St Mary’s Lower School, we run a transition programme. This helps the girls at the Lower School become familiar with Senior School life.

We offer Taster Days to all those registered to start St Mary’s Senior School in Year 7. This includes girls moving up from the Lower School. The girls have the opportunity to take part in different lessons. By attending, pupils get a real sense of Senior School life and what we offer at St Mary’s. Upon starting, we assign every girl a buddy, providing a further insight into senior school life and helping them to settle in well. They then become part of a buddy family consisting of a girl from each year group.

For those who would like to join the Senior School after Year 7 has begun or in a different year group, we offer Taster Days if there is a place available. This enables girls to get a good insight into St Mary’s Senior School life. They will also have an informal interview, enabling us to get an insight into their strengths and interests.

Life at St Mary's Senior School

Using our expertise in educating girls and the latest research, we empower girls by inspiring them to see the world as one full of limitless possibilities and by equipping them with the knowledge, experiences and skills needed to thrive at St Mary’s and beyond.

We do this in an environment designed specifically for girls. One that is safe in every respect – to experiment and question, to take risks and follow passions, to innovate and lead. One that is free from judgment and stereotypes and full of respect and support.

Watch this film to hear Year 11 pupil, Eadie’s perspective on the distinctive culture at St Mary’s Senior School.

St Mary’s Senior School day

The school opens to students at 8am and the day starts at 8.50am with registration. We have assemblies twice a week. They are led by our Principal and Deputy Heads of Senior School, special guests or the pupils themselves.

Lessons and enrichment sessions take place until lunch at 12.45, with a break mid-morning. During break and lunch times, the girls spend time chatting to friends or relaxing in the grounds. They can also work in the Quiet Room, read in the Library or attend the various clubs on offer. We encourage all pupils to get as much as possible out of senior school life and the opportunities we provide at St Mary’s.

At lunch, the girls have a choice of hot meal options. There is also an extensive salad bar and a dessert station. This is a time where conversation is encouraged and relationships are built and you can often hear ‘Happy Birthday’ being sung to friends and conversations about the girls’ day taking place.

Afternoon registration takes place at 1.40pm before lessons continue until 3.40pm. Many students travel to school by school bus or public transport. Therefore most clubs and activities are scheduled within the school day rather than after school, apart from sports matches and rehearsals. This also means the girls can continue attending any clubs or activities they enjoy participating in outside of school. It also ensure the girls have sufficient time for homework and can spend valuable time with family and friends outside school.

Moving on with confidence

At St Mary’s, your daughter will be inspired, build resilience, advance academically, learn what interests her and grow.

Using our expertise in educating girls, we empower pupils by inspiring them to see the world as one of limitless possibilities. Research suggests girls in all-girls schools have higher aspirations, greater motivation and are challenged to achieve more. There is also 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.

On leaving the Senior School, a number of students go to one of the state selective (grammar) schools. Others move up to Colchester Sixth Form, one of the largest and most successful 16-19 providers of general academic sixth form education in the country, where St Mary’s girls are guaranteed a place. A number also go to boarding schools.

Our aim is to empower girls to thrive at St Mary’s and beyond. Due to the confidence the girls develop while at the school, the girls feel ready to take their next steps and can choose the path that suits them best.

higher academic achievement

Research from around the world provide evidence of higher academic achievement in all-girls schools

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higher aspirations

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

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improved mental wellbeing

Single-sex schools have been shown to encourage improved self-esteem

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Open Days and Tours

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The many leadership opportunities within the school enable pupils to develop a strong understanding of their responsibilities to each other and the local community From ISI inspection report 2023 - rated 'excellent'

Curriculum

Find out more about our outstanding academic provision

Welcome

Welcome to St Mary's Senior School

Enrichment

Read about the opportunities on offer at St Mary’s Senior School