Welcome to St Mary’s Senior School

St Mary’s Senior School is a private senior school located on Lexden Road, Colchester, Essex. We are proud that at our Senior School, we have the highest number of girls age 11-16 enrolled of any independent school within a 20 mile drive.

The following pages will give you a sense of the academic excellence, endless opportunities and outstanding pastoral care provided at St Mary’s Senior School Colchester. But nothing will give you a better insight into our vibrant school than taking a look around. So please arrange a private tour or reserve a place at an upcoming Open Day. You can also contact our Registrar on 01206 594256 or at registrar@stmaryscolchester.org.uk.

Academic excellence

At St Mary’s Senior School, we know and understand every girl. In our small classes we’re able to tailor our teaching to each and every student. This is not just in terms of level but also preferred method of learning. We also monitor pupils’ progress closely to ensure we fully support, encourage and stretch each girl in every area.

The Sunday Times has ranked St Mary’s Senior School as the top performing in Essex and 16th nationally of independent secondary schools without a sixth form. Despite not being a selective school, 38% of GCSE results at St Mary’s were graded at level 9-7 or equivalent (comparable to grades A*-A), compared to the national average of 22% in August 2024. Half or more of the results were graded at 9-7 or equivalent (comparable to grades A*-A) in eight subjects including Physics, Art and Design and Religious Studies in August 2024.

We believe in providing a complete education. As a result we don’t just see excellent academic results, but success across the board, from The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) to public speaking.

Academic success

Rated excellent

St Mary’s was rated excellent by the Independent School Inspectorate (ISI) in February 2023. This ‘Excellent’ rating is the highest award given 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.

The inspection also noted our emphasis on the importance of pastoral care. Inspectors commented on the school’s culture of monitoring pupils’ progress and wellbeing, which allows the girls to develop and express themselves to be reflective learners.

Inspection report

Empowering girls to thrive

We use our expertise in educating girls to empower pupils. We also inspire them to see the world as one full of limitless possibilities. Research shows the environments created by all-girls’ schools can mean girls are less likely to be influenced by negative gender stereotypes. Research also suggests girls in single-sex schools have higher aspirations, greater motivation and are challenged to achieve more.

We offer a brilliantly balanced education at St Mary’s and provide an abundance of opportunities for the girls to grow and develop. As well as challenging the girls academically, we also challenge pupils physically and creatively. Pupils participate in a wide range of sports at the Senior School, from dancing and Duke of Edinburgh’s (DofE) Award expeditions to football and basketball. The girls take part in competitions such as netball tournaments and swimming galas throughout the year, often with great success.

We regard the creative and performing arts highly at St Mary’s and provide a rich arts curriculum and extra-curricular activities. Girls’ confidence in performing grows as a result of a range of drama productions and concerts on offer. These range from small scale drama performances and informal music concerts to spectacular productions and a whole school Carol Service.

Education for life

An environment that is safe in every respect

We know that for girls to achieve their very best they must feel confident, relaxed and secure. Pupils thrive when they are happy. Our pastoral support is therefore at the centre of all we do. We spend time getting to know every girl and their families, and when students join us at the Senior School we assign them a buddy. They then become part of a buddy family consisting of a girl from each year.

Carefully chosen and trained Year 11 girls act as Listeners to provide peer support. Staff are also all trained in the area of wellbeing. We have many initiatives in place to support the welfare of our students and really do believe that happy girls are high achievers.

Pastoral care

A truly independent secondary school in Colchester, Essex

We’re the only truly independent secondary school in Colchester, Essex with charitable status. This means all fees go to providing the outstanding education we offer here, with no profits to owners or shareholders.

We’re also the only single-sex independent school in Colchester and are experts in contemporary girls’ education. We’re part of the Independent Schools Association (ISA) and the Girls’ Schools Association (GSA).

About us

We look forward to welcoming you

So if you’re looking to find the best secondary 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 Senior School. You may also receive recommendations from others. Nothing will give you a better insight than visiting the school yourself however.

Our main entry point to the Senior School is in Year 7. Pupils from St Mary’s Lower School and siblings of girls already at the school get priority when offering places. We therefore advise you to contact us as early as possible if you would like to explore the possibility of a place for your daughter at St Mary’s.

Girls may be able to join other year groups up to the start of Year 10, if a place is available. 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 for your daughter. If you have any questions at any point, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Open Days and Tours

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Meet a group of St Mary’s Senior School Colchester pupils

Year 7 girls give an insight into their first year at St Mary’s and what to expect as a new starter.

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

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Highest number of girls

age 11-16 enrolled of any independent school within a 20 mile drive of our Senior School

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Pupils reach excellent levels of attainment in lessons, work and public examinations From ISI inspection report 2023 - rated 'excellent'

School Life

Get an overview of life in St Mary’s Senior School

Curriculum

Find out more about our outstanding academic provision

Enrichment

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