Attend a St Mary’s Open Day - St Mary’s Colchester
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Attend a St Mary’s Open Day

Find out more about how girls thrive at St Mary’s by reserving a place at an Open Day today.

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We are very proud to share that:

  • 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 Scholarship success
  • St Mary’s was shortlisted for Independent Girls’ School of the Year
A new Principal's Award is available for girls at St Mary's School in Colchester
Children in St Mary's Kindergarten reading

Attend an open day to find out more about what’s New at St Mary’s

Kindergarten

  • Expanding with new classrooms for small group learning
  • New teacher-led lessons for 3-4 year olds

Lower School

  • Enhanced 11+ programme and sports provision
  • New bus service (and more routes from September 2026)
  • Additional classes due to growing demand

A strong academic education

St Mary’s Lower School is the 12th highest performing Prep School in England, as ranked by the Sunday Times. Our pupils achieve outstanding 11+ and 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 are very proud of our pupils’ success in their GCSE examinations. In August 2025, 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.

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.

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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 2025-26

 

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

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 594178 or at registrar@stmaryscolchester.org.uk.

Contact Our Registrar

Mrs Justine Tierney

01206 594178
registrar@stmaryscolchester.org.uk

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