St Mary's School for Girls

Eight pupils began the story of St Mary's School for Girls in 1908, and that small beginning still gives the present community a sense of continuity. Kindergarten, Lower School and Senior School stages educate girls from the early years onwards, with an independent character and a deliberate focus on learning designed for girls. In Colchester, the senior setting has grown without losing the intimacy of its origins.

Small classes support a broad curriculum and a visible emphasis on intellectual curiosity. Mathematics, sciences, English, languages, Latin and Classics, geography, history, religious studies, computing, art, drama, music, food and technology all feature. Subject knowledge is connected to investigation, debate, problem-solving and creative work, while the lower years prepare pupils for the senior programme.

Pastoral life is shaped by close relationships and purposeful pupil roles. Induction, buddy arrangements and familiarisation sessions help new families settle in. Senior Buddies and trained Listeners support younger pupils, while Girls on Board and the Head Smart Wellbeing Ambassador programme give friendship and wellbeing a practical structure. School Councils, charity work, Eco School activity and Round Square membership add service and pupil voice.

Year 7 is the main senior entry point, with possible places in other years up to Year 10. English, mathematics, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning form the entrance assessment, which helps understand suitability and setting rather than making the school selective. Academic, arts and sports scholarships, the Principal's Award, experience days and visits complete an admissions route built around knowing the pupil as well as testing readiness.