Admissions

Please click here to download the registration form.

General

The school aims to develop the academic and personal potential of the individual and to build character and self esteem, through small class teaching, in a grammar school style education with a broad, balanced curriculum supported by excellent resources and facilities. Girls are admitted to the school where they have the potential to match the current pupils’ achievement profile, at the various Key Stages, including GCSE and A Level. The ability range extends from average to exceptional. Opportunities are offered for the development of high standards in extra-curricular activities such as music, drama, games, and dance. The school has an Anglican Foundation and has been granted designation as a school with a specific religious character. The Christian values which inform the life of the school include respect for members of other faith communities. Pupils from all or no faiths are welcomed. All GCSE pupils take the Religious Studies Short Course which is a half GCSE.


Waiting Lists

Where places are over-subscribed in the annual Assessment Tests, waiting lists will apply in an academic rank order and, in the event of the impossibility of distinguishing between two candidates, the order in which parents registered their daughters will be taken into account. Where offers are made at other times in the year, subject to a place becoming available (this may occur mid-year for various reasons such as a move into the area), candidates will be added to the waiting list.


Internal Transfer

St Mary's pupils in Y5 transfer automatically into Senior House, although occasionally it is appropriate to advise parents of struggling pupils to consider other schools for their Secondary education. The expectation is that St Mary's pupils in Y11 will proceed through into the Sixth Form, going on to university/college. Any pupil struggling academically at this stage will be advised appropriately; the school seeks to provide for them where possible.


Sibling Policy

The school seeks to admit siblings where Assessment results are positive; however, where places are over-subscribed, siblings will be placed on a waiting list in the order of application for the place.


How to apply

Open Days, Scholarships and the annual Assessment Day are advertised in the local press and disseminated to feeder schools. Parents may telephone, fax or email the school at any time, requesting a prospectus and/or a visit. The Registrar will arrange a visit to the school which will include a full tour of the facilities and a talk with the Headmistress; parents are invited to bring their daughters with them if they can. A ‘Taster Day’ for the girl may be arranged at parents’ request: this gives the opportunity to get to know the school at close hand and carries no obligation on either side. If parents request a place for Nursery/Junior Prep or an Assessment for their daughter to enter at other levels, the school requires the completed Registration form and fee in advance. Offers based on Assessments are made available to parents as soon as possible. Offers may be made verbally but are always confirmed in writing. Girls with Special Learning Needs e.g. dyslexia, are accepted into the school if the school feels it can support the girl appropriately. Learning Support teachers are employed by the school.


Notice of withdrawal

Parents are required to give one full term's notice of withdrawal in writing to the Headmistress. Notice may be given no later than the first day of the pupil's final term.