Entry procedure

The school provides a broad academic education for girls between the ages of 3 and 18. Entry to Junior House is into the Nursery at 3 years. Entry to Senior House is at 10+, 11+ and 16+. St Mary’s Junior pupils transfer to Senior House at 10+. Girls may enter the school at other stages if places are available.

For Nursery and Junior Prep, offers are made on a ‘first come first served’ basis with no assessment; a familiarisation session follows acceptance of the offer. Later entry to Junior House involves an informal assessment day, during which girls are assessed in Numeracy, Literacy and (from 7+) Non-Verbal Reasoning.

The Senior school draws its pupils at 11+ from a wide range of maintained primary and preparatory schools, within a radius of approximately 15 miles.

Entry is selective at 11+ by assessment (English, Mathematics, Verbal/Non-Verbal Reasoning) and interview (usually in small groups) appropriate to the age/year of pupils. At 16+ entry is based on academic ability and GCSE results (5 A* - C passes, preferably with Bs or above in chosen A Level subjects) and interview. At other stages and times the same process will apply, as appropriate to the age of the candidate seeking entry. At each stage of entry (except Early Years) references are required from the candidate’s current school and will be influential in the decision-making process. Ultimately, all pupils will normally be expected to take 8 – 11 GCSEs and 3 – 4 A Levels. The ability profile in the school is wider than that in the surrounding Buckinghamshire grammar schools.

We are an equal opportunities School.

SEPTEMBER 2008 ENTRY
NURSERY/RECEPTION Familiarisation sessions January 2008
JUNIOR/SENIOR Assessment Tests – 30 & 31 January 2008
11+/16+ Scholarship Examinations – 1 February 2008