Frequently Asked Questions

Here is a selection of questions we are often asked. If you have a query that is not listed here, please fill in the form on the Contact Us page and we will get back to you with an answer.

What is the average class size?

The average class size at St. Mary’s is 16. This gives a high staff to student ratio, which means each girl gets individual attention and a tailored plan to help develop her potential to the maximum.

What are the exam results like?

St. Mary’s consistently achieves excellent examination results which are higher than the national average. In 2010, the girls achieved 97% A* to C grades for GCSEs with 57% A* or A grades and an average of 9.5 each. The 2010 A level results had a 95% pass rate with 52% A*, A or B grades. All the girls achieved their university places.

What are the computer and Internet facilities like, are they monitored?

At St. Mary’s we believe that IT skills are crucial to learning in the 21st century and we have a programme to continually review and upgrade the IT resources. The provision of IT equipment in all teaching and learning areas is generous. There are whiteboards and laptops as well as standard PCs, a fast broadband connection to the Internet with both wired and wireless connections and a new school network. We also use parentmail, a system for communicating via email with parents. The girls’ use of IT is monitored to prevent any unauthorised internet access.

Is the school clean, well-kept, litter and graffiti free?

We have a range of modern purpose-built and older traditional buildings at St. Mary’s and a regular programme of maintenance and repair to ensure the school stays at its best. The grounds are delightful and a small team of gardeners works hard to provide excellent playing fields and gardens for the girls. We believe that a clean well-kept school encourages the girls to treat it with respect and appreciation and to take responsibility for their own environment.

What is the turnover of staff?

St. Mary’s has a highly committed staff of around 50. Staff turnover in the last academic year was 5%, and we are consistently significantly below the national rate of around 13% per annum. This ensures continuity can be maintained, although some movement is healthy, bringing in fresh insights and new ideas.

How involved are parents with the school?

We have a thriving parents association called the SMA (St. Mary’s Association) which holds social and fundraising events throughout the year, contributing a great deal to the St. Mary’s community. There are also regular parent meetings where individual progress is discussed and termly reports on every pupil for each subject they are studying. Teachers are also happy to discuss any individual concerns that parents may have from time to time.

Where do pupils go on to? How many go to University?

Over the last five years, 100% of our sixth formers have gone on to university and we have a well-established and efficient system to help them decide which course and university would best suit each girl. A list of universities attended and courses studied by St. Mary’s pupils over the last three years is available on the Academics Results page of this website. The careers room is very well-stocked and we have a programme of careers advice to guide and inform the girls about all the possible options available to them.

What is the pastoral care like, who is responsible to whom, and are problems spotted early?

Pastoral care is a strength of St. Mary’s. We have a carefully monitored system so that girls always know where to go with any issue and we can identify potential problems before they arise. An experienced team of form tutors, deputy form tutors and Section Heads underpins the pastoral care structure, which was rated outstanding in the most recent school inspection. A trained school counsellor is also available and all the teachers are experienced in pastoral care. The pastoral system is effective and provides a caring and nurturing environment for all pupils.

Is a copy of the ISC inspection report available?

Copies of the latest St. Mary’s School Inspection reports can be downloaded from the home page of this website or are available on request from the school office (01753 883370). The most recent whole school inspection report issued was in March 2007 and we received a glowing report! The most recent Early Years inspection took place in 2008 and St. Mary's was rated outstanding in every category.

Are lunches provided and cooked on the premises?

We have a team of external caterers who produce a delicious and varied range of meal options for the girls to choose from. There is a choice of hot meals and a well-stocked salad bar every day and vegetarians are well catered for. School lunches are healthy, nutritious and popular with both pupils and staff.

Are the staff friendly, approachable and warm?

St. Mary’s staff are inspiring and enthusiastic teachers who are committed to providing the best education possible for the girls. The recent school inspection commented on the excellent relationships and respect between teachers and pupils. The girls know that they can always approach any member of staff with a query.

How are children expected to behave?

Girls are expected to be well-behaved at all times. We place particular emphasis on self-discipline, tolerance and consideration for others. We have high expectations and high standards of behaviour for everyone connected to St. Mary’s. Visitors frequently comment on how well-behaved and happy the girls are and on how well they conduct themselves.

What extracurricular activities are available?

We have a wide and varied range of extracurricular activities and events at St. Mary’s so that there is something for everyone, no matter where her interests may lie. Many sporting clubs exist, for both teams and individuals, together with a diverse array of other activities from kick boxing and chess to cookery and chamber singing. Drama and Music are popular here and many girls have individual instrument tuition.

What arrangements are there for looking after children before and after school?

We have arrangements in place both before and after school so girls can be supervised and cared for between 8.00am and 6.00pm. The after-school supervised prep in Senior House is a time for completing homework or quiet study; a range of activities are available for Junior House girls in Busy Bees.

Does St. Mary’s have links with any other schools?

We have many links throughout the community and several of these are with neighbouring schools. We run a gifted and talented programme with Robertswood Primary School with regular meetings and activities. Every year we run a French Verse Speaking competition with about 20 local schools coming to take part. We also put on occasional events such as a drum masterclass with Carl Palmer and Thinking Skills competitions. We also maintain close links with Thorpe House and Gayhurst School, whose pupils often attend our disco events.

Are girls allowed to leave school during the day?

The girls’ security is of paramount importance. Only sixth form girls are allowed to leave the school premises during the day and they are required to sign out and in if they do so.

What is the Head Teacher like?

The Head Teacher is vital to the character and success of any school. At St. Mary’s we have the Headmistress, Deputy Head and Management Team who all play key roles in the running and development of the school. They are a very experienced and dedicated team, committed to the well-being of every girl at St. Mary’s. The best way to get to know them is to visit the school and meet them face to face. We would be happy to arrange a tour of the school at a time convenient for you.

What time does the school day start and finish?

The school day starts in both Junior and Senior Houses with registration at 8.40am and finishes after afternoon registration at 3.40pm. Junior House finishing times vary with Nursery ending at 3.00pm, Junior Prep at 3.15pm, Year 1 at 3.20pm and Year 2 at 3.30pm.