Admissions and Entry Procedure

If you are thinking about applying to St Mary’s, we would urge you to come and visit the school. This can be arranged by contacting the registrar, Mrs Pearcey, on 01753 883370 or via email. Our normal visitors’ day is Thursday but you are welcome at any time. You will have a tour of the school and then spend time with the Headmistress, Mrs. Ross, who will be happy to talk to you about the education we offer and answer any queries you may have. You might also like to attend one of our Open Mornings .
The next step is to register your daughter and arrange for her to come in for an assessment. The format of this varies according to her age but we always try to make this occasion as enjoyable and ‘stress free’ as we can! You can find full details in our admissions policy by clicking here.

Please click here to download the registration form.

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 11+ and 16+. From 2012, St Mary’s Junior pupils transfer to Senior House at 11+. Girls may enter the school at other stages if places are available.

For Nursery and Junior Prep, parents are invited to bring their daughter into Nursery for a visit during which the Early Years staff along with the Head of Junior House will observe the child within the Early Years setting and assess their suitability. The Head of Junior House will prepare a report for the Headmistress as a result of which an offer will be made if it is felt that the child would thrive and flourish at St Mary’s. 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. For the Sixth Form, entry is based on academic ability and GCSE results (5 A* - C passes 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.