In March 2011 the Government’s independent inspecting body, OFSTED, concluded that “excellence permeates throughout” St Mary’s boarding. The School received an Outstanding rating in all six categories of the boarding inspection - an accolade that the visiting inspector had never previously awarded to an institution in nine years of inspecting.

OFSTED inspectors spent three days observing the lives of boarders, following their daily routine, lessons, meal times and after school activities to finally award this outstanding judgement.

Among many highlights of the report, the following comments stand out:

Life in boarding:

“Excellence permeates throughout this boarding inspection. There is a genuine respect for the uniqueness of each girl, nurturing their talents and supporting them to achieve in all areas of their lives, not just academically. Girls are happy, courteous, confident and enjoy boarding. Excellence, passion and enthusiasm extends throughout all areas of school.”

“Boarders receive an excellent range of support and opportunities that encourages them to achieve both educationally and socially. There is a strong commitment to enabling each girl to fulfil her potential. The school provides an exceptional approach to encouraging self worth and each individual's talents. The wide variety of extra curricular activities focuses on in-house enrichment. Girls can pursue their interests and talents an afternoon each week, alongside lunch times and after school activities. Boarders greatly benefit from engaging in sport, recreational activities and hobbies that are new to them.”

The boarding family:
“The school provides boarders with an exceptionally strong integrated support system. All boarding staff offer pastoral and academic assistance in a range of
subjects.”

“Staff concern for boarders extends beyond their daily roles.”

“Boarders state one of the things they love about the school is their strong friendships. Older girls provide exceptional support to younger students.”

“The school maintains positive relationships between themselves and boarders' families. The Head of Boarding regularly sends parents newsletter updates on boarding life. There is a very good understanding of the need for private parental contact.”

This result builds on two previous outstanding reports from OFSTED boarding in 2008 and the Independent Schools Inspectorate full school inspection in 2010. St Mary’s has been awarded five outstanding ratings from independent inspecting bodies in the past four years. All commend the School’s excellent pastoral care and pupils’ personal development.

The full copy of the OFSTED inspection report is available below.