The Sixth Form at St Mary's brings together everything that is best about the school. In practice, there is always so much happening that you will find you are busier than you could have thought possible. We encourage and place a great emphasis on independence in the Sixth Form and you will learn the valuable skill of juggling effective work habits with challenging extra-curricular involvement.

As a small Sixth Form (about 100 girls in all), we enable each individual to flourish in a way that is quite unique. As a Sixth Former, you are much in demand to take a lead in working with those lower in the school and thus there are very real opportunities for you to learn how to lead others, work in a team and uncover what it is that you do best.

St Mary's is and will always be like home to me. I have never felt out of place or judged here as St Mary's welcomes everybody no matter who you are or where you come from. St Mary's has inspired many students to go above and beyond in school as well as in the wider community. St Mary's is full of exciting new opportunities ranging from assisting the pilgrims in Lourdes to debating with students from other countries during MUNA. Students are encouraged to take part in all aspects of school life. This includes being involved musically, dramatically, in sports and in academics. St Mary's not only provides girls of all ages with the best education, but it also gives girls the best start in life. The staff at St Mary's are all completely committed to helping students realise what they are capable of. The exceptional pastoral care we receive from the staff gives us the confidence and enthusiasm to set high goals for ourselves and aim to achieve them. I have nothing but fond memories of my life at St Mary's as it has been a joy to be a part of such a caring and passionate community. St Mary's is enriched with individuality and it embraces all of the different traits that different students have to offer. I am extremely proud to be one of the Head Girls of such an outstanding school.

Megan Edwards, Head Girl

Arriving at St Mary's in Year 7 from a Royston school, I knew nobody. Looking back, I am amazed I was not more terrified, but the friendliness of the staff filled the atmosphere. They knew my name and made me feel wanted. Every person has something they can be good at, whether it is academic study, singing, acting, design, sewing or kindness and caring for others. St Mary's values this and allows each of us to develop our individual talents, and therefore our self esteem, and also to recognise the variety of talents in others.

I am studying Science A Levels with the hope of reading Medicine at University, but I also love playing the flute. The wonderful team spirit I have experienced in Senior Orchestra and Jazz Band means I have got to know many people throughout the School, both older and younger, and being given the experience of conducting last year meant a lot to me. I also lead a flute quartet working closely with girls from all years. It is the sense of community and support which has made me so happy at St Mary's.

Emily May, Head Girl

There are many things about this school that make me glad I chose it, (excluding the covenant between student and teacher of work in exchange for qualifications) namely and perhaps most importantly, the atmosphere. I know how much of a cliche this seems, but I intend to counteract this cliche with the destruction of another: St Mary's is a place where people enjoy school. Re-reading that sentence, it seems an invitation for revolution but in all honesty, I think it's time this taboo met its habit wearing, crucifix baring match.

St Mary's has always been a community that finds a way to suit everybody. Upon arriving at St Mary's I was astounded by the efficacy of the teaching, the range of activities and the level of pastoral care. Aside from all these factors, St Mary's is a place that manages to bring out the best in people, both in confidence and in academic excellence. Induction day was a mixture of confusion at the lack of boys and a day in which I truly embraced the "rabbit in headlights" look. Nonetheless, there are those people in St Mary's who always find a way to put you at ease and help you to settle in. Having been here four years I have to say that if I could do it all again I definitely would, although I would probably tuck my shirt in this time...

Daniella Scott, Head Girl