We excel at educating girls. From teaching and pastoral care to school life, everything at St Mary’s is built for girls.
Read The Top 10 list of reasons to attend a girls' school, as researched by the International Coalition of Girls Schools - it explains exactly why an all girl's educational environment works so well.
As a girls' school we enable girls to build self-confidence, alongside the knowledge and skills they need to reject and overcome gender stereotypes. Whilst academic results open doors for our girls, it is their self-belief, persistence and drive that keeps the door open.
What we offer
- Teaching tailored to girls’ learning styles, needs and developmental stage.
- A space where gender stereotypes cannot thrive, where girls focus on being themselves and defining their place in the world.
- A nurturing environment, full of role models that encourage and inspire girls.
- Every opportunity for girls to take the lead; to be comfortable putting themselves forward.
The facts
Statistics show that girls in single-sex schools achieve higher academic results, compared to their co-ed peers. We believe the benefits are much broader.
As members of the Girls’ School Association (GSA), we offer an approach that empowers girls to pursue their unique path. Studies show that girls in GSA schools are more likely to choose ‘more challenging’ STEM subjects.
Girls in GSA schools are:
- 75% more likely to study Mathematics A Level
- 70% more likely to study Chemistry A Level
- 2.5 times more likely to study Physics A Level
- twice as likely to study languages
"Free from stereotyping, our girls thrive in an environment that allows their intellectual and social confidence to flourish. They dream big - because here girls believe anything is possible. We understand ‘real-life’ isn’t single-sex and our education is well-balanced with the ‘co-ed’ life enjoyed by our students beyond our school gates." Hannah Helliar, Head
Learning styles
Girls and boys mature and learn in different ways. Research shows that girls prefer collaborative working and enjoy problem-solving, but tend to be more self-critical than boys. Our girls benefit from teaching tailored specifically to suit their learning styles, needs and developmental stage.
Beyond gender stereotypes
Research also shows that girls in single-sex schools are less likely to follow gender stereotypes. They select subjects that they enjoy, based on their natural ability. Our girls think beyond stereotypes, combining Physics with Photography, Chemistry with Classics or Mathematics with Mandarin.
Inspiring futures
Our girls do not view any career as closed to them. We encourage them to pursue their unique ambitions, supported by excellent careers advice and work experience opportunities.
Taking the lead
In our small, girls-only classrooms, we offer an environment where intellectual and social confidence can blossom. This builds confidence. Our girls feel comfortable putting themselves forward, taking responsibility and leading.