Business Details
Empowering Girls Through Excellence in Education
St Mary's School empowers girls aged 3 to 18 through a forward-looking education rooted in Christian values. Founded in 1898, we combine academic excellence with holistic development, fostering confidence, curiosity, and community spirit. Our approach prioritises intrinsic motivation, ensuring students thrive both personally and academically. With exceptional ISI inspection results, we offer tailored learning from preschool to sixth form, supported by dedicated staff and state-of-the-art facilities.Our Cambridge location provides a vibrant cultural backdrop, while boarding options create a 'home away from home'. We cultivate responsible global citizens through diverse extracurricular opportunities and a strong emphasis on wellbeing. Over 125 years of experience underpin our commitment to nurturing resilient, self-assured young women prepared for future challenges.
Services
Preschool Education
Junior School Programs
Senior School Curriculum
Sixth Form Studies
Boarding Accommodation
International Student Support
STEM Education
Performing Arts
Sports Development
University Preparation
Highlights and features
- Over 125 years of specialist girls' education experience
- Proven track record of academic excellence with 54% A*/A A-level grades
- Exceptional pastoral care with individualised student support
- Award-winning boarding facilities with 'excellent' ISI rating
- Unique educational philosophy fostering intrinsic motivation
Associations and certifications
- ISI (Independent Schools Inspectorate)
What people say
Resilient, kind, self-confident graduates
Excellent staff support
Supportive and nurturing environment
Exceptional academic results
Vibrant community spirit
Services
Preschool Education
Our preschool nurtures girls aged 3-4 through play-based learning in a purpose-built environment. Experienced educators foster independence and creativity while establishing foundational academic skills. The curriculum balances structured activities with free exploration, preparing children for junior school through social and emotional development.
Sixth Form Studies
Sixth form students pursue A-level qualifications across diverse subjects including sciences, humanities, and creative arts. The program combines academic rigour with university preparation, featuring small class sizes and specialist teaching. Students benefit from leadership opportunities and the Extended Project Qualification to enhance university applications.
Boarding Accommodation
Mary Ward House provides boarding for girls aged 9-18 with modern facilities and 24/7 staff support. The program includes academic assistance, recreational activities, and cultural experiences. Boarders develop independence while maintaining strong pastoral connections through structured wellbeing programs and family-style living environments.
STEM Education
Our STEM program integrates laboratory work with real-world applications across biology, chemistry, physics, and computer science. Students engage in national competitions and research projects, supported by specialist facilities including robotics labs and coding studios. The curriculum emphasizes problem-solving and innovation for future STEM careers.
Performing Arts
The performing arts program includes LAMDA examinations, annual productions, and music ensembles. Students access specialist theatre facilities and receive instruction from industry professionals. The curriculum develops confidence, creativity, and technical skills through practical performance opportunities and theoretical study.
People
Mrs Hannah Helliar
Head Teacher
Mrs Helliar leads St Mary's with over 20 years of experience in girls' education. She champions innovative teaching methods while maintaining academic excellence. Her leadership focuses on student wellbeing and future-readiness.
Miss Elliott
Head of Boarding
Miss Elliott oversees Mary Ward House, creating a supportive residential environment. With expertise in adolescent development, she ensures boarders receive comprehensive pastoral care while developing independent living skills.
Mr Jeremy Pyne
Chair of Governors
Mr Pyne provides strategic leadership as Chair of Governors, drawing on extensive educational governance experience. He ensures the school maintains its charitable mission while adapting to modern educational challenges.
Questions
What age groups does St Mary's School cater for?
We educate girls aged 3 to 18, offering preschool, junior school, senior school, and sixth form programs in one continuous educational pathway.
Does the school offer boarding facilities?
Yes, Mary Ward House provides boarding for girls aged 9-18 with modern accommodation, 24/7 pastoral care, and structured recreational activities in a 'home away from home' environment.
How does the school support international students?
We provide English language support, guardianship assistance, and cultural integration programs. Dedicated staff help international families navigate visa requirements and academic transitions.
What are the school's academic results like?
In 2025, 54% of A-level grades were A*/A and 42% of GCSE grades were 9-8, reflecting our consistent academic excellence across all subject areas.
Are scholarships available?
We offer scholarships for academic excellence, music, sport, art, drama, design, and creative writing, with separate application processes for different age groups.
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