UK Boarding Schools | Independent Schools | Private Schools

Treating every girl as an individual
St Mary’s Cambridge is a Catholic school with a long tradition of welcoming girls from all faiths, backgrounds and nationalities. Our girls are renowned for the way they care for each other and the world outside. Their happy, friendly self-confidence is evident and their achievements, whether academic, sporting or cultural, are impressive. The most important thing to us is the uniqueness of each girl: each girl is genuinely cared for, known, guided and appreciated, and valued for who she is.

Outstanding boarding
Our boarding house combines excellent facilities with a warm family atmosphere. In 2011 our boarding care and facilities achieved an ‘outstanding’ rating in all six categories from the UK Government’s official inspection body OFSTED. The report commented: “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.”

Encouraging every girl to flourish
We believe that single-sex education provides a calm, purposeful environment for girls to develop. Our teachers ensure that every girl feels valued and achieves her best. Academic excellence and strong pastoral care go hand in hand with a sense of fun that enables girls to be themselves.

An ideal location
Our popular location in the heart of Cambridge means boarders can enjoy the lively cultural and academic life of this beautiful university city. We are close to the railway station, with fast trains to London. Stansted, Heathrow and Gatwick Airports are all within easy reach.

Never bored in boarding
Weekend activities include ice-skating, trips to the theatre and museums, visiting London and trips to indoor ski slopes. Sixth-formers enjoy exclusive membership of a local private fitness club. Evening activities include salsa dance classes, yoga and ‘chill-out nights’.

An all-round education
We aim to nurture our students’ self-confidence and self-awareness, knowing that our outstanding creative provision is central to this development. The creative life of St Mary’s is exceptional: we have over 80 extra-curricular clubs a term which offer ample opportunities for everyone to be involved in the wider life of the school. Sport is important, with over 16 activities available, from rowing to hockey and tennis. Our Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme is recognised as one of the best in the country.

Academic excellence
Academic standards are high, and students consistently achieve excellent results in public examinations: 100% pass rate at GCSE and A-level in 2011, with A being the most common grade at all levels; 99% of students achieved five or more A* to C grades at GCSE; 60% of grades at A-level were A* to A. We achieve consistently highly across the range of subjects, so whatever your daughter’s interests they will be well met.

It’s like living with my family. St Mary’s is my second home.
Boarder

St Mary’s School, Cambridge takes part in trials new Shakespeare app

St Mary’s School, Cambridge has been chosen to trial an innovative Explore Shakespeare app launched by the world-famous Cambridge University Press. 

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St Mary's School Cambridge predicts US Election result

Students at St Mary’s School in Cambridge accurately predicted the result of the race to the White House in their mock election campaign more than a week before polling day.

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St Mary's appoints new Head for Junior School

The Governors of St Mary’s School, Cambridge are delighted to announce the appointment of Mr Christepher Hald as Head of Juniors with immediate effect.

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St Mary’s pre-prep building is opened by famous children’s author Shelia Stuart

The Mayor of Cambridge, Sheila Stuart, joined the girls and staff of St Mary's Junior School at the launch of their new pre-prep building in Chaucer Road, Cambridge yesterday (24th October 2012). The building was officially opened by beloved children’s author and creator of Angelina Ballerina, Katharine Holabird.

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St Mary's School Head teacher to experience life as a Sixth Former

For a full week, the St Mary’s head will attend registration, participate in lessons and go to assemblies in order to experience school from a pupil’s perspective.

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Physics flourishes at St Mary's Cambridge School

The findings of a report [1] which show that girls from single sex schools are almost two-and-a-half times more likely to study Physics A-level than girls who attend co-educational schools are supported by Cambridge’s only all-girls’ Sixth Form.

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Scholarships and Bursaries

Scholarships

Scholarships are offered at St Mary's to recognise and celebrate excellence in academic, creative and sporting domains, and commitment and service to the wider community.

With Scholarships come certain responsibilities and obligations. Once the Scholarship is awarded, the Scholar will make a presentation to the Headmistress and a panel (including a Governor representative and relevant Head of Department) with regards to how the Scholarship will be used. The Scholar will report back at the termination of the Scholarship at the Scholars' Presentation Evening & Dinner.

All Scholars will be asked to contribute appropriately to the wider life of the School. For example, Academic Scholars are expected to attend and contribute to our Academic Forums. A Music Scholar is expected to attend School Orchestra and/or Choir as relevant and perform in School Concerts. A Sports Scholar is expected to represent the School Team and attend matches as appropriate in her particular sport. A Drama Scholar is expected to participate in School drama and to take a lead in public performance opportunities. The Arts Scholar will be expected to produce a piece/ pieces of Art for permanent display at School. These School expectations will be discussed with the individual Scholar and her parents/ guardians.

For full information on the Scholarships available at St Mary’s and how to apply contact the Admissions Office, on admissions@stmaryscambridge.co.uk.

Bursaries

Means-tested bursaries are available at St Mary’s. For more information on bursaries and how to apply contact the St Mary’s Bursar on bursar@stmaryscambridge.co.uk.

St Mary's School Cambridge Open days and Events 2013

Please come and visit us for the following events

Action Days

Friday 22nd February 

Friday 10th May

Taster Day

Saturday 8th June 2013 

Open Days

Senior School  - 12th October 2013 

For more information please contact our addmissions office Admissions@stmaryscambridge.co.uk

Gladys Li
St Mary’s School, Cambridge
Age 17
Nationality Chinese
Achievements Deputy Head Boarder

It was a daunting and challenging experience to leave my parents and come to England to pursue my studies. In the first couple of weeks I was scared, frustrated and homesick, but the teachers and students at St Mary’s are very nice and friendly and soon helped me to settle in. The School is not huge and provides a peaceful and cosy environment for students. Boarding in the School has taught me how to get on with people of different cultural backgrounds and of different characters. It is important to live in harmony because we are here to help and support each other. I have also learnt to look after myself when it comes to organising my studies, tidying my room, doing my own laundry, planning how to use my money, etc, which will certainly help me in my future life. In a nutshell, I have gained and developed a lot over the year and I am glad that my parents have given me the opportunity. Therefore, I strongly encourage people to study abroad – it may be costly, but it is worthwhile after all.


Charlotte Henderson
St Mary’s School, Cambridge
Age 14
Nationality British
Achievements Under-14 Netball County Champion; hockey, athletics; guitar

I first came to St Mary’s when I was in Year 7. I am a weekly boarder and enjoy life at St Mary’s very much. Being a weekly boarder I feel that I can learn the different cultures of people that have come from the other side of the world. I keep in touch with friends at home and see them often. Boarding has changed my attitude towards life because I am an only child. I never really had the chance to share, but being in a room with two other girls has given me the opportunity. I feel I am more independent being a boarder because I no longer rely on my parents all the time. St Mary’s is a really homely and loving place and I enjoy it very much.