St Mary's School for Girls
11+ Admissions Guide 2026
How to get into St Mary's School for Girls
Gender
Age Range
3–16 years
School Size
419 pupils
Location
Essex
About St Mary's School for Girls
St Mary's School is an independent day school for female pupils, operating across two sites located around three miles apart. The lower school, for pupils aged 3 to 11, is home to a co-educational Nursery known as Kindergarten, while older pupils aged 11 to 16 are based at the senior school site. The school is a registered charity governed by a board of governors, and is a member of Round Square, an organisation built around the educational philosophy of Kurt Hahn. The school aims to tailor education so that every pupil is encouraged to thrive, developing a love of learning alongside creative, sporting, and other talents. It seeks to instil values of respect and courtesy, and to foster a positive, can-do attitude that prepares pupils well for life ahead. The school community draws mostly from local families with professional backgrounds. The school recognises and supports pupils with a range of special educational needs and disabilities, including dyslexia and dyspraxia, and provides additional help for those who need it. Support is also available for pupils for whom English is an additional language, and the curriculum is adapted to stretch the most able pupils in the school.
Leadership
Head
Mrs Nicola Griffiths
Proprietor
St Mary’s School (Colchester) Ltd
Ages & Pupils
3–16
Age range (years)
419
Total pupils
Contact
Qualifications Offered
ISI Inspection
Excellent
Academic achievement
Last inspected 10 February 2026
Routine Inspection
Personal Development
ExcellentCompliance
Met