St Mary’s School Ascot – Reviews, Rankings And More
St Mary’s School Ascot is a school known for its exceptional education, nurturing environment, and transformative educational journey. This ultimate guide reveals the outstanding qualities and accomplishments of this prestigious institutions for parents in pursuit of a school with strong pastoral care and academic excellence.
Table of Contents
Key Features of St Mary’s School Ascot
- Boarding: Yes
- Local authority: Windsor and Maidenhead
- Pupils: 403; sixth formers: 123
- Religion: Roman Catholic
- Fees: Day £15,600 per term; Boarding £21,912 per term
- Results: 63% A*/A
St Mary's School Ascot Results
2025 results: 94% at 9-7 level at GCSE, 42% A*/A at A level
2024 results: 91% at 9-7 level at GCSE, 76.9% A*/A at A level
2023 results: 87% at 9-7 level at GCSE, 62% A*/A at A level (92% A*- B)
St Mary’s School Ascot takes great pride in its strong academic outcomes, reflecting a rigorous yet supportive learning environment that encourages intellectual curiosity and academic ambition. The school offers a broad and carefully structured curriculum designed to provide students with a well-rounded education, while also allowing increasing opportunities for specialisation as they progress through the school.
Core subjects at St Mary’s include English, Mathematics, Science, and History, which form the foundation of the academic programme. These subjects are taught with a clear emphasis on critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication, equipping students with essential skills for further study and future success. Language learning also plays a key role, with students able to study French, Spanish, German, and Latin, supporting linguistic confidence and cultural awareness.
Alongside this, St Mary’s offers a wide range of humanities subjects, including Geography, Religious Studies, and Politics, enabling students to develop a deeper understanding of the world around them and the societies in which they live. This breadth ensures that students receive a balanced education across both STEM and humanities disciplines.
At the heart of the school’s approach is a student-centred teaching philosophy. Lessons are dynamic and interactive, with teachers encouraging active participation through discussion, collaboration, and practical projects. Modern educational technology is thoughtfully integrated alongside traditional teaching methods, enhancing engagement and supporting effective learning across all subject areas.
Boarding Facilities in St Mary’s School Ascot
With regards to boarding facilities, St Mary’s School Ascot offers exceptional facilities that provide a comfortable and nurturing home away from home for its boarding students. The school’s boarding houses are designed to create a warm and supportive environment, promoting both academic and personal growth. Some key features of the boarding facilities include:
- Accommodation: The boarding houses are well-equipped and offer various types of accommodation, including 64 modern single rooms and shared rooms. Each room is designed to provide privacy and comfort, with modern amenities and study spaces.
- Dining: St Mary’s provides nutritious and well-balanced meals for boarding students, ensuring they have access to healthy food throughout the day. The dining facilities offer a wide range of food options to cater to different dietary preferences and requirements.
- Supervision and Safety: The boarding houses have a secure and supervised environment, ensuring the safety and well-being of all students. Trained staff are available round-the-clock to address any concerns or emergencies.
- Common Areas: The boarding houses have communal areas where students can relax, socialise, and engage in various recreational activities. These spaces encourage friendship and camaraderie among boarders.
Extracurricular Activities in St Mary's
St Mary’s School Ascot offers a diverse range of extracurricular activities that complement its academic programme and contribute to the holistic development of students. These extracurricular opportunities are designed to help students explore their interests, develop their talents, and build valuable skills beyond the classroom.
Sports and Physical Well-being
St Mary’s School Ascot offers a dynamic and diverse range of sports extracurricular activities, catering to students with varying interests and skill levels. The school’s sports programme is designed to encourage physical fitness, teamwork, sportsmanship, and a lifelong love for sports. All girls participate in hockey, netball, tennis, and athletics in Year 7, in addition to gymnastics, swimming, cross-country running, and cricket. Other choices, such as the fitness centre, basketball, volleyball, badminton, Zumba, yoga, Pilates, and football, are available beginning in Year 9. All year long, private tennis and athletic event instruction is offered.
Numerous paid optional activities are available, such as karate, fencing, trampolining, squash, ballet, and modern dance. If necessary, the school may further arrange for coaching in other sports, such as golf, polo, and table tennis. Ultimately, these teams would compete in inter-school competitions and championships, allowing students to showcase their talents and represent the school with pride.
Arts and Music
St Mary’s has a vibrant arts and music programme, offering activities such as choir, orchestra, dance, drama productions, and art clubs. Students can showcase their creativity and talent through various performances and exhibitions. The school’s commitment to the arts fosters a supportive environment where students can develop their talents, gain confidence, and appreciate the value of creativity. Its music ensembles including choirs, orchestras, and bands, catering to different levels of skill and experience where students have the chance to perform in concerts and events, showcasing their musical talents.
Teaching and Learning in St Mary’s School Ascot
St Mary’s School Ascot offers a strong academic programme in a supportive environment.
In Years 7 to 9, students study a wide range of subjects. These include English, Maths, Sciences, History, Geography, Latin, Religious Studies, Art, Music, and Drama. From Year 8, they can also try out modern languages like Spanish, German, or Italian. There’s even an option to explore Mandarin after school. Greek is introduced in Year 9 for those interested.
By Years 10 and 11, students begin their IGCSEs. Most take ten subjects. Everyone studies core subjects like English Language, English Literature, Maths, a science, Religious Studies, and at least one modern language. On top of that, students choose three more subjects based on their interests.
In the Sixth Form, students usually begin with four A Levels and continue with three in their final year. They choose from a wide mix of subjects across sciences, humanities, and the arts. They also take part in General Religious Studies, electives, and the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), which helps develop research and independent study skills.
The school’s teaching style is structured but encouraging. Teachers challenge students to think deeply and take academic risks, but with the support to succeed. This balance helps students achieve strong exam results and entry into competitive universities.
Admissions Process: Entering St Mary’s School Ascot
Each year, the school takes approximately 65 new students. The admission itself is by the school’s own entrance exams, an interview, and a report from the existing school. The exams include English, maths, and a general paper (graded spelling, non-verbal puzzles or listening skill) for those at 11+, English, maths, science, RS, history or geography, Latin, and a modern language for those at 13+. While parents must remain competitive due to a significant number of applicants, it is important to note that St Mary’s can be selective in a sense where future students must be Catholic, seeking girls-only education and looking for full-boarding.
SEN Support
Listed are some of the special education needs that the school supports:
- Dyslexia
- Dyspraxia
- Hearing Impairment
St Mary's Testimonial and Reviews
An exceptional school with dedicated teachers and a nurturing environment. My child has thrived here, and I’m impressed by the well-rounded education they provide. The school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities that keep the students engaged and motivated. I highly recommend this school to any parent looking for a top-notch educational experience.
I couldn’t be happier with the quality of education my child is receiving at this school. The teachers are passionate about their subjects and go above and beyond to support their students’ growth. The school’s emphasis on individualized learning has helped my child excel academically and build strong character. A truly fantastic institution!
This school is a gem in our community. The facilities are outstanding, and the staff is incredibly friendly and approachable. The school fosters a positive and inclusive atmosphere where every student feels valued. I’ve seen a remarkable improvement in my child’s confidence and overall academic performance since joining. Definitely deserving of five stars!
I am continually impressed by the commitment of the school’s leadership to innovation and progress. The curriculum is forward-thinking and prepares students for the challenges of the modern world. The teachers are not only knowledgeable but also caring mentors who genuinely care about their students’ success. I’m grateful my child is part of such an excellent educational institution.
Frequently Asked Questions about St Mary's School Ascot
The school accepts about 65 pupils each year. Entry is at 11+ (our main intake), 13+ or 16+ and is by the school’s own entrance examination, an interview and a report from the current school. About 40 pupils are admitted to Year 7 (11+), 20 to Year 9 (13+) and about 5 to the Sixth Form (16+).
The school remains inspired to this day by the aims and mission of Mary Ward, the founder of the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which established St Mary’s School in Ascot in 1885.
380 pupils
In 1885 Mother M Joseph Edwards opened a House in Ascot, named after Our Lady of the Snows, a name of which Mary Ward was particularly fond. St Mary’s School opened with just 19 pupils under the Headship of Sister Veronica Lund (1885-91).
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