Empowering girls | Independent Girls Schools | St Mary’s Colchester
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Empowering girls

St Mary’s Colchester is an independent school in Essex for girls age 4-16. We provide a complete education designed specifically to empower girls to thrive at school and beyond. We also have a Kindergarten for children age 2-4, where we offer an outstanding academic and all-round pre-school education.

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Experts in educatinggirls

12th
highest performing Prep School in England, ranked by Sunday Times

Pupils’ attainment at the end of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), in National Curriculum tests in Year 6 and at GCSE is excellent.

ISI INSPECTION REPORT

ACADEMIC SUCCESS
16th
highest performing independent secondary school with no sixth form in England, ranked by the Sunday Times

At St Mary’s we empower girls by inspiring them to see the world as one full of limitless possibilities and equipping them with the knowledge, experiences and skills to thrive

MRS NICOLA GRIFFITHS, PRINCIPAL

EDUCATION FOR LIFE
100+
years’ experience in educating girls

The quality of the pupils’ personal development is excellent

ISI INSPECTION REPORT

PASTORAL CARE
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Eadie
EADIE
Mr Lempriere
MR LEMPRIERE
Amandine
AMANDINE
Mrs Sofoluwe
MRS SOFOLUWE

St Mary's Voices

Discover the unique atmosphere of St Mary’s Colchester through the voices of pupils, teachers and parents. Gain valuable insights into our school’s culture, values and educational journey by watching their heartfelt video testimonials.

Testimonials

Higher attainment continues to be seen at single-sex schools, compared with co-ed schools when looking at all subjects.

GSA’S ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT IN GIRLS’ SCHOOLS REPORT

My daughter has made such progress since joining St Mary’s – not only has her academic work improved, but she is confident and happier in her own skin.

ST MARY’S PARENT

Robust research consistently proves that girls’ schools fuel the best futures for young women

DONNA STEVENS, GSA’S CEO

We know that success in life comes from more than just impressive exam results. In addition to a high-quality academic education, we also deliver an all-round education designed specifically for girls to thrive at St Mary’s and in life.

MRS NICOLA GRIFFITHS, PRINCIPAL

I feel very pleased but also relieved that I have done so well in my GCSEs. Returning to school to collect my results today and seeing my teachers who provide such a supportive environment for us to learn in has felt like I’m celebrating with family.

LEXI, FORMER YEAR 11 STUDENT
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News & Updates

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Celebrating young female photographers in St Mary's Through Her Eyes competition

1 October 2025

Celebrating young female photographers in ‘Through Her Eyes’ competition

We are proud to announce the winners of our inaugural Through Her Eyes photography competition – a powerful celebration of how girls see and shape the world around them. Open to...

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A new Principal's Award is available for girls at St Mary's School in Colchester

17 September 2025

Honouring Exceptional Girls: St Mary’s Introduces The Principal’s Award Scholarship

St Mary’s School is proud to highlight the introduction of a prestigious new scholarship – the Principal’s Award – created to celebrate and support exceptional girls who have demonstrated outstanding achievement...

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Victoria Ohuruogu is a guest speaker at St Mary's Colchester

11 September 2025

Olympic medallist, Victoria Ohuruogu to empower girls to discover their inner champion

On Saturday, 11 October 2025 St Mary’s Senior School will host the next event in its Empowering Girls talk series, featuring Track and Field Sprinter Victoria Ohuruogu – a remarkable athlete...

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Pupils celebrating excellent GCSE results for 2025 at St Mary's all-girls' school in Colchester

4 September 2025

More Girls Attending All-Girls’ School St Mary’s

At the start of the new academic year, more girls are attending St Mary’s School than at the start of any academic year over the past decade. This milestone comes as...

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Pupils celebrating excellent GCSE results for 2025 at St Mary's all-girls' school in Colchester

21 August 2025

Significant increase in GCSE grades 9-7 for St Mary’s

Girls at St Mary’s Colchester are celebrating GCSE success with a significant increase in grades 9-7 or equivalent, reflecting the school’s commitment to delivering an empowering and complete education, designed specifically...

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