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

TOP
non-selective school in Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk based on GCSE attainment 8 scores (based on how well pupils in a school have performed in up to 8 qualifications across key subjects)

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
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
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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Year 11 St Mary's pupil Earns Honours List Recognition in Immerse Education Essay Competition

19 November 2025

Emily Earns Prestigious Honours List Recognition in Global Immerse Education Essay Competition

Congratulations to Emily in Year 11 who has been included in the Honours List in the Immerse Education Essay Competition! Based on the brief ‘write about a medical breakthrough from the...

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St Mary's Kindergarten in Colchester extension official opening event

13 November 2025

St Mary’s Celebrates Official Opening of New Kindergarten Extension

St Mary’s Kindergarten and Lower School is celebrating a new chapter of growth and opportunity following the official opening of its brand-new Kindergarten extension to enhance provision and created in response...

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Pupils at all-girls' school St Mary's achieved outstanding results in their GCSEs in 2025

5 November 2025

Government Data Confirms St Mary’s as Leading Non-Selective School in Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk for GCSE Attainment 8 Score

St Mary’s has been ranked the top non-selective school in Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk based on the GCSE attainment 8 score released by the Government. The national Attainment 8 scores are...

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Camille-age-9-was-thrilled-to-meet-Victoria Ohuruogu at St Mary's and hold her Olympic medal

15 October 2025

Olympic Sprinter Victoria Ohuruogu Inspires Next Generation at Empowering Girls Talk

On Saturday 11 October, St Mary’s Senior School proudly hosted the latest event in our Empowering Girls talk series, welcoming Olympic medallist Victoria Ohuruogu to share her powerful story of resilience,...

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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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