About

A message from St Mary’s Principal, Mrs Nicola Griffiths

Welcome to St Mary’s Colchester, an independent all-girls school in north Essex for girls age 3-16 with a Kindergarten for children age 3-4. As you explore our website, you’ll find out more about St Mary’s and the enlightened, empowering and complete education we provide, designed specifically for girls to thrive.

We believe that girls are remarkable and have different educational needs. At St Mary’s, your daughter will be inspired, build resilience, advance academically, learn what interests her and grow. We understand that the girls’ wellbeing matters and is critical to achieving. Girls at St Mary’s are not only self-confident and capable, but also kind and considerate.

We know that as parents, you want the world for your daughter – and so do we. And when she leaves us she’ll be empowered to rise to the challenges and the opportunities the world presents.

Arrange a visit to find out more about St Mary’s

I hope that as you explore our website you’ll get a feel for the unique character of our school. You’ll find plenty of information on our website but people find that by visiting us they get the best insight into all we have to offer.

So please take a look at whether you can make one of our upcoming Open Days or arrange an individual tour at a time that’s convenient to you, to find out more about St Mary’s and the excellent education we provide.

Visit us to find out more about the benefits of an all-girls school education

Research shows many benefits of an all-girls school education, including higher academic achievement, freedom from stereotypes, higher aspirations, increased confidence and improved mental wellbeing. Having taught in a variety of schools, I am passionate about all-girls schools and the benefits they bring, and would welcome you to visit us to find out more.

Learn more about St Mary’s, a truly independent school in Colchester, North Essex

We are proud to have charitable status, meaning all fees are reinvested into the school. We are also truly independent, with no owners or shareholders. A committed governing body oversee the running of the school to ensure we provide a high-quality education and a positive learning environment.

Find out more about St Mary’s and the academically outstanding education we provide

I am immensely proud that The Sunday Times ranked St Mary’s Lower School as the 12th highest-performing preparatory school in England. Many girls achieve scholarships to senior school and we have an impressive 11+ pass rate for those who choose to sit the exam.

At the Senior School we see fantastic GCSE results each year. We’re able to achieve such success by tailoring the education to suit the needs of each individual in our small classes and by giving the girls the encouragement and support they need to aim high.

Visit us to understand more about St Mary’s and the wealth of opportunities on offer

I’m a strong believer that success in life comes from more than just impressive exam results. At St Mary’s we offer a brilliantly balanced education in order to develop exceptionally well-rounded individuals.

A huge variety of clubs, enrichment activities, music and drama productions, visits and international travel experiences are on offer to the girls, giving them ample opportunity to learn new skills and develop talents.

There are numerous positions of responsibility available to the girls, which help develop their leadership skills. We also foster team spirit through initiatives such as the School Council and School Houses.

Arrange a visit to find out more about St Mary’s and our positive environment that enables pupils to thrive

For young people to thrive I firmly believe they must feel confident, relaxed and secure. Every child is known and understood and the girls feel comfortable challenging themselves and asking questions.

Before children even start at St Mary’s we take time to get to know them and their families. We have initiatives in place from induction programmes to buddy systems to help pupils settle in.

There’s a positive culture at St Mary’s and we believe in instilling the values of respect and courtesy. Through our charity and outreach work the students develop a strong sense of community. We are a leading Eco School and the students get a strong sense of caring for the environment as a result. As a global member of the Round Square Organisation, the pupils also benefit from our international links.

In this positive environment that our pupils develop the strength of character and the self-belief they need to thrive.

Mrs Nicola Griffiths

ST MARY’S PRINCIPAL