- St Mary’s, a Roman Catholic day and boarding school for girls, was named Public School of the Year 2015 by Tatler. Alumnae include the author Lady Antonia Fraser, the historian Dame Marina Warner, the hotelier and designer Olga Polizzi, and the King’s youngest niece, Lady Louise Mountbatten-Windsor.
- A “supercurriculum” of enrichment activities includes trips to study geography in Iceland, classics in Athens, theatre studies in New York, art history in Paris and Rome, and science in Geneva.
- There is a large selection of clubs and societies, ranging from astronomy and yoga, to Lego and a gender equality discussion group.
- Eminent speakers are welcomed regularly to contribute to an Inspirational Women lecture series. There is a careers advice service and pastoral care is supported by a pet shed full of furry friends.
- Academic and all-rounder scholarships are awarded based on performance in entrance exams and an interview. Sport, music and art scholarships are awarded based on an application, interview, references and a subject-specific assessment. Bursaries are means-tested.
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