St Mary's School, Cambridge

Since September 2024, Hannah Helliar. Educated at Woldingham School, where she was head girl, and Brasenose College, Oxford, where she read ancient and modern history. She held a number of roles, including housemistress, head of history and head of

For entry into pre-prep and junior, tests are within a class setting where counting, shape sorting and language skills are observed. ‘My daughter loved every minute of her assessment – I was the anxious one,’ said a parent. The staff look out for

The transition from junior to senior school is more or less automatic. The very few who are clearly unsuited are notified in good time. A sizeable chunk (usually around half though more have stayed on recently) leave after GCSE, generally for the

In 2025, 63 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 54 per cent A*/A at A level (77 per cent A*-B).

Results are impressive for a school that isn’t highly selective. ‘We take a broad spectrum of ability – and relish the challenge!’ says head. The high performance learning (HPL) strategy provides a framework for best practice in teaching and learning

Roughly 250 girls receive some kind of learning support, including those who have help with EAL (roughly half of those from overseas). Most have mild to moderate difficulties including dyslexia and dyscalculia. ‘There is no stigma, lots of us have

Art taken seriously. One of the most popular choices at GCSE and A level, with excellent results and several going on to specialist colleges. Every available space in the studios, stairs and hallway is covered with the girls’ work including a large

The sports programme aims to encourage a healthy lifestyle and love of the outdoors as well as proficiency. From the juniors up girls use the sports ground at Long Road, a short minibus drive away, for hockey, touch rugby and football as well as

Boarders largely international, mostly from south-east Asia. They live in nearby Mary Ward House on the other side of the Botanical gardens – a good five-minute walk back and forth, which girls welcome. ‘Helps to mark the end of the school day,’

Pastoral support comes in for high praise from both girls and their parents. ‘It runs through the place like lettering in a stick of rock,’ said one. A sixth former told us, ‘It’s not a cliquey place, we have our close friends but everyone gets on

A clear mobile phone policy is a really important part of modern schooling. This school has provided us with their policy.

Very Cambridge, so lots of academics, medics and scientists among parent body. Some are old girls, one of whom told us, ‘We left the final choice to our daughter and it’s been perfect for her.’ All in favour of single-sex education, some having

Scholarships offered across the curriculum for nominal amounts, commonly £500. Bursaries (means-tested) are available via the school or through the Royal National Springboard Bursary Scheme. Awards are given up to 110 per cent of fees (to include

An all-girls school under inspirational leadership that offers an excellent education both academically and pastorally. In an atmosphere of acceptance, girls develop strong friendships and the confidence to work and plan for their own futures. Brings