When this school was founded in 1872 by the Community of St Mary the Virgin, educational opportunities for girls remained limited. Now, over 150 years later, St Mary's has evolved into one of Buckinghamshire's most respected all-through girls' schools. Situated in the pleasant residential surroundings of Gerrards Cross, just 20 minutes by train from London, the school educates approximately 350 pupils across all phases, from Little St Mary's nursery (ages 3) through Cedar House Sixth Form. The school blends its Anglican heritage with contemporary educational excellence, admitting girls of all faiths and backgrounds. Under the leadership of Head Mr Lars Fox, the school has invested significantly in modern facilities while preserving the character of its historic setting.
The campus reflects the school's evolution across nearly two centuries. Orchehill House, the original building relocated here in 1937, provides traditional architecture with period features. Alongside it stand modern additions: Cherry Tree House, opened in 2018 with state-of-the-art technology; Cedar House, the purpose-built Sixth Form centre completed in 2016; and Little St Mary's Early Years building, a bright, colourful facility with dedicated outdoor play areas featuring adventurous equipment. The blend of old and new creates a campus that feels both established and forward-thinking.
Visiting the school during the school day reveals an organised, purposeful atmosphere. Girls move confidently through corridors. Teachers greet pupils by name. The learning environment feels genuinely warm, without the formality that can sometimes characterize girls' independent schools. Parents consistently report that individual attention defines the experience here; staff know not only their pupils' strengths but also their vulnerabilities, and issues are rarely overlooked.
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The school remains rooted in its Church of England tradition. A Chapel is actively used for worship, and religious education permeates the curriculum. Yet the school explicitly welcomes girls of all denominations and faiths. This balance between Christian tradition and genuine inclusivity allows the school to maintain institutional identity without exclusivity. The school's values emphasise academic achievement but also kindness, respect, and personal development. Small class sizes, intentionally maintained at manageable numbers, foster the kind of teacher-pupil relationships that allow personalized learning.
At GCSE level, the school's results reveal solid achievement within the independent school context. In 2024, 50% of grades achieved 9-7, positioning performance comfortably above the England average. The school ranks 3489th in England for GCSE results (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the typical performance band, in line with the middle 35% of schools. While this may not place it among the elite independent schools, it reflects consistent, credible academic work.
The school's Attainment 8 score of 38.7 indicates that pupils secure strong grades across their qualification basket. Entry into A-levels remains selective within the school; approximately 40% of pupils choose to leave after GCSE, opting for alternative educational pathways such as sixth form colleges or different qualification structures. This is not viewed as failure but as appropriate for diverse futures.
The sixth form paints a noticeably stronger picture. At A-level, the school achieves 25% A*/A grades and 53% A*-B, reflecting more selective pupil cohorts and intensive academic support. The school ranks 956th in England for A-level outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the typical performance band, solid middle-tier achievement. Girls progress to university with strong preparation; in 2024, 60% of leavers moved into higher education, with 27% entering employment, reflecting the school's emphasis on breadth of opportunity.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
A-Level A*-B
54.55%
% of students achieving grades A*-B
GCSE 9–7
—
% of students achieving grades 9-7
Specialist teaching begins early. In the Prep Department, specialist staff deliver music, dance, sport, and languages throughout. By Year 5, subject-specific specialists teach across most disciplines. The curriculum balances traditional academic foundations with breadth. English Language and Literature, Mathematics, Sciences, and Humanities form the core, alongside a genuinely extensive range of options: Economics, Politics, Sociology, Psychology, Drama, Textiles, Media Studies, Food & Nutrition, and Computer Science all appear at A-level.
Lessons follow clear structures with high expectations. Teachers demonstrate strong subject expertise and communicate clearly. The school uses small class groupings strategically, allowing girls to engage fully and build strong relationships with staff. Individual learning profiles matter; pupils see themselves as learners with distinct strengths and challenges, not simply as high-achievers or struggling students.
Learning support operates under the positive acronym LEAPS, avoiding the stigma sometimes attached to SEN designation. Learning support is given high visibility in the building, described as positioned at the top of the school’s main staircase. Support takes varied forms: classroom assistance, individual or small-group sessions, study skills coaching, examination technique training, and counselling. This integration of support into mainstream school life means girls receive help without feeling separated from peers.
The Sixth Form acts as a genuine university preparation pathway. Girls departing St Mary's move to a range of higher education institutions. In the 2023-24 cohort, 60% progressed to university, with the remainder entering employment, further education, or other pathways. The school provides comprehensive careers guidance from Year 10, with dedicated counselling supporting examination choices and university applications.
From the Prep Department, over 80% of pupils proceed to the Senior School, demonstrating strong internal progression. Some pupils move on to selective grammar schools elsewhere in Buckinghamshire or to boarding institutions, reflecting the diversity of family circumstances and educational preferences within the catchment.
The school's internal examination structure, using both GCSE and IGCSE in certain subjects, reflects flexibility in how girls demonstrate achievement. Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is offered at A-level, providing pupils with research and independent study experience valued by universities.
Music occupies a prominent place in school life. All pupils in the Prep Department learn an instrument during curriculum time, a foundational investment in musical literacy. By Year 3, approximately half progress to additional instrumental lessons. The school supports multiple ensembles: Choirs (ranging from year-group bands to senior choirs), a full Orchestra, and specialist instrumental groups performing across the academic year. Two large dedicated Music Rooms allow simultaneous ensemble rehearsals and individual teaching. Annual concerts see girls performing standard repertoire and contemporary compositions.
Beyond formal ensembles, informal performance opportunities abound. The Friday afternoon "Fri-yay" sessions in the Prep Department blend music with movement and dance, creating a deliberate space where girls can be playful and physically expressive while engaging musically. This balance between rigorous musical training and joyful participation distinguishes the school's approach.
Drama forms part of the Prep curriculum and runs as a significant co-curricular programme across all phases. The school operates a dedicated Drama Studio alongside its two Assembly Halls equipped for theatrical production. Annual whole-school productions involve large casts and require significant technical, costume, and set collaboration. Year-group specific performances allow smaller pupils to experience theatre-making in manageable settings.
Several named drama-related activities support this culture. The Drama Club provides space for girls to work on scenes, monologues, and ensemble pieces beyond timetabled lessons. Playwriting workshops emerge periodically, introducing girls to scriptwriting. Senior pupils participate in competitions and festival productions, with some drama groups exploring Edinburgh Fringe possibilities.
Physical education receives generous curriculum time: four sessions weekly in Senior School. The school maintains representative teams in major sports from Year 3 onwards, with girls competing in netball, hockey, rounders, badminton, tennis, and football. A Sport England full-size Sports Hall accommodates multiple sports simultaneously, with additional gymnasium provision across the campus.
Gymnastics deserves particular mention as an area of notable success. In recent years, the school has achieved national success in competitive gymnastics, with pupils securing top placings at nationals and gold medals overall. This reflects sustained coaching expertise and a culture of deliberate practice. Alongside competitive gymnastics, recreational gym classes allow broader participation.
Netball achieves particular institutional prominence. The Year 8 team has reached national finals, signalling genuine competitive strength. Badminton competition through the ISA (Independent Schools Association) framework produces additional representatives. The approach emphasises both elite pathways (for those with serious talent and commitment) and accessible recreation (for those seeking fitness and team belonging).
Computing and Information Technology permeate the curriculum. Two dedicated Computer Suites support teaching from primary onwards, with curriculum time spent on coding principles, digital literacy, and information systems. Science teaching occurs across the Science Block, which houses multiple laboratories supporting practical work in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. From Year 7, sciences are taught separately, allowing depth and specialist teaching.
Science competitions and clubs provide extension opportunities. The Economics Society engages interested pupils in debating economic policy and current affairs. Media Club explores digital storytelling and production. These named societies signal that STEM extends beyond compulsory curriculum into genuine intellectual communities within the school.
Model United Nations (MUN) operates as both a curriculum experience and competitive activity. A Mock MUN Conference held during the academic year sees pupils drafting resolutions, debating global issues (recent topics include water pollution and access to clean water), and developing diplomatic skills. Students participate in broader MUN competitions beyond school, bringing back experience of structured debate and international affairs engagement.
This commitment to global perspectives extends into the curriculum. History, Geography, and Languages all emphasize international connections. Regular educational trips to places of geographical or cultural interest complement classroom learning.
The Art Studio occupies a spacious, well-lit space where work is displayed attractively throughout the school. A dedicated teacher provides strong foundational teaching, particularly to Year 7 pupils, ensuring technical skills develop early. Art is described as "bold and imaginative," with pupils encouraged to experiment and take creative risks. The Textiles Room offers additional making opportunities, supporting fashion, textile design, and craft alongside fine art.
Additional clubs include Tap Dancing (teaching rhythm and coordination in a discipline distinct from drama), Chess Club (developing strategic thinking), Cookery (practical life skills and food science), a Puzzle Club (logic and problem-solving), a Book Club (reading for pleasure and literary discussion), and Street Dance (contemporary movement). Duke of Edinburgh's Award runs at Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels, with pupils completing expedition, skill, and service components. Young Enterprise encourages entrepreneurship. Debating Society develops public speaking and argument construction.
St Mary's is an independent school, and fees are charged. Tuition ranges from £2,600 to £7,350 per term depending on the year group, with fees increasing progressively through the school. The school publishes that termly fees include tuition, textbooks, most stationery, morning break, and lunch. Additional charges apply for activities such as trips, music lessons beyond the curriculum, specialist coaching, and school uniform.
The school explicitly recognizes that financial barriers can exclude talented girls. A meaningful programme of means-tested Bursaries is offered to pupils entering the Senior School whose families cannot meet the full cost of fees. Additionally, Scholarships are awarded at entry points: 7+, 11+, and Sixth Form. Academic Scholarships reward intellectual excellence. Performing Arts Scholarships recognize Music, Art, and Drama talent at 11+ and Sixth Form. Sport Scholarships are offered at 11+. Scholarships carry fee remission of up to 30% for the specified award period. From 16+, Dance Scholarships join the scholarship options, reflecting sixth-form strengths.
For families considering entry at nursery or early primary, it is important to note that means-tested financial assistance is not available at these stages; bursaries begin at Senior School entry only.
Fees data coming soon.
School hours operate on a traditional timetable. The school day begins at 8:50am and concludes at 3:20pm for the main school. Breakfast Club runs from 7:45am for families requiring early drop-off. After-school care extends until 6:00pm, accommodating working parents. Holiday club operates during main school breaks, providing wraparound care throughout the year.
The campus is accessible via its location in Gerrards Cross, close to the M25 motorway (3 miles) and the A40/M40 roads. The school sits on main bus routes and is a short walk from Gerrards Cross railway station; trains from the school's location to London Marylebone take approximately 19 minutes. This transport connectivity suits families across a wide geographic area, though the school does serve primarily local Buckinghamshire and west London families given its day-school status.
Parking is available at the school during drop-off and collection. The facilities include two Libraries (supporting silent study and research), a Dining Hall (where lunch is provided as part of tuition), and specialist spaces including the open-plan Art Studio, Food Technology Room, two Music Rooms, and Drama Studio. The athletics field and Sport England full-size Sports Hall support PE and sport.
Every pupil is known individually. Small class sizes and consistent staffing mean that form tutors understand their pupils deeply, their abilities, home circumstances, emotional states, and social dynamics. Form tutor relationships provide the foundation of pastoral support, supplemented by subject teachers who spend multiple hours weekly with each girl.
The school takes mental health and wellbeing seriously. Counselling services are available, and staff receive training in recognizing and supporting pupils experiencing emotional or social difficulty. A positive mobile phone policy, phones are collected at the beginning of the school day in the Prep and main school, with restricted access in the Sixth Form, protects pupils from constant digital distraction and social media pressure during the school day. This deliberate boundary creates space for face-to-face friendship and presence.
Behaviour management emphasizes restorative practice. When issues arise, the school seeks understanding and reconciliation rather than pure punishment. Pupils report a strong sense of mutual respect and older girls looking out for younger pupils.
Mixed attainment intake. St Mary's is non-selective at entry, accepting girls across the ability range. Whilst A-level results are stronger than GCSE results, this reflects the self-selection that occurs when approximately 40% of pupils leave after GCSE. Families seeking a selective independent school with uniformly high-achieving cohorts should look elsewhere.
Limited Sixth Form size. The Sixth Form is small, with approximately 47 girls in Year 12-13. Whilst Cedar House offers dedicated facilities and arguably more intimate teaching, subject breadth is more limited than in larger sixth forms. Pupils requiring niche A-level options or specific subject combinations may find constraints.
Location and commute. Whilst well-connected by rail, the school draws from a wide catchment. Families should consider daily travel time, particularly for pupils using public transport during winter months or adverse weather.
Church of England ethos. The school's Christian character is genuine and visible. Girls attend Chapel, engage with religious education curriculum, and participate in Christian values discussions. Families uncomfortable with this religious context should explicitly explore whether it fits their worldview before committing.
St Mary's School offers a thoughtful, individually-focused education within the independent sector. Results are credible rather than exceptional; the school's real strength lies in knowing and supporting each girl as a whole person, not simply as an examination candidate. The combination of small classes, consistent pastoral relationships, and broad co-curricular opportunity creates an environment where girls develop confidence, resilience, and genuine love of learning.
The school's all-through structure means families can maintain continuity from Little St Mary's through to sixth form, building long-term relationships and community. This appeals to families seeking stability and continuity within one institution.
Best suited to families seeking a caring, non-selective girls' school with strong pastoral foundations, genuine engagement with individual pupil needs, and a breadth of opportunity beyond pure academic achievement. Families comfortable with the Church of England heritage and seeking an independent day school in the Gerrards Cross vicinity will find a welcoming, thoughtful community here.
Yes. The school achieved positive judgements in the 2023 ISI Routine Inspection. GCSE results show 50% of grades at 9-7, with A-level results showing 53% at A*-B. The school's true distinction lies in its pastoral approach and individual attention to each pupil rather than elite academic rankings.
Tuition fees range from £2,600 to £7,350 per term depending on the year group. Fees include tuition, textbooks, stationery, morning break, and lunch. Additional charges apply for external examinations, school trips, music lessons beyond curriculum provision, and school uniform. For current exact fees for each year group, consult the school's website or contact the Bursar.
Yes. The school offers means-tested Bursaries for pupils entering the Senior School whose families cannot afford full fees. Academic, Music, Art, Drama, Sport, and Dance Scholarships are available at 11+ and Sixth Form entry, carrying fee remission up to 30%. Scholarships are competitive and merit-based. Families should contact the Bursar for details about bursary application and eligibility.
Entry at Nursery and Reception involves a stay-and-play assessment to gauge suitability. At Year 3, pupils undergo taster days where they experience school activities and are paired with existing pupils. For secondary entry at Year 7, entrance examinations are set, though the school is non-selective (accepting girls across ability ranges). Sixth Form entry typically requires at least grade 5 (GCSE) in subjects taken to A-level, though specific entry requirements vary by subject.
The school offers PE four times weekly in Secondary, with representative teams competing in Netball, Hockey, Rounders, Badminton, Tennis, Football, and Gymnastics. Gymnastics is an area of particular strength, with recent national success. A full Sport England sports hall and dedicated gymnasium support provision. Sport scholarships are available at 11+ for talented athletes.
All Prep pupils learn a musical instrument during curriculum time. Approximately half progress to individual instrumental lessons from Year 3. The school runs Choirs, an Orchestra, and specialist instrumental ensembles. Two large Music Rooms support teaching and rehearsal. All pupils engage with music as part of the enrichment curriculum; those pursuing music formally can work towards ABRSM or other examination qualifications.
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