St Mary’s School Ascot is a Roman Catholic boarding school founded by the Religious of the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary. St Mary’s today is a self-governing, self-financing school.
Founded in 1885, the school is set in 55 acres within easy reach of London and Heathrow and close to the M4, M3 and M25 motorways.
Numbers on Roll. Boarders 365, Day pupils 23.
Age Range. 11–18.
Method of Entry. 11+ and 13+ School’s own examination and interview. There is a small entry at Sixth Form.
Scholarships and Bursaries. At 11+ and 13+, there are three Academic Scholarships available worth up to 5% of the fees.
At 16+, there is one Academic Scholarship available worth up to 5% of the fees.
One Music Scholarship, worth 5% of the fees and free of charge musical instrument or vocal tuition for up to three 30-minute lessons per week, is awarded annually to a pupil entering the School at 11+ or 13+. Candidates must have qualified to at least Grade V on the first study instrument at the time of application.
One Art Scholarship worth up to 5% of the fees is awarded annually to a pupil entering the School at 11+, 13+ or 16+.
One All-Rounder Scholarship is is awarded annually to a pupil entering the School at 11+ and another at 13+.
One Sports Scholarship worth up to 5% of the fees is awarded annually to a pupil entering the School at 13+.
Means-tested bursaries are available.
Fees per term (2023-2024). Boarders £16,710, Day pupils £11,900.
Curriculum. All pupils follow a broad curriculum to GCSE including Religious Education, English, History, Geography, Maths, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Latin, Music, Drama, Art and Design, Computer Science and Physical Education. Tuition is also available in Piano, most String and Wind Instruments, Ballet, Tap Dancing, Speech and Drama, Ceramics and Craft activities, Tennis, Photography.
All pupils are prepared for GCSE at 16+ and typically take 10 subjects.
Sixth Form pupils have a choice of 25 A Level subjects and normally study 4 subjects. Interview, CV and course choice preparation is offered to all Upper Sixth pupils, including Oxbridge candidates. They are encouraged to undertake some of the many extra activities on offer and develop skills outside their A Level curriculum. Sixth Form pupils also have their own tutor who liaises closely with the Careers Specialist. Careers advice forms an integral part of the curriculum. This is supported by work experience, work shadowing placements and talks from external speakers, including Ascot Alumnae. The majority of sixth form pupils go on to university, and preparation is offered to Oxbridge candidates.
The School is a member of Inspiring Futures, which provides careers information, advice and guidance.
Religious Education is an integral part of the curriculum and the chapel holds a central position in the life of the school.
Sport. A varied programme is offered depending on age group. It includes Netball, Hockey, Gym, Swimming, Cricket, Tennis, Squash, Badminton and Athletics.
Purpose-built sports complex with sports hall, dance studio, squash courts and fitness suite. A floodlit 400m athletics track and hockey pitch provides a year-round, all-weather sports facility.
Drama. Performing Arts Centre which includes a flexible auditorium with lighting catwalks and control room with teaching facilities, fully-equipped drama studio and make-up and dressing rooms.
Art, Drama, Music, Science, Modern Languages and English. Specialist buildings are provided for all of these subjects and all pupils are encouraged to develop their musical, artistic, scientific and linguistic skills.
Libraries. The senior and junior libraries form the academic heart of the school. The senior library was built to meet the specific needs of Year 11 and Sixth Form girls and includes seminar rooms, which are used for teaching and careers advice.
Other Activities. Senior pupils are encouraged to participate in Community Service Projects, and those interested may enter The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme. There is a wide range of club activities for all ages, and, as a termly boarding school, generous provision is made for evening and weekend activities.
Charitable status. St Mary’s School Ascot is a Registered Charity, number 290286. Its aim is to provide an excellent education in a Christian atmosphere.
Governors & Staff:
Board of Governors:
Ms C Vaughan (Chair)
Mr C Beirne
Mrs A Clementi
Mr M Hattrell
Ms A Lee
Mr P McKenna
Ms S Meadway
Mr A Neil
Ms A Polizzi di Sorrentino
Sr M Robinson
Ms G van Maaren
Mr J Weaver
Council:
The Lord Hemphill (Chair)
Mr M Armour
Mrs C Colacicchi
Mr N Davidson
Mr P Davis
Baroness S Hogg
The Hon Mrs O Polizzi
Senior Management Team:
Headmistress: Mrs D Staunton, BA York, MA York, PGCE
Senior Deputy Head: Ms R Toner, BA Cantab, MA London, PGCE
Pastoral Deputy Head: Dr R Peat, BMus, MA, PhD City
Academic Deputy Head: Mrs B Breedon, BEd Queen’s Belfast, MSc Ulster
Bursar: Mr G Brand, BA Leeds
Director of Sixth Form: Mr L Higgins, BA Nottingham, MEd Cantab, PGCE
Director of External Communications: Mr C Ellott, LLB UCL, BA OU, PGCE
Director of Co-Curricular: Mr A Smith, BA Warwick, MA Royal Holloway, PGCE
Catering Manager: Mr R Hope
Estate Manager: Mr T Clark
Finance Manager: Mr J Jordan
Registrar: Mrs S Young
A full staff list can be obtained on request on: 01344 296600