St Mary's is a Christian foundation with a happy and caring environment, which prepares each girl for the challenge of adult life and fosters her self-confidence through giving her responsibility for herself and for others. A tutorial system encourages her to use her unique gifts to the full.
The full boarding environment encourages girls to make full use of the opportunities for education, recreation and companionship which this allows. A very few day girls are now accepted, but they must join in the wide range of activities offered. There are many opportunities for success and self-fulfilment beyond the academic curriculum - for example most girls follow the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme to Bronze Level, and some sixth-formers to Gold Level. Easy access to London, Bristol and Stratford means that visits to theatres, museums etc are a regular feature of school life. There are strong art, drama, music and sports departments (with a modern Sports Hall and full-sized indoor swimming pool). Theatre Studies is a popular subject at GCSE and Advanced Level and many girls reach a very high standard in LAMDA examinations. Art is also very popular and many girls go on to art colleges.
The school has an excellent academic record and provides a broad and balanced curriculum (shadowing the National Curriculum), which is taught by well-qualified and enthusiastic staff, enabling each girl to fulfil her academic potential and to go on to higher education. All girls take ISCO Morrisby (Careers Guidance) Tests.
In the 6th Form wide and flexible options are offered, including all the usual subjects to Advanced Level, plus Art History, Business Studies, Media Studies, Politics and Economics. An Office Management and Technology Course leads to vocational qualifications. There is modernised Sixth-form accommodation.
The school has 5 modern science laboratories. A computer network is installed and IT taught throughout the school. All girls use word processors.
