St. George's School, Ascot

St. George's School, Ascot
Name	St. George's School, Ascot
Motto	In Fide Vade
Established	1877
Type	Independent day and boarding school
Head	Lizzie Baring, Lady Baring
City	Ascot
County	Berkshire
Country	England
Coordinates	51.410, -0.674
Postcode	SL5 7DZ
Local authority	Windsor and Maidenhead
Urn	110147
Gender	Girls
Lower age	11
Upper age	18
Colours	Blue and white
Publication	The Georgean
Free label 1	Former pupils
Free 1	Old Georgians
Website	https://www.stgeorges-ascot.org.uk/

St. George's School, Ascot. It is an independent Roman Catholic day and boarding school for girls aged 11 to 18, situated in Ascot, Berkshire. Founded in 1877, the school is a member of the Girls' Schools Association and operates under the auspices of the Diocese of Portsmouth. The school maintains a strong academic tradition alongside a broad co-curricular programme, set within a listed Victorian estate.

History

The school was founded in 1877 by the Sisters of Mercy at the behest of Cardinal Henry Edward Manning, the Archbishop of Westminster. Its original purpose was to provide a Catholic education for the daughters of the Catholic gentry and aristocracy. Initially located in Wimbledon, it moved to its present site at Ascot in 1884, occupying a mansion known as "Ascot Priory". The school played a role during both World War I and World War II, with its grounds used for various wartime efforts. Governance transferred from the Sisters of Mercy to a charitable trust in 2005, and the school continues to celebrate its founding principles while evolving its educational offering.

Campus and facilities

The school is set within a 30-acre estate centered on a Grade II listed Victorian mansion. The campus includes modern additions such as the Baring Performing Arts Centre, named after former headmistress Lady Baring, and the Sister Francis Science Centre. Boarding houses, including St. Michael's House and St. Gabriel's House, provide accommodation, while other facilities include extensive playing fields, all-weather pitches, tennis courts, and a swimming pool. The school's chapel remains a focal point for its Catholic life, and the grounds feature historic gardens.

Academic profile

St. George's follows a curriculum leading to GCSE and A-Level examinations, with a strong emphasis on the STEM subjects, humanities, and modern languages. The school consistently achieves strong results, with a significant proportion of pupils proceeding to Russell Group universities, including Oxford and Cambridge, and to institutions like the University of Edinburgh and Durham University. The IB Diploma is not offered, with focus placed on a traditional British independent school academic pathway. Small class sizes and a high staff-to-pupil ratio are hallmarks of its teaching approach.

Co-curricular activities

The school offers an extensive programme including drama and music, with regular productions in the Baring Performing Arts Centre and participation in national competitions like the Shakespeare Schools Festival. Sports teams compete in the ISA and other leagues, with notable success in lacrosse, netball, and tennis. Pupils engage in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme, CCF, and a wide range of clubs from debating to robotics. Community service, often linked to Catholic Social Teaching, is integral, with partnerships with local charities.

Notable alumnae

Alumnae, known as Old Georgians, have achieved prominence in diverse fields. In the arts, they include actress Cara Delevingne and filmmaker Alice Rohrwacher. In public life and philanthropy, notable figures are Sarah, Duchess of York and humanitarian Mia Farrow. Others have made significant contributions in law, such as barrister Kirsty Brimelow, and in business, including British Vogue editor Chioma Nnadi. Their achievements are celebrated through the school's alumnae network.

Governance and ethos

The school is governed by a Board of Governors and is part of the St. George's Ascot Trust. Its stated ethos is firmly rooted in its Catholic foundation, promoting values of faith, service, and intellectual curiosity. The motto, "In Fide Vade", translates as "Go in Faith". While embracing pupils of all faiths, the school's life is shaped by regular liturgy, retreats, and a commitment to social justice. It is a member of the Girls' Schools Association and is inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate.

Category:Girls' schools in Berkshire Category:Boarding schools in Berkshire Category:Roman Catholic schools in England Category:Educational institutions established in 1877 Category:1877 establishments in England