St Mary's School, Cambridge

St Mary's School, Cambridge
Name	St Mary's School, Cambridge
Established	1898
Type	Independent day and boarding
Gender	Girls
Head	Charlotte Avery
City	Cambridge
Country	England
Coordinates	52.2025, 0.1197
Website	https://www.stmaryscambridge.co.uk/

St Mary's School, Cambridge is an independent day and boarding school for girls aged four to eighteen, situated in the heart of the historic university city of Cambridge. Founded in 1898, the school occupies a site with a rich educational heritage dating back to the medieval University of Cambridge. It is known for its strong academic ethos, supportive community, and commitment to fostering intellectual curiosity within the framework of a Catholic foundation, while welcoming pupils of all faiths and none.

History

The school was established by the Religious of Christian Education (RCE) order, with its original buildings located on Bateman Street in Cambridge. The community had previously been involved in education in France before the anti-clerical laws of the early 20th century prompted expansion to England. In 1905, the school moved to its present extensive site on Long Road, which was historically part of the Leper Chapel lands and later the Peterhouse playing fields. The core of the campus is the imposing Victorian mansion known as The Elms, which was acquired from the Foster family and has been significantly extended over the decades. The school's history is intertwined with the broader educational advancements for women, occurring alongside the development of Newnham and Girton Colleges.

Campus and facilities

The school's campus blends historic and modern architecture, set within six acres of gardens and playing fields near the University of Cambridge Botanic Garden. Key facilities include the purpose-built Mary Ward Building for science and technology, a dedicated Junior School house, and the St Cecilia's music school. The Sports Hall provides facilities for netball, badminton, and gymnastics, while the indoor swimming pool is housed in a separate complex. Boarding accommodation is provided in several houses, including St Margaret's and St Gabriel's, offering a home-like environment. The school also benefits from its proximity to the academic and cultural resources of the wider University of Cambridge.

Academic profile

The school follows a curriculum leading to GCSE and A-Level examinations, with a strong record of success in facilitating entry to Russell Group universities, including Oxford and Cambridge. The academic programme emphasises STEM subjects, with dedicated laboratories and participation in national competitions like the UK Mathematics Trust challenges. Alongside sciences, there is a strong tradition in the humanities and creative arts, with many pupils studying subjects such as History of Art and Classical Civilisation. The Learning Support department ensures tailored provision for pupils with specific educational needs.

Extracurricular activities

A wide range of activities complements the academic curriculum. The school has a strong musical tradition, with choirs, orchestras, and ensembles regularly performing at venues including Ely Cathedral and participating in the Cambridge Music Festival. Drama productions are staged in the school's own theatre and at the ADC Theatre. Sporting pursuits include lacrosse, rowing on the River Cam, and tennis, with teams competing in regional and national tournaments. Pupils are also encouraged to engage in community service, CCF, and the Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme.

Notable alumnae

Alumnae, known as Old Girls, have achieved distinction in diverse fields. In academia and science, they include plant physiologist Dame Margaret Bryan, and Royal Society Fellow Dame Jean Thomas. In the arts, notable figures include actress Dame Harriet Walter, novelist Penelope Fitzgerald, and television producer Rebecca Front. Other distinguished alumnae encompass human rights barrister Baroness Kennedy, diplomat Dame Rosalind Marsden, and former head of MI5, Dame Stella Rimington.

Governance and ethos

The school is a registered charity overseen by a board of governors. While retaining its founding Catholic character and values under the trusteeship of the Religious of Christian Education, it welcomes pupils from all backgrounds. The ethos emphasises the development of the whole person, fostering resilience, compassion, and a sense of social responsibility. This is encapsulated in the school motto, 'Ad Vitam Paramus' ('We are preparing for life'). The school is a member of the Girls' Schools Association and is regularly inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate.

Category:Girls' schools in Cambridgeshire Category:Educational institutions established in 1898 Category:Boarding schools in Cambridgeshire Category:Catholic schools in England