Founded in 1955, it derives from an educational movement inaugurated by the Roman Catholic Institute of the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary (RSHM) in Beziers, which established schools on four continents. Known as Marymount schools, the first was in New York. The London school, like its sister schools in Rome and Paris, aims to provide continuity of education in an international environment. Many pupils have parents in the diplomatic corps or commerce and pupils come from over 50 nations. Its 7-acre campus of pleasant grounds lies on the outskirts of the town. The original main building is a mock-Tudor private house, with recent buildings adjoining it. It is well equipped and provides comfortable boarding. It is one of the few UK schools (and the only girls' school) offering a full International Baccalaureate syllabus (middle years and diploma programme) and also the American College Preparatory curriculum to meet the needs of its international student body. High academic standards are achieved. The staff:pupil ratio is about 1:8, including specialist language teachers for German, French, Spanish, Japanese and Chinese. Strong in music and drama. A compulsory religious study programme includes the study of world religions: a multi-faith approach. There are strong links with educational bodies and with other schools worldwide in the RSHM network.
Pupils: Age range 11-18; 242 girls (155 day, 87 boarding). Entrance: Pupils accepted at any age from 11; entrance possible throughout academic year. Good working knowledge of English required; for sixth-form entry, good academic record (GCSE grade B in IB Diploma subjects). Pupils of all faiths accepted.
Some bursaries available according to financial need. Parents expected to buy some specialist textbooks.
66+% live within 30 miles; 33% live overseas.
Headmistress: Sister Michaeline O’Dwyer RSHM, appointed 2009. Educated at Fordham University (biology). Previously served on the Provincial Council of Eastern American Province of the RSHM, Vice President for Development at the Jesuit School of Theology, California, and Principal of the secondary school at Marymount International School, Rome. Also member of Board of Trustees of Marymount University, Virginia, and of the boards of Marymount High School, Los Angeles, and Marymount International School, Paris; former trustee of the Pontifical Liturgical Institute Foundation, Rome, and the RSHM Life Center in Sleepy Hollow, NY. Teaching staff: 40 full time, 6 part time.
Average of 42 in upper fifth: no external examination at age 16. IB: Average of 52 in upper sixth. Pupils sit IB Diploma or Certificate (Higher or Subsidiary Level). 90% gain the IB Diploma, with an average of 33.9 IB points.
98% of sixth form leavers go on to a degree course (4% after a gap year). 20% take courses in science, 28% in humanities and social sciences, 10% in art related subjects, 26% in business studies, 10% liberal arts programme.
IB middle years (MYP) and Diploma. Special provision: ESL taught. Learning resource specialist. Languages: French, Spanish, German, Japanese and Chinese are offered in addition to English at the native level; French and Spanish as foreign languages; other languages are available on a private basis. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. 65 computers for pupil use 7 days a week all networked and with email and internet access. Many pupils have own laptops.
Music: Over 30% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Musical groups include chamber choir. Music may be taken as part of the IB Diploma. Drama: Drama offered and theatre arts may be taken as part of the IB Diploma. Majority of pupils are involved in school productions. Regular participants at International Schools Theatre Association Festivals. Art and design: Art offered in all grades, including visual arts as part of the IB Diploma.
Sport: Badminton, volleyball, basketball, softball, tennis, cross-country and soccer teams. Optional: dance, aerobics, horse riding, table tennis, fitness. Sports teams compete in the International Schools Sports Association and other tournaments. Activities: Community service, Model United Nations, National Honor Society, drama, school council, choir, orchestra, yearbook, school newspaper.
Uniform: School uniform worn throughout. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses (recently introduced). Student council elected by the students. Religion: Roman Catholic. Religious studies programme includes study of world religions: a multi-faith approach. Social: Drama, sports and maths competitions with other UK schools and international schools around Europe; participates in the Model United Nations in the Hague. Educational tours (optional) to places such as Morocco, China and Spain; annual ski trip (Switzerland). Pupils allowed to bring own bike to school. Meals self-service. School tuckshop. No alcohol allowed.
Pupils failing to produce homework once could expect a mild reprimand; anyone caught smoking cannabis on the premises would be dismissed. Any form of bullying or discrimination is unacceptable.
Most upper sixth have single rooms; others share with 1, 2, or 3. Qualified nurse during school hours. Central dining room. Pupils can provide and cook snacks. Exeats on most weekends. Visits to local town allowed, but not alone.
run by Mrs Sarah Key, c/o the school.
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