Founded in 1898, it is situated in the city centre, overlooking the University Botanic Garden and within easy walking distance of museums, theatres and colleges. It is a Catholic school but welcomes pupils of all religious backgrounds or none. There is a calm and purposeful working atmosphere, and a broad-based curriculum designed to develop individual skills and talents. Academic standards are high and examination results very good. Music and drama are strong. Sports and PE are extremely well provided for and high standards are achieved. There is a wide range of extra-curricular activities including a very successful Young Enterprise programme and thriving Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme.
Pupils: Age range 11-18; 500 girls (429 day, 71 boarding). Entrance: Main entry ages 11, 13 and 16. Own entrance exam used; for sixth-form entry, 7 GCSEs at least grade C (grade B in sixth-form subjects). Catholic school but all denominations welcomed. State school entry, 43% at 11 and 14. Many feeder schools, including own junior schol (St Mary's Junior School), King's College School and St John's College School.
Scholarships awarded to entrants at age 11, 13 and 16 (academic, art, textiles, drama, performing arts, music, sports), often honorary rather than monetary. Means-tested bursaries available, up to a maximum of 100% of fees. Parents not expected to buy textbooks; no compulsory extras.
Headmistress: Miss Charlotte Avery, in post from 2007. Educated at St Paul's Girls' School and Oxford University. Previously Deputy Head at Highgate and Head of Sixth at Norwich High School. Teaching staff: 77 full time.
GCSE: 86 students in Year 11, 95% gaining at least grade C in 8+ subjects. A-levels: 43 in upper sixth, 33% passing in 4+ subjects, 65% in 3 subjects, 2% in 2 subjects, with an average final point score of 337.
All sixth-form leavers go on to a degree course (20% after a gap year), 9% to Oxbridge. 48% take courses in the sciences, 36% in the humanities, 11% in arts, 2% in other subjects
GCSE, AS and A-levels. 22 GCSE subjects, 20 AS/A-level. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level. IT taught as a discrete subject; other key skills integrated into activities. Vocational: Work experience available (Years 11-13). Special provision: School copes with mild dyslexia. Languages: French, German, Latin and Spanish offered to GCSE, AS and A-level. Regular exchanges. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. 203 computers for pupil use (9 hours a day), all networked and with email and internet access. Years 10 and 11 take ECDL modules.
Music: Many pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Some 11 musical groups including string quartet, jazz, brass, wind band, guitar group, choirs, string orchestra, recorder, chamber music group. Drama: Drama taught as a discrete subject from Year 7. GCSE and A-level theatre studies, LAMDA, Guildhall exams may be taken. Art and design: Art taught from Year 7 to A-level; includes textiles, ceramics, computer-aided design.
Sport: Aerobics, athletics, badminton, dance, gymnastics, hockey, kwick cricket, netball, rounders, swimming, table tennis, tag rugby, tennis, trampolining, volleyball. Additional sixth-form options include archery, basketball, climbing, kickboxing, multi-gym, rowing, self-defence, squash, yoga. Many girls are selected to play at national, regional, county and district level. Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Community service optional; sixth form involved in Young Enterprise. Girls help with Diocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes and raise some £15,000 per year for charity. Range of clubs covering science, arts, music, sport, languages.
Uniform: School uniform worn, except in sixth form. Houses and prefects: Prefect duties shared by upper sixth. Head girl and group of deputies - elected by staff and sixth form. School Council chaired by head girl. Religion: Roman Catholic. Daily form prayers or assembly. Christmas carol service, Mass and other services. RE curriculum followed by all pupils. Social: Debating, theatrical productions with other schools. Regular trips to France; Spanish and German exchanges; other excursions abroad.
No penal code; students are expected to work hard and to respect the aims of the school. Parents would be consulted in serious cases, and decisions would depend on circumstances.
Students in Year 10+ have own study bedroom, younger share (2-4 per room). Central dining room. Visits to local town allowed, according to age. Various activities during the evenings and weekends.
The Pastonians, c/o the school, alumnae@stmaryscambridge.co.uk
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