Founded in 1919 by the Christian Brothers. The first school buildings were erected in 1923 and there has been regular expansion and development since; it now has very good facilities. Recent developments include a music suite, new centres for computers, technology and sports and a sixth-form centre. The prep school is on a separate site. Originally a boys' school, it has been fully co-educational since 1989. It is a Roman Catholic foundation and the religious and pastoral dimensions inform all school activities. A sound general education is provided and examination results are very good. There is considerable strength in art, drama and music (all 11-year olds take up an instrument). A good range of sports and games in which high standards are achieved. Good range of extra-curricular activities including the Duke of Edinburgh's Award and a flourishing CCF.
Pupils: Total age range 0-18; 835 day pupils (440 boys, 395 girls). Senior department 11-18, 545 pupils (300 boys, 245 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 0, 7, 11, 13 and 16. Own entrance exam used; for sixth-form entry, 7 good GCSEs (grade B in sixth-form subjects).Roman Catholic school but pupils of other denominations are welcome. State school entry, 50+% of intake at 11 and 16.
21 pa academic scholarships, value 10%-50% fees, (15 at 11, 6 at 16). Also school assisted places. Some bursaries. Parents not expected to buy textbooks, nor pay for extras such as music lessons.
Principal: Michael Kennedy, in post from 2008. Educated at Liverpool University. Previously Head of Oakhill College, Clitheroe, and Deputy Head of St Anselm’s College, Birkenhead. Teaching staff: 55 full time, 10 part time. Annual turnover 5%. Average age 42.
GCSE: 80 pupils in Year 11, gaining at least grade C in an average of 9.1 subjects. A-levels: 60 in upper sixth, passing an average of 3.1 subjects, with a final point score of 290.
98% of sixth form leavers go on to a degree course (4% after a gap year). 6% take courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 24% in science and engineering, 34% in humanities and social sciences, 7% in art and design, 7% in business and finance, 10% in law, 8% in architecture or building studies, 4% in other vocational subjects eg nursing, para-medical. Others typically go on to the armed forces, banking etc.
GCSE, AS and A-levels. 21 subjects offered at AS/A-level. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level; A-level general studies an additional option. 38% take science A-levels; 30% arts/humanities; 32% both. Key skills not offered. Vocational: Work experience available. Languages: French, Spanish, German and Latin offered to GCSE and A-level. Regular exchanges to France, Germany and Spain. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum (eg classics, maths). All pupils take OCR qualification in ICT. 200 computers for pupil use (9 hours a day), all networked and with email and internet access.
Music: All Year 7 pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Some 10 musical groups including school bands, orchestra, choir, woodwind, jazz, folk groups. School band award winners in National Concert Band Festival, concert tours of Holland, Australia, Austria, Canada. Drama and dance: A-level drama offered. Many pupils are involved in school productions. Art and design: On average, 40 take GCSE, 15+ A-level.
Sport: Rugby, netball, cricket, hockey, basketball, athletics, rounders, football, badminton, table tennis, golf. Activities: Duke of Edinburgh's Award. CCF optional at age 14+. Extensive opportunities for community service, particularly in sixth form. Flourishing SVP group; some 20 sixth formers working with Handicapped Children's Pilgrimage Trust (Lourdes). Over 30 clubs, eg science, debating, maths, chess, design, art, IT, dance, french, drama etc.
Uniform: School uniform worn throughout. Houses and prefects: Prefects, head boy/girl. Religion: Roman Catholic. Worship encouraged. Social: Debating competitions. Language exchanges and other trips abroad. Pupils allowed to bring own car, bike or motorbike to school. Meals self-service. School shop selling uniform.
Pupils failing to produce homework would receive a 24 hour notice; those caught in possession of cannabis would be automatically expelled.
is run by Michael Mansour (www.friendsofstmarys.com)
Lord Birt (former Director General, BBC); Kevin McNamara MP; Kevin Dunn (ITN correspondent); William Hanrahan (BBC); Archbishop Vincent Nichols (Archbishop of Westminster); Roger McGough (poet); John Price (News Editor, Independent); Prof Laurie Taylor (sociologist and radio presenter); Prof David Crystal (linguist and author); Bishop John Rawsthorne; Sir Ivor Roberts (President of Trinity College Oxford).
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