St Mary's School

Gabbitas Consultant Review

Reflecting a truly cross-curricular approach to learning experiences throughout a very broad curriculum, St Mary’s really does appear to offer a complete all-round education for girls. Small class sizes mean that each girl can be offered individual support, whether this be to stretch the academically gifted or supporting those who find achieving top grades more of a challenge. I was amazed to hear about some of the projects in which the girls are involved at stages throughout the academic year, from days learning flamenco to business skills, to design technology projects and an annual dance show. Many life skills are built gradually from basic foundations laid in the nursery, taken right through to sixth form study in an impressive range of A level subjects.

The girls across all ages were very actively engaged within lessons and there was a relaxed but polite ease in their communication with the teaching staff. There are interactive whiteboards in all classrooms and seemed to be almost as many computers as girls. The art-work adorning the walls around the school is of a very high standard and sporting, artistic, dramatic and musical opportunities abound.

The location of St Mary’s, with very easy access for commuting into London, makes it an ideal choice for parents who are relocating to the UK for a fixed term contract with their employer. The school is very much integrated into the local Gerrards Cross community, making it easy for relocating families to settle here.

In my opinion, this school is a perfect solution for those parents looking for that something extra to the education provided by the local grammar school system. In other words a more holistic approach to the education of their daughter. Girls from all ability ranges are carefully nurtured so they can grow in self-confidence, enabling them to try a whole range of new learning experiences, in order to identify something in which they, as an individual, can excel.

I have no doubt at all the girls leave St Mary’s with friends that will stay with them throughout life as well as the self-confidence to succeed through all of life’s future challenges.