The Upper School covers Years 4 to 6. In all aspects of the curriculum we endeavour to prepare thoroughly each pupil for the move to their next school, whether that may be in the independent sector, a grammar school or a secondary school.

Throughout the Upper School, pupils are taught by specialist teachers in classes that contain no more than seventeen pupils. This allows all pupils to achieve their potential. The Upper School curriculum comprises: English, maths, science, geography, history, French, R.E., music, P.E., art, technology and games. Latin and Spanish are available as extra-curricular options.

St. Mary’s prepares pupils for the SAT examinations at the end of Year 6 and the results rival those of any non-selective prep school in the country. In the 2006 examinations, 100% of pupils achieved level 4 in all subjects while 84% of pupils in English, 70% in maths and 90% in Science achieved the top grade – level 5.Following their successes, pupils then move on confidently to their new schools. Many parents of former pupils comment that their children immediately find themselves at the top of the top sets in the secondary or senior schools to which they progress.
There are several Grammar Schools in the locality and our pupils have a superb record at 11+. St. Mary’s will also prepare pupils for all types of scholarships to independent schools, having an excellent record over the years.

Impartial advice on which school could be right for your child is given regularly throughout your child’s time with us at St. Mary’s.

In addition to their significant academic successes, pupils are encouraged to develop their sporting, musical, dramatic and artistic talents. There are specialist games’ coaches and a wide range of peripatetic music teachers who provide instrumental tuition on violin, cello, double bass, flute, clarinet, saxophone, piano, trumpet and trombone. Singing tuition is also available.

An extensive range of extra-curricular clubs and activities is provided, some being year-round, others seasonal. Pupils are encouraged to take advantage of these. Those currently available include: karate, Brazilian football, chess, higher level maths, drama, tennis, squash, performance dance, golf, Latin, textiles, pen-pal, hockey and rugby.

St. Mary’s is a truly independent preparatory school and when our pupils leave, they take up places at a mixture of independent schools (boarding and day) and state schools. We are determined to prepare them for whichever route they choose to take.

We are generally happy to admit pupils to the Upper School even if they have not attended our Early Years or Lower School departments. Interested parents are most welcome to contact the school to make an appointment to discuss their children’s needs and interests. Visits to the school are always welcome.