Further Information
Contents 01 Academic Curriculum 03 Admissions Procedure 04 Scholarships 12 Location & Travel 12 Contact
Academic Curriculum At St Mary’s we provide a vibrant and varied curriculum which inspires our pupils to be academically ambitious and intellectually curious Our inspirational staff offer the highest standards of teaching and support to our girls throughout their educational journey, to ensure that everyone fulfils their academic potential. With high expectations made clear from the start, we enable our students to achieve their very best, both in and out of the classroom. Our girls’ happiness and personal wellbeing are vital to their all-round development, and by promoting this, we encourage them in their progress towards becoming confident, accomplished and well-rounded young people. Our holistic approach to education is central to our mission, as we proudly follow in the footsteps of our founder, Mary Ward, who did so much to pioneer excellence in girls’ education.
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With a rich curricular offer plus encouragement from tutors and support staff, there is plenty of opportunity for all to discover new things to enjoy. Our approach to learning focuses on the individual, and we work with the girls to set motivating but manageable targets. Regular monitoring and reporting, including weekly grades for senior girls, enables staff to identify areas of strength and to highlight areas in need of greater support, keeping parents informed of progress against targets. Our unique commitment to each and every girl really does enable our pupils to flourish both personally and academically, and to be the very best they can be.
Academic Curriculum cont’d Junior School
GCSE
A Level
In the first five years at St Mary’s we have specialist staff teaching all areas of the curriculum. This includes: English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, Science (Biology, Chemistry and Physics), French, Latin, History, Geography, Religious Studies, ICT, Art, Textiles, Food Technology, Design and Technology, Music, Drama and Physical Education.
We provide the girls with a balanced programme of study which gives each individual a broad education until the end of their GCSE year, ensuring the widest choice of opportunities later on. A tailor-made timetable will include the core subjects (English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, Science and a Modern Foreign Language) as well as additional subjects from a number of different Option Blocks. We expect all girls to take a total of nine or ten GCSEs.
In the Sixth Form our pupils are able to choose from 23 A Level subjects. Most opt to take three A levels although it is possible to take a fourth subject in some circumstances. All girls are encouraged to take the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) in an area of personal interest. A bespoke Sixth Form Enrichment Programme includes visits from motivational speakers, attendance at inspiring events and various assignments to encourage independent thinking. All Sixth Formers have the opportunity to take our Global English Learning and Teaching (GELT) course which is accredited by Cambridge University, opening up exciting opportunities for our pupils once they leave St Mary’s.
GCSE options include: Art, Classical Civilisation, Drama, Music, History, Geography, Latin, Photography, Physical Education and Textiles. Girls who show an aptitude for Science may study Biology, Chemistry and Physics separately.
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A Level subject choices include: Art, Biology, Business Studies, Chemistry, Classical Civilisation, Drama, Economics, English Literature, French, Further Maths, Geography, History, History of Art, Latin, Maths, Music, Philosophy & Ethics, Photography, Physical Education, Physics, Psychology, Spanish and Textiles.
Admissions Procedure Visit the School
Entrance Assessments
International entry
It is important to us that the new girls who join St Mary’s are happy and secure in our community. To give you the opportunity to experience the school to the full, we recommend that families try to attend one of our Open Mornings. We hold at least one Open Morning every term. Seeing the school at work, having a tour of the stunning grounds and facilities and meeting our current girls, staff and Head is a good way to establish an initial overall impression of St Mary’s. We would then encourage you to come and meet privately with the Head and other staff and for potential pupils to come and enjoy a Taster Day (and sleepover for boarders). This is the perfect way to really experience St Mary’s and all that we have to offer.
Years 5-8
The admissions procedure for international applicants is the same as our UK applicants, although there will be provision made for them to sit their entrance tests in their country of residence.
Registration Parents are encouraged to register their daughters as early as possible. This ensures that you will receive our newsletters and any other information that may be of interest to prospective parents and pupils. Most importantly, it secures your interest in a place at St Mary’s. Registration Forms are available from the Director of Admissions (admissions@stmshaftesbury.uk) and, once completed, the non-returnable registration fee should be paid.
We have our own Entrance Assessment Day at St Mary’s for all girls starting at the school in Years 5 to 8 (LIII to LIV). This takes place in the January of the year of entry and includes English, Maths and a Non-Verbal Reasoning Tests.
Year 9 In the Autumn Term of Year 7, all pupils from prep schools who have registered for a Year 9 place will be required to sit the ISEB pre-test. In January of Year 8, they will attend the St Mary’s Entrance Assessment Day where they will meet key staff and be interviewed. Offers are then made within three weeks and may be subject to satisfactory performance in the Common Entrance Examination. Girls are expected to achieve a minimum of 50% in all subjects in Common Entrance.
Sixth Form Entry Sixth Form applicants are assessed using their predicted GCSE grades, and may also be required to take our school Entrance Assessment.
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Each pupil will be personally assessed including by interview, and a candidate will be accepted on the basis that we are confident that St Mary’s is the right environment for the pupil to reach their full potential.
Formal Offer and Acceptance of a Place UK Applicants Provided pupils reach their required standard in their assessment, a formal offer of a place at St Mary’s will be made. To confirm this place, we ask that a completed Acceptance Form is returned to us with a deposit. This is non-returnable until the pupil’s final term when it will be credited, without interest, to the final invoice.
International Students On accepting the offer of a place an additional deposit is normally required.
Scholarship Information St Mary’s offers a variety of scholarships across the whole curriculum. These awards are open to all external candidates who demonstrate exceptional talent and ability in one or more subjects. Our Scholarship Programme supports the ethos that runs throughout the school of students being encouraged to strive to realise their full potential.
St Mary’s is admired not only for its success and achievements on the sports field and in the exam hall but also for its values and pastoral care. The girls take pride in this reputation, and we expect our Scholars to uphold these values and share in the belief that supporting and encouraging your contemporaries is equally as important as personal success and achievement.
We have Scholars in Music, Art, Sport, Drama and Dance as well as our Academic and All-Rounder Scholars and we have high expectations of them all. They have a pivotal role in demonstrating and championing the Mary Ward values that are at the heart of the school and that make St Mary’s an exceptional learning environment.
For those who are exceptional in one or more disciplines and excited by the prospect of challenging themselves and inspiring those around them, a scholarship application is an avenue to pursue.
Our Scholars are expected to challenge themselves in their area of specialism, but also in a variety of areas throughout the school, whilst inspiring those around them.
Scholarships and Bursaries Academic, Art, Music, Sports, Dance, Drama and All Rounder Mary Ward scholarships are available, all of which attract a 10% remission of core day or boarding fees. The 11+ Local Catholic Primary School Academic Scholarship offers a remission of up to 20% of
the fees, in accordance with parental means. The level of support may be increased by applying for further bursarial assistance.
Bursaries St Mary’s is able to offer assistance with school fees to enable pupils to attend the school who otherwise would not be able to do so. Means tested bursarial awards may be given and all are reviewed annually. Please contact the Bursary for further details.
HM Armed Forces The school supports daughters of serving Armed Forces parents through the offer of a 10% fee remission (from the date it is claimed).
Catholic Prep Schools A 10% fee remission is offered for any pupil joining from a Catholic Prep School. Scholarships awarded will normally continue through to the end of Sixth Form, subject to satisfactory annual reviews. * Please note that a pupil can only hold one scholarship.
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Academic Scholarships 9+, 11+, 13+ and 16+ Academic Scholarships
11+ Local Catholic Primary School Scholarships
(for entry into Years 5, 7, 9 and 12) The selection process is as follows: The candidate is expected to attain a high standard in the school entrance assessments and will be required to sit an additional Academic Scholarship Examination.
(for entry into Year 7) The Local Catholic Primary School Academic Scholarship is open only to children at the following schools: St Mary’s RC Primary School Marnhull, Wardour Catholic Primary, Our Lady of Mount Carmel RC Primary School, Wincanton, St Osmund’s RC Primary School, Salisbury and St George’s RC Primary School, Warminster.
The candidate will have an interview with a member of the Senior Leadership Team. St Mary’s will request a testimonial and academic report from the candidate’s current school, along with any other available supporting evidence.
A day scholarship is awarded annually to a Catholic girl of academic merit, who would otherwise not seek admission. The scholarship offers a remission of up to 20% of the fees, in accordance with parental means, and will normally continue through to the end of the Sixth Form subject to a satisfactory annual review.
Sixth Form Academic Scholarships (for entry into Year 12) Scholarships are offered for the twoyear duration of Sixth Form. The scholarship is open to both internal and external candidates. Scholarship candidates are expected to achieve a minimum of eight GCSE passes, with Grade A/7 in at least their three A Level choices.
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External Candidates The candidate’s mock examination results will form the basis of the selection process together with the following: Candidates will be asked to attend academic assessments and an interview with a member of the School’s Senior Leadership Team.
Internal Candidates The candidate’s mock examination results will form the basis of the selection process together with the following: A letter of application from the candidate to be submitted to the Head. An interview with a panel which may include the Head, Deputy Head, Head of Sixth Form and Heads of Departments.
Art Scholarships Art Scholarships (for entry into Years 5, 7, 9 and 12) Scholarships are offered at 9+, 11+, 13+ and 16+ to girls whose work shows genuine promise and who demonstrate a sincere interest in the visual arts. The selection process is as follows: All candidates are required to submit a portfolio of work. This should contain varied examples of work produced both under guidance as part of a school programme and pieces which have been done purely for interest in free, undirected time whether at school or home.
Candidates who are successful in the initial selection will then be required to attend an interview, sit a practical exam within the Art Department and pass the school’s Entrance Assessment. An Art Scholar would be expected to study Art for GCSE or beyond. An award made at 13+ will continue throughout Sixth Form if the Scholar studies Art for A Level. A student offered the Art Scholarship at 16+ will be expected to take Art or a related subject at A Level.
All artwork is accepted (textiles, ceramics, constructions, photography etc.) but we expect examples of drawing and painting to be included. Pieces should be clearly labelled as guided (G) or undirected (U). No prescribed number of pieces is required but we urge candidates to think about quality rather than quantity and suggest a maximum of 20 items.
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Music Scholarships Music Scholarships (for entry into Years 5, 7, 9 and 12) Scholarships are offered at 9+, 11+, 13+ and 16+. As well as the standard 10% fee reduction, our Music Scholars receive free tuition for two instruments which equates to 10 x 35 minute lessons per term. We ask that candidates play two instruments to the standard stated in the following guidelines. It would be an advantage if one of those instruments is the piano. However, potential as a musician is more important than actual grades, so not having reached the indicated levels should not prevent a scholarship application being made. 9+
Main Instrument Grade 1/2
11+ Main Instrument Grade 3 Second Instrument Grade 1/2 13+ Main Instrument Grade 5 Second Instrument Grade 2/3 16+ Main Instrument Grade 7/8 Second Instrument Grade 4/5
Candidates are required to perform two contrasting pieces on their main instrument/voice and one piece on their second instrument/voice. Sight reading is expected on the main study only. Documentary evidence of examinations passed in both practice and theoretical grades must accompany an application. Tests in general aural awareness will also be given. This may take the form of studying an unseen piece of music for 20 minutes and then performing it. Candidates will take part in other musical activities on the day of their audition. The successful candidates must have passed the school’s Entrance Assessment. Our Music Scholars would be expected to study Music at GCSE and A Level. Prospective Music Scholars are welcome to meet informally with the Director of Music in advance of the scholarship day, to discuss the process and to ensure that they are fully prepared.
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Sport Scholarships Sports Scholarships (for entry into Years 5, 7, 9 and 12) Scholarships are offered at 9+, 11+, 13+ and 16+. The following are guidelines to the standard required of candidates: The candidate should demonstrate an exceptionally high standard of performance in at least two major sports, county representation is an advantage. Major sports: Hockey, Netball, Tennis, Athletics and Swimming. Ability in other sports may also be taken into consideration. Candidates who apply for a Sports Scholarship will be assessed in the following: Netball and Hockey: Candidates will be expected to play an accomplished game for their age in their chosen
position as well as understanding of at least one other position. Athletics and Cross Country: Candidates will be expected to show their last season’s best times and performances. Time trials, jumps and throws may be undertaken on the Scholarship Day. Swimming: Candidates will participate in an assessed swimming session. Tennis: Current standard will be assessed through the candidates playing a singles game. We will be looking particularly for game awareness and potential. Candidates will be asked to perform a skills circuit in order to assess their fitness, speed, agility and co-ordination. All candidates will undergo a short interview with members of the PE Department.
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Candidates are expected to be conversant with rules, tactics and training schedules for their sports relevant to their age and standard and to be familiar with current topics of debate in the world of sport. Candidates will submit a written record of all their sporting achievements and any positions of sporting responsibility they have held during their time at school. Successful candidates must have passed the school’s Entrance Assessment. Successful Sports Scholars are expected to show full commitment to the Sports Department and any fixtures or events.
Drama & Dance Scholarships Drama Scholarships
Dance Scholarships
(for entry into Years 5, 7, 9 and 12)
St Mary’s works in collaboration with Shaftesbury’s renowned TLW Dance to provide our Elite Dance Academy.
Drama Scholarships will be offered at 9+, 11+, 13+ and 16+ to girls who can show exceptional creative flair, a strong use of movement and voice, good imagination and an active interest in theatre. We would expect candidates to have some performance experience outside of their school environment, although this is not essential. Assessment will take place through an audition where the candidate will be expected to perform two contrasting monologues. It is important for candidates to show a range of ability in areas such as accent, age, mood and attitude, through voice and physical performance skills. Candidates will be interviewed by the Head of Drama and may be asked to participate in an improvisation workshop.
Through our Dance Scholarships we attract some of the brightest and most talented dancers from the UK and abroad to live and study at St Mary’s while training to the highest standards at TLW. For more information about entry requirements please contact our Director of Admissions on admissions@stmshaftesbury.uk
The successful candidates must have passed the school’s Entrance Assessment.
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Mary Ward All Rounder Mary Ward Scholarships Our Mary Ward All Rounder Scholarships are available at 9+, 11+, 13+ and 16+ and are awarded to girls who will contribute to the school as a whole through their abilities in more than one area. We require girls to be able to demonstrate a high standard in Art, Dance, Drama, Music or Sport as well as having good academic ability. Girls are also expected to live by the Mary Ward ethos, which is at the very heart of the school. Candidates for the Mary Ward Scholarships will be assessed through interview, and during the relevant Scholarship Days. Successful candidates must have passed the school’s Entrance Assessment.
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Conditions The majority of our Scholarships attract 10% remission of core day or boarding fees, apart from our 11+ Local Catholic Primary School Academic Scholarship which offers a remission of up to 20% of the fees, in accordance with parental means. A pupil who is awarded a Scholarship is required to work hard, to contribute positively to the life of the school, to set a good example to others and to engage in their scholarship subject beyond the classroom. All Scholarships will be reviewed annually. If a pupil has fallen below the required standards in terms of progress, there will be consultation with the parents and pupil. Ultimately, if standards are not met, there is the possibility that the Scholarship will be withdrawn. For more information on any of our scholarships please contact our Director of Admissions on admissions@stmshaftesbury.uk
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Location and Travel Location
Finding St Mary’s
Situated on a stunning 55-acre estate on the Wiltshire/Dorset border, St Mary’s offers the very best of English country boarding. Set in an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, its historical buildings, sweeping drive and elegant grounds nestled within rolling hills cannot fail to provide the pupils with the space and inspiration to thrive and succeed.
By Road
By Air
St Mary’s is located off the A30, the road between Salisbury and Shaftesbury, and is just two miles outside of Shaftesbury.
London Heathrow and Bristol Airports are both approximately 1 hour 30 minutes away. London Gatwick is approximately 2 hours away.
If you are using sat nav, the postcode is SP7 9LP. We run an escorted coach or minibus to London for pupils at half term and exeat weekends subject to demand.
Coaches and minibuses are arranged for pupils travelling to and from airports. The school will always seek the best value for money option and costs will be shared between passengers and charged to accounts.
By Rail
School Minibuses
The nearest mainline stations are Tisbury and Gillingham; both are on the London to Exeter railway line. Taxis are available to and from both stations but must be booked in advance.
The school runs a minibus service for day girls. Please contact the Bursary for routes and charges.
The school is located just outside the beautiful North Dorset town of Shaftesbury. Featuring frequently as Shaston in Thomas Hardy’s novels, Shaftesbury has retained the traditional quality of a quintessential English rural town whilst benefiting from modern transport links. Just 15 minutes from the A303 and Tisbury and Gillingham train stations, there are excellent links to London (just under 2 hours) and the nearby cities of Salisbury (30 minutes) and Bath (45 minutes).
The school organises taxis for pupils travelling to and from school by train. These must be booked in advance through the school.
To the South, we are just 45 minutes from the world- famous Jurassic Coast and we have the historical monuments of Stonehenge and Salisbury Cathedral nearby.
Contact General Enquiries 01747 852416 enquiries@stmshaftesbury.uk Director of Admissions 01747 857111 admissions@stmshaftesbury.uk
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Oxford
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Bristol
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Reading Bath
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Gillingham train station
Yeovil
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Southampton
• Bournemouth
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Gatwick Airport
• Tisbury train station
• Salisbury
Heathrow Airport
•London
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+44 (0)1747 852416 www.stmshaftesbury.uk
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