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Welcome to St Mary’s Shaftesbury Located on a beautiful estate in the heart of the countryside on the Dorset/ Wiltshire border, St Mary’s is a happy, vibrant community where, through intellectual development and personal and spiritual growth, girls learn to take on the world with curiosity, resilience and ambition. 1
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Spirit Soul 3
We foster an authentic sense of wellbeing, giving each girl the courage to face the unexpected and challenge the ordinary
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Our Ethos St Mary’s girls are extraordinary young people: confident, resilient and living life to the full. Our school provides a ‘second family’, a community to which every girl belongs, an attachment fostered through the experience of outstanding teaching, active learning, strong Catholic spiritual formation, excellent interpersonal relationships and strong bonds of friendship. We are part of a worldwide network of schools embracing the principles of Mary Ward. Born in Yorkshire in 1585, her vision and our mission is to educate each individual girl to the highest standards, providing inspiration, hope and a strong moral framework founded in service to others. Mary Ward declared ‘No half women’ and we encourage our girls to find their ‘spark’ and develop a growth mindset, to understand that everything is possible with a confident and persistent attitude. Our Catholic values are rooted in Ignatian spirituality, love and service. We learn to sit and listen attentively, growing together in our understanding of why we exist, of our intrinsic value and of God’s unconditional love for us. Whilst the majority of our pupils are Catholic, many are not, and the school has a proud tradition of ecumenical and interfaith provision. Our chapel lies at the heart of the school as a place of worship, a meeting place, a space for quiet reflection and an uplifting setting for outstanding musical performances. We make faith relevant and active, and our girls support a range of charities, both locally and further afield.
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At St Mary’s, girls find a strong sense of family within their houses. House life is structured and fun, with a rich range of activities available to enjoy with friends, day or boarding alike. Pastoral care is outstanding, and we are active in our promotion of the girls’ wellbeing. Happy, secure, communicative girls are encouraged to pursue academic excellence both in the classroom and beyond, through academic and co-curricular projects that allow all to flourish. The school grounds provide an outstanding environment with 55 beautiful acres of countryside, incorporating the original Victorian estate alongside modern facilities. Girls leave St Mary’s having had the freedom to grow and flourish, to develop at their own pace and become strong, articulate young women of the 21st century.
Maria Young, Headmistress
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Academics Achievements 7
Academic Life The St Mary’s model is one which nurtures and celebrates talent. We take pride in being part of our pupils’ development and success; as a smaller school, we relish the fact that we know each girl, which allows us to support and guide them towards achieving their goals. We foster a discursive, dynamic and collaborative environment for learning throughout the school; we monitor development, set individual targets, and cater to each girl’s individual needs and abilities.
The Junior School has a broad curriculum with a wide range of academic studies enjoyed by all pupils. Girls are pushed above and beyond their expected level of achievement by highly qualified, inspirational and motivated teachers. Personal support is provided via our excellent tutorial system. This prepares pupils for the Senior School where they begin to make choices about which academic paths they are going to follow. Girls are mentored academically by their
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peers via the vertical house system and as they enter the public exam years, we continue to encourage regular communication with parents. Tutors, girls and parents work together offering wrap-around care to optimise achievement in an open and supportive environment. At Sixth Form, as at GCSE, we offer exceptional subject choice alongside individual support; the best universities look for independent thinkers with a thirst for knowledge. The tutoring system becomes even more crucial as
Dedicated and enthusiastic teachers inspire a love of learning and allow girls to fulfil and surpass all expectations
career paths are mapped out. We have an outstanding record of girls gaining places at their first-choice universities, including Oxford and Cambridge. Above all, and throughout the school, we take the approach that learning is not just for exams but for life. Developing curiosity, persistence, critical thinking and a positive mindset is key preparation for work in a modern, global society.
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Health Happiness 11
An holistic approach creates a very special community, where girls feel happy in a relaxed and warm environment
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Pastoral Care Like our academic approach, our pastoral care is focused on empowering our girls. It is forwardthinking and ensures pupils are equipped with the skills to face the challenges of life beyond school with confidence. The wellbeing of pupils is at the heart of all we do. We are proactive and compassionate in all areas of the school; from the tutor system and chaplaincy to the health centre and the co-curricular schedule. Our catering staff further enhance wellbeing and provide nutritionally balanced, home-cooked food. Houses are at the centre of our pupils’ school lives, whether they are boarders or day girls. From UII (Year 5) to LIV (Year 8), girls are in Hewarth House. Here they enjoy close connections with house staff and experience a home-from-home in a cosy, fun environment. Girls in UIV (Year 9) through to UV (Year 11) are split into three houses: York, Harewell and Newby, where they mix with, and mentor, each other. As they progress through the years, they assume additional responsibilities and have the opportunity to lead their houses in LVI, before taking
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on school leadership roles in UVI. Sixth Form girls have their own dedicated accommodation, Mary Ward House, which fosters their growing independence. House Challenges take place throughout the year; girls have the chance to sing their hearts out in the ‘House Shout’ or give their all at Sports Day, for example. Each house supports its own charity and the girls actively participate in a range of fundraising events throughout the school year. The sense of belonging, through the house system, helps girls to face challenges in a positive and enthusiastic way, building resilience and determination. It is our Christian ethos which makes our pastoral approach so robust. Forgiveness, tolerance and kindness are the norm and these qualities lead to excellent leadership skills, a deep understanding of the world and independent thinking. At St Mary’s, girls have the freedom to be themselves. They are comfortable in their own skin and feel able to follow with confidence their chosen path in life.
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Athletic Active 15
The breadth and choice in our sports provision ensures all pupils have an opportunity to enjoy, or compete in, activities that appeal to them
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Sports For All We aim to give all our girls a love of sport and to set them on the path of life-long physical activity. What this means is different for each girl. Whether they have a passion or unique talent in a particular discipline, excel across the board, or are unsure of where their abilities lie and want to be able to try out a range of different activities, we provide a tailored experience for each pupil. We push those who have the potential to excel and have a thriving Elite Athlete programme which gives girls access to the pathways to sporting success. Specialised coaching is available in all fields, and the school has a team of highly qualified, professional and motivated staff who make the most of all the girls’ talents.
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There are many opportunities to compete at county and national level, as well as against other schools. All girls take part in sport for a minimum of two afternoons each week and the majority are involved in matches during a third afternoon. Success outside the classroom, and the experience of playing as part of a team, develops the confidence to thrive in the classroom. We have a number of elite dancers at St Mary’s whose specialised training is accommodated within the normal school timetable. Their presence means that all are exposed to the athleticism of dance and movement which is a real asset to the whole school community. Our Catering Department provides a balanced and nutritious diet for our athletes and dancers, as well as for the whole school.
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Discover Develop 19
The Co-curricular Programme Our co-curricular offering is made up of many activities provided by the school based on staff expertise (including astronomy, archery, theatre and reading groups, coding and much more). Other activities like equestrian sports, dance, scuba diving, fencing and the Leiths Cookery Course, allow girls to access specialist teaching on site or at specialist centres nearby.
The focus is on the full development of the pupil; being able to access a wide range of co-curricular activities and to discover and develop personal passions is one of the great joys of an independent education. Boarders and day girls experience a timetable packed with clubs and societies. They take part in voluntary
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activities in the local community and enjoy trips abroad, most recently to Zambia, Vietnam and Laos. Girls and their parents are regularly surprised by the new talents and interests they discover at school, be it trampolining, beekeeping or learning a language not already available on the academic timetable.
Girls participate in a rich and diverse programme of co-curricular activities
Most pupils participate in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and St Mary’s is a licensed centre for the scheme. Our former girls’ deep connection with the school enhances pupils’ co-curricular experience, and they regularly return to lend their expertise via lectures, seminars, diverse careers fairs, wellness festivals and enterprise events. Our unique location gives us access to the benefits of world heritage sites such as Bath, Stonehenge and Salisbury, the culture on offer in London (under two hours away), and the opportunities to climb, sail and trek on the stunning Jurassic coastline, as well as wild places to explore including Exmoor and Dartmoor.
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Imagination Individuality 23
The positive effects of taking part in art, dance, drama and music are felt in all areas of school life
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Creative Arts Creative and performing arts are central to life at St Mary’s in parallel with pupils’ academic endeavours. Opportunities for girls to work collaboratively and express themselves creatively contribute to the holistic education for life and cultural competency that is the unique St Mary’s offering. Refining skills, exhibiting work and taking part in individual and group performances are all critical to increasing self-confidence and preparing the whole person for success beyond school. We enjoy thriving dance, musical theatre and music groups at the school and benefit from several venues of different sizes to suit varied types of performances. There is a long history of excellent drama and musical theatre productions at St Mary’s. Pupils are able to get involved with all aspects, including costume and set design, lighting, sound engineering as well as acting and singing.
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Musical opportunities are varied and include everything from chamber ensembles to the much-admired school band. The Chapel Choir, which is at the heart of the liturgical life of the school, frequently travels abroad and the girls are regularly invited to perform in places such as Vienna, Rome, Venice and Budapest. Our award-winning Art Department is located in a bright, purpose-built contemporary building and is staffed by specialists renowned in their own fields of ceramics, textiles, photography and fine art. The studios are in use throughout the day and into the evening as pupils complete their extensive portfolios in an inspirational setting, immersing themselves in their creative endeavours. We proudly exhibit girls’ work throughout the school and they gain the highest awards in external exhibitions as well as in local and national competitions.
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Autonomy Ambition 27
Sixth Form Life Sixth Form preparation at St Mary’s starts early as younger girls begin to consider career options and take opportunities much lower down the school. Talents are spotted, individuals are encouraged to shine and seize every opportunity available to them. Early participation in careers fairs, listening to visiting speakers, debating and focused intellectual development help pupils make a seamless transition into the Sixth Form. When they reach the LVI, girls are ready to make the most of the freedom, responsibility and opportunity to grow that the Sixth Form brings. New girls
who join St Mary’s at this stage are given a thorough assessment of their skills and abilities and are individually nurtured in the same way as girls who have been with the school for many years. Academic development is closely appraised and each girl is supported by a specialist Sixth Form Tutor who oversees academic and co-curricular progress through regular meetings. Higher Education and career pathways are carefully considered and close liaison between parents, pupils, teachers and the Head of Sixth Form result in confidence and success. Alongside this,
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St Mary’s alumnae offer advice and guidance to current pupils and a social and business network to former pupils. One of the most significant transitions at Sixth Form is the move into Mary Ward House, a dedicated stand-alone building with communal social areas, single rooms and kitchen facilities. This gives the girls more independence in their final years at school and helps prepare them for university and life after St Mary’s. Girls form close bonds with house staff who guide and support them. Led by the Head Girl and Prefects, all girls have
The Sixth Form is where girls become more independent, fulfil their potential, form life-long friendships and create happy memories
the opportunity to take up leadership roles across the school in areas such as academic mentoring, sport, the arts, charity fundraising and co-curricular activities. These last two years in the Sixth Form represent an exciting opportunity for girls to challenge themselves, forge ever-stronger friendships and develop as individuals while achieving their absolute academic best. After they have left St Mary’s, we offer continued support to all our girls regarding university life, career progression, interview technique and professional development opportunities.
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The best way to learn about St Mary’s is to come and visit us in person. We would be delighted to welcome you at one of our Open Mornings or for an individual visit. Please contact our Director of Admissions on 01747 857111 or admissions@stmarys.eu 30
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+44 (0)1747 852416 www.stmarys.eu
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