Preparing young girls for leadership and success

Why Early Years matters

For parents of Junior school-aged girls, the foundation of their education is about more than learning to read, write, and solve equations. It is about nurturing curiosity, building confidence, and helping them understand their place in the world. At schools like St Mary’s, we believe that Early Years is the most important stepping stone toward developing girls who will one day lead, innovate, and inspire.

Join us for our Open House event on 31 January to discover how St Mary’s can provide the perfect foundation for your daughter’s future.

Fostering confidence from the start

Research shows that girls begin to lose confidence in their abilities as early as primary school, particularly in subjects like maths and science. A study commissioned by Teach First found that over half of girls (54.3%) lacked confidence in learning maths, compared to 41.2% of boys. In science, more than 43% of girls reported low confidence, versus 26% of boys.

At St Mary’s, we challenge these stereotypes by creating an environment where girls feel empowered to take risks and embrace challenges. By encouraging curiosity and resilience in the classroom, we help girls develop a belief in their abilities that will carry them through their academic journey and beyond.

Building a strong sense of community

Junior school is also a time for children to form their first sense of belonging. In a single-sex environment like St Mary’s, girls have the space to express themselves freely, build strong friendships, and develop the social and emotional skills that are just as critical to their future success as academics. Through teamwork, shared experiences, and supportive teachers, our young pupils learn the value of community and collaboration.

Encouraging leadership at every level

Even at a young age, girls are capable of leading, and at St Mary’s, we encourage them to explore leadership roles in ways that feel natural to them. Whether it is speaking in assembly, taking responsibility for a group project, or volunteering for a new challenge, our Junior School pupils are given opportunities to develop their voices and decision-making skills in a safe and supportive setting.

Preparing for a future without limits

As you become Junior School parents, you will want your daughters to grow up ready to take on the world. That means as well as academic achievement it is important to build the character and skills that will help your daughter navigate life’s challenges and seize its opportunities. We focus on developing the whole child, ensuring that our girls are not only prepared for their next steps in education but also equipped to thrive in an ever-changing world, no matter how young they are.

Experience the difference St Mary’s can make. Book your place at our Open House today and see how we prepare girls to lead and succeed.