Academic advantage starts in the classroom
An education focused on girls’ development prioritises academic excellence, creating a unique space where students are empowered to pursue their interests freely, without limitations. At St Mary’s, students often say they’ve never questioned whether STEM, traditionally male-dominated sports, or leadership roles “were for them” because, in this environment, every opportunity is reserved for girls. This culture nurtures a powerful sense of confidence and ambition; students learn that every subject, sport, and leadership role is open to them. This results in a school experience that not only breaks academic boundaries but also removes societal barriers, providing the foundation for a generation of changemakers ready to lead on the global stage.
Research from the Girls' Schools Association (GSA) in 2024 underscores the academic strength of girls in single-sex schools, where students are 40% more likely to take Biology, 85% more likely to pursue Chemistry, and 2.7 times more likely to study Further Mathematics at A-level compared to their co-educational peers. In areas too often underrepresented by female voices, like Physics and Computer Science, students from female-focused settings are more than twice as likely to take these courses, with Computer Science experiencing remarkable growth in uptake, having doubled in recent years. This focus not only boosts academic outcomes but fosters a generation of female innovators and experts positioned to influence critical global fields such as science, technology, and environmental research.
The skills and knowledge that start in the classroom extend well beyond it, into initiatives like our STEP talks, where students engage in meaningful dialogue on global issues. Founded by alumna, Victoria Graepel, Academic Prefect in 2022-23 and perpetuated by academic prefect Niamh Collery, these talks are a series presented by Sixth Formers to various age groups across the school, covering topics from racism in medical malpractice—recently explored by student Joann Chondol—to global politics and human rights. Through these platforms, students learn to apply their academic knowledge, engage with pressing social issues, and develop a sense of responsibility for the world around them. By encouraging students to research, discuss, and present on complex topics, schools like St Mary’s cultivate a global mindset and an awareness of the role they can play in driving positive change.
This level of engagement does more than foster academic confidence; it equips young women with the tools to lead in fields where female voices are crucial yet often underrepresented. A girls’ education doesn’t just cultivate subject expertise; it builds the resilience and dedication - the HEART value of Hard Work—that young women need to excel beyond the classroom. Through intellectual curiosity, a growth mindset, and real-world applications, each student recognises her potential, learns to persevere, and develops the drive needed to make a meaningful impact.
An all-girls education like St Mary’s prepares young women to become leaders, innovators and advocates ready to address the world’s challenges, from climate change to medical advancements and social reform. This focused environment provides the foundation for the next generation of female changemakers, equipping them with the confidence, skills, and commitment to rise to any challenge and create lasting global change.