St. Mary's School Ascot: Comprehensive 11+ Admissions Guide

Key Information Summary

• School Type: Independent Roman Catholic boarding school for girls
• Age Range: 11-18 years
• Location: Ascot, Berkshire
• Pupils: Approximately 375 students
• Campus: 55-acre estate with exceptional facilities
• Headmistress: Mrs. Danuta Staunton
• Entry Points: Year 7 (age 11) and Sixth Form
• Boarding: Full and weekly boarding available

About St. Mary's School Ascot

St. Mary's School Ascot occupies a unique position within the landscape of independent girls' education, combining academic excellence with strong Catholic values on its magnificent 55-acre campus in Royal Berkshire. Founded by the Religious of the Sacred Heart, the school has cultivated a distinctive ethos that emphasises intellectual curiosity, spiritual growth, and service to others.

The school's commitment to developing confident, articulate young women is evident in its personalised approach to education. With approximately 375 pupils, St. Mary's maintains an intimate community atmosphere where each girl is known and valued as an individual. The school's academic programme is complemented by outstanding co-curricular opportunities, from the renowned music and drama departments to competitive sports teams.

St. Mary's exceptional facilities include a state-of-the-art sports centre, professional-standard performing arts theatre, and modern science laboratories. The school's location in Ascot provides both the tranquillity of a rural setting and excellent transport links to London, making it accessible to families whilst offering pupils the benefits of a traditional boarding school environment.

The 11+ Assessment Process at St. Mary's School Ascot

St. Mary's School Ascot employs a comprehensive assessment process designed to identify girls who will thrive within the school's academic and pastoral environment. The 11+ entry process is carefully structured to evaluate both academic potential and personal qualities that align with the school's values.

Assessment Components:

• English Assessment: Evaluating reading comprehension, creative writing, and analytical skills
• Mathematics Assessment: Testing numerical reasoning, problem-solving abilities, and mathematical concepts
• Interview: A personal discussion focusing on the candidate's interests, aspirations, and compatibility with school values
• School Report: Current academic performance and teacher recommendations from the candidate's primary school

The assessment process is designed to be supportive rather than intimidating, with the school seeking to understand each candidate's individual strengths and potential contribution to the community. Candidates are automatically considered for academic, art, music, and sports scholarships based on their assessment performance, with no separate application required.

How to Apply

Application Timeline:

• Registration: Submit registration form by October in Year 5
• Assessment Day: January/February in Year 6
• Offers: March following assessment
• Acceptance: Confirmation required by specified deadline

Required Documentation:

• Completed registration form
• Registration fee
• Recent school report
• Birth certificate copy
• Passport photograph

The school strongly encourages prospective families to visit the campus before applying, either through organised open days or private tours. These visits provide invaluable insight into the school's atmosphere and help families determine whether St. Mary's aligns with their educational aspirations.

How Taylor Tuition Can Help

Taylor Tuition's expertise in independent school admissions proves invaluable for families considering St. Mary's School Ascot. Our consultants possess deep understanding of the school's specific requirements and assessment style, having successfully guided numerous families through the application process.

Our Specialised Support Includes:

• Assessment Preparation: Targeted tutoring in English and Mathematics aligned with St. Mary's expectations
• Interview Coaching: Developing confidence and communication skills for the admissions interview
• Application Strategy: Ensuring applications highlight qualities valued by St. Mary's admissions team
• Scholarship Guidance: Maximising opportunities for academic, creative, and sporting scholarships
• School Matching: Identifying whether St. Mary's aligns with your daughter's academic profile and personal interests

Our proven track record with St. Mary's School Ascot includes understanding the school's preference for candidates who demonstrate intellectual curiosity, leadership potential, and commitment to community service. We ensure each applicant presents their strongest possible candidature whilst remaining authentic to their individual character and aspirations.

Through our comprehensive preparation programme, we help families navigate the competitive admissions landscape with confidence, ensuring your daughter is fully prepared to demonstrate her potential at this exceptional school.