St Mary’s Ascot Review

A Top Catholic Girls’ Boarding School

Overview of the School

Founded in 1885, St Mary’s Ascot is one of the UK’s most prestigious Roman Catholic boarding schools for girls. Set in an attractive 55-acre campus in Berkshire, just outside London, it educates around 400 pupils, almost all of whom are boarders. The school is known for its strong sense of community, outstanding academic results, and deep-rooted values.

Academic Strengths

St Mary’s Ascot consistently achieves excellent results at GCSE and A-Level, placing it among the top-performing girls’ schools nationally. Many leavers go on to Oxbridge and other leading Russell Group universities, while some also pursue higher education in the US and beyond. The teaching is rigorous but also supportive, encouraging girls to develop intellectual curiosity and confidence.

Pastoral Care and Boarding Life

Pastoral care is one of St Mary’s greatest strengths. The Catholic ethos shapes the school’s culture of kindness, respect, and responsibility. Boarding is central to school life, and the houses create a warm, family-like environment. Staff know the girls well and offer strong guidance, making the school a secure choice for international parents sending daughters far from home. While rooted in Catholic tradition, the school warmly welcomes girls of all faiths, provided they are happy to participate in chapel and community life.

Co-Curricular Life

Life outside the classroom is varied and enriching. Sport is strong, with excellent facilities and coaching in hockey, netball, athletics, and more. Music and drama are also central to school life, and there is a wide range of clubs, leadership opportunities, and charity initiatives that give the girls breadth as well as depth in their education.

Why We Recommend St Mary’s Ascot for Our Students

We recommend St Mary’s Ascot to families who value academic excellence within a supportive, values-driven environment. The school combines intellectual ambition with a warm and caring culture, which helps students thrive both academically and personally. For families looking for a faith-based school with a strong moral compass, St Mary’s Ascot is particularly appealing, though its ethos of respect and kindness benefits every pupil regardless of background.

Final Thoughts

St Mary’s Ascot is a school that blends academic rigour with strong community values. It is a place where girls are nurtured, challenged, and inspired to achieve their best. For international families seeking a top girls’ boarding school with both academic strength and a deeply supportive environment, St Mary’s Ascot is an outstanding choice.