Mount St Mary's College
Sheffield, Derbyshire · S21 3YL
Mount St Mary's College is a Catholic independent boarding and day school located in the Peak District, serving pupils aged 11–18. Founded in 1842, it combines academic rigour with strong pastoral care rooted in Jesuit educational tradition. The school emphasises character formation alongside intellectual development, with a particular strength in enabling boarders and day pupils to integrate fully into a cohesive community.
- →Strong boarding infrastructure and pastoral care in a rural setting conducive to focus and discipline
- →Catholic ethos and values-driven education underpinned by Jesuit pedagogy
- →Solid academic reputation with emphasis on breadth as well as depth across sciences, humanities and languages
Who thrives here
Pupils who benefit from boarding community life, those seeking a values-based education within a Catholic framework, and families valuing traditional pastoral structures combined with modern academic provision. Particularly suited to those who thrive in a quieter, countryside environment away from urban distractions.
Strengths at a glance
Percentiles within UK independent + grammar schools we track.
At a glance
Contact & visit
College Road, Spinkhill
Sheffield, Derbyshire
S21 3YL
Nearest stations
Notable alumni
Sir Michael Palin
Comedian, actor, presenter and travel documentarian; Monty Python member
Rowan Williams
Former Archbishop of Canterbury; theologian and poet
Recent investment
Frequently asked questions
What are the fees at Mount St Mary's College?
Day fees at Mount St Mary's College are approximately £15,600 per year (2024/25). Boarding fees are higher.
How do you get into Mount St Mary's College?
Mount St Mary's College admits pupils at 11+, 13+, 16+. Entry is assessed by Interview, Assessment. See the Admissions section above for open days and key dates.
What are Mount St Mary's College's exam results?
At Mount St Mary's College, 32.4% of GCSEs were grade 7/A or above. Full results are in the Results section above.
Is Mount St Mary's College a boarding school?
Mount St Mary's College offers boarding as well as day places.
What is Mount St Mary's College's latest inspection rating?
ISI rated Mount St Mary's College “Excellent” (2018).
What parents say
Frequently praised
✓Genuine pastoral care and knowledge of each child; staff go beyond the call of duty for boarding pupils
✓Strong community ethos and sense of belonging; boarders form lifelong friendships and develop independence
✓Values-driven education that shapes character as well as intellect; Catholic foundation respected across faiths
✓Excellent accessibility to natural environment; outdoor pursuits integrated meaningfully into school life
Common concerns
!Geographic isolation can deter some families and limit cultural diversity of intake
!Boarding fees remain substantial; bursary availability and transparency could be improved
!Not yet Ofsted inspected; reliance on ISI ratings and historical reputation rather than recent statutory validation
!Limited modern facilities in some areas; capital investment ongoing but pace of modernisation varies