St Mary's School Ascot
Ascot, Berkshire · SL5 9JF
AAB+ A-level
41.2%
9–7 GCSE
90.1%
Day fees
£47k
Inspection
Not yet inspected
St Mary's School Ascot is a leading Roman Catholic full-boarding school for girls aged 11–18, set in 55 acres of Berkshire countryside near Ascot. Founded by the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Loreto), the school places the Chapel at the heart of community life and draws its ethos from the values of founder Mary Ward: freedom of spirit, sincerity, and cheerful disposition. With just 384 pupils across seven year groups, it combines genuinely small-school warmth with strong academic rigour and an unusually wide co-curricular offer. Its predominantly full-boarding model creates a tight-knit residential community that shapes girls into confident, independent young women of conscience.
- →Deep Catholic ethos and spiritual formation rooted in the Mary Ward tradition, without being exclusive to Catholics
- →Full-boarding model fosters genuine community, lifelong friendships, and round-the-clock pastoral care
- →Small school size (under 400) means every girl is known individually and no one falls through the cracks
- →Strong academic results and subject-specialist teaching within an ethos that values the whole person
Who thrives here
Girls who will flourish in a warm, faith-centred residential community and are looking for academic challenge alongside a rich co-curricular life. It particularly suits those who value close friendships, spiritual grounding, and being part of a small, purposeful school rather than a large institution.
Strengths at a glance
Percentiles within UK independent + grammar schools we track.
At a glance
Contact & visit
St Mary's Road, South Ascot
Ascot, Berkshire
SL5 9JF
Nearest stations
Notable alumni
Imogen Lloyd Webber
Author, broadcaster and political commentator
Olivia Hunt
Friend of the Royal Family, briefly linked to Prince William
Samantha Cameron (née Sheffield)
Former UK Prime Minister's wife, fashion executive and businesswoman
Recent investment
Frequently asked questions
What are the fees at St Mary's School Ascot?
Day fees at St Mary's School Ascot are approximately £46,800 per year (2025/26). Boarding fees are higher.
How do you get into St Mary's School Ascot?
St Mary's School Ascot 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 St Mary's School Ascot's exam results?
At St Mary's School Ascot, 41.2% of A-levels were graded A*–B and 90.1% of GCSEs were grade 7/A or above. Full results are in the Results section above.
Is St Mary's School Ascot a boarding school?
St Mary's School Ascot offers boarding as well as day places.
What parents say
Frequently praised
✓Exceptional pastoral care — girls are truly known and valued as individuals by all staff
✓The boarding community creates deep, lasting friendships and a strong sense of belonging
✓Catholic ethos provides a genuine moral and spiritual framework without being oppressive
✓Excellent teaching quality and small class sizes allow real academic progress
✓Rich co-curricular programme means girls discover new talents and interests
Common concerns
!Full-boarding model means limited flexibility for day or weekly boarders — not suited to families wanting more time at home mid-week
!Fees are substantial and bursary availability is limited relative to demand
!Some parents note the rural location can feel isolated, particularly for girls used to urban environments
!As a small school, the A Level subject range, while solid, is narrower than larger schools