• St Mary's is empowering, academically purposeful and deeply attentive to girls, and aims to provide an environment in which they can grow in confidence, achievement and leadership.

• Will suit families seeking a girls' school where small classes, strong pastoral care and a clear focus on helping girls thrive are central to everyday school life.

Admissions at St Mary's School for Girls should appeal to families who want a Colchester girls' school with continuity from kindergarten to senior years, strong pastoral care and a clear belief in small classes. It should suit parents who value a school that is academically serious yet intentionally focused on helping girls feel safe, known and encouraged.

Scholarships and bursaries are a visible part of the St Mary's offer, with the school describing a programme designed to develop girls who show strength across a range of disciplines. Families should ask about current award categories, expectations of scholars and any means-tested support.

The overall picture is high achieving, empowering and close knit, with academic excellence, strong pastoral care and visible attention to girls' development all clearly foregrounded. Parents should still visit because the decisive question is whether the scale and style feel like the right fit for their daughter over time.