St Mary's School Ascot
11+ Admissions Guide 2026

St Mary's School Ascot is an independent Roman Catholic boarding school for girls aged between 11 and 18 years, situated on a 55-acre site in Ascot, Berkshire. Founded in 1885 by the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary, now named the Congregation of Jesus, the school is overseen by a board of governors appointed by the St Mary's School Ascot Trust, which was established in 1984. The school draws its ethos from the vision of its foundress Mary Ward, aiming to foster the intellectual, spiritual and personal development of each pupil. It seeks to nurture independent thought, a sense of personal worth, and a strong sense of responsibility, preparing pupils to lead and to contribute to the world around them. Opportunities to engage with the sacramental and spiritual life of the Catholic Church are also central to the school's offering. Pupils come mainly from London and the south east of England, with others joining from elsewhere in the UK and from overseas. Almost all pupils are full boarders, with a small number attending as day girls. The school has grown its facilities in recent years, adding two new libraries, a 400-metre all-weather athletics track, field-event facilities, a second artificial sports pitch, a new refectory, new common rooms for junior pupils, and a school playground.

Pupils allowed to bring one mobile phone. Years 7-8: basic phones without internet. Years 9+: smartphones registered on school network. Phones only allowed during specific times and areas. Confiscation for misuse. No second phones. Nightly collection from years 7-10.