St Mary’s Catholic SchoolBishop’s Stortford

St Mary’s is a Catholic community dedicated to achieving excellence for all, and to the spiritual, social and personal development of our pupils into responsible, generous and caring members of society.

In 1896, five Sisters from the Belgian congregation of St Mary of Namur came to Bishop’s Stortford to live out their own motto, in simplicity of heart, joyfully, I have offered all things, and established a school with just nine students. These pioneering nuns were the first to provide Catholic education for the district, and the school quickly became a success. Their legacy is St Mary’s Catholic School, and as we look to the future with high expectations for continued success, their vision continues to inspire us.

We are committed to ongoing development and refurbishment to modernise further our provision.

❝ My daughter is happy at school. She has found the teaching inspiring. ❞Year 7 Parent, Keele University Survey May 2015

One of the top 100

non-selective state schools

in England2016

St Mary’s Catholic School has an outstanding record of academic achievement. Learning here is a rewarding and enjoyable experience based on high expectations and challenging targets for all: lessons are interactive and engaging, and we vary our teaching methods to respond to different learning styles. Students can choose study options to match their interests, abilities and future plans.

❝ Achievement is outstanding in all key stages. ❞

Welcome to St Mary’sWelcome to our school prospectus. I hope it conveys the special qualities of our school: the blend of academic rigour and compassion for the individual is at the heart of what St Mary’s is about. We strive to ensure that our

community witnesses to Gospel values, and also achieves academic excellence. The success of our children is based on these qualities and also on a partnership with you. Together we hope to guide and develop our young people so that they reach their full potential as human beings. This partnership has resulted in excellent examination results, as talented students are guided by expert staff and supported by committed parents. I hope this prospectus conveys these attributes, and that your experience of our school is a fruitful one.

Yours sincerelyAndrew Celano

Ofsted 2012/13

Although the school facilities are increasingly modern, our greatest resource is a caring staff of highly qualified specialists, freed to bring high quality teaching to lessons.

❝ There is an openness and approachability in management at all levels that are extended to everyone in the school. This is evidently genuine and people feel empowered and are willing to offer ideas and to use their initiative freely without fear of failure. ❞Latest Investors in People Report

A staff body committed to excellence

❝ I would highly recommend St Mary’s to anyone. What a great School. ❞

Year 8 Parent, Parental survery March 2017

Strong commitment to pastoral careWe know and value all of our students, and understand their needs as individuals from the beginning: our induction process starts as early as Year 5 to ensure that new students quickly become assured members of our community.

We have exceptional standards of discipline based on mutual respect and positive relationships nurtured within a Christian framework. Our students understand their responsibilities, and are active in developing a sense of ownership through our elected School Council, Pupil Voice and a wide range of pupil surveys.

❝ The teachers are very good here and are great role models. ❞ Year 7 Student

St Mary’s Catholic School has a long tradition of sporting excellence. We have an inclusive approach, and encourage all students to join in at every level to achieve their personal best in a spirit of fun and friendly competition. We regularly produce champions at district, county and regional levels.

Excellent facilities including our own Hume Theatre support a commitment to developing the talents of our pupils through the performing arts with high quality concerts and performances as well as trips and experiences throughout the year.

❝ Students thoroughly enjoy PE and enthuse about the range of sporting opportunities provided. ❞ Oftsted Inspection in PE, 2011

❝ PE helps keep us healthy in a really fun way.❞Year 8 Student

A long tradition of excellence in sports and the performing arts

Catholic faith traditions are central to the life of our school community. Gospel values permeate every aspect of St Mary’s and can be seen in the quality of relationships between staff and students. As part of our Catholic mission, and in partnership with parents, we help our students to live this faith in the modern world, with a busy programme of assemblies, retreats, liturgies, pilgrimages, charity work and Form Masses.

The close relationships between St Mary’s, the local parishes and primary schools create a continuity of Catholic education from 3 to 18. This fosters an appropriate environment for the spiritual development of our young people from their first educational experiences, while continuing to welcome those who join our community at a later stage in their schooling.

❝ Our school community is joined in friendship and prayer. ❞ Teacher

Religious life at St Mary’s

❝ We are delighted about how happy and settled our daughter is in the sixth form. ❞

Year 12 Parents

❝ Academic results continue to improve as does the number of pupils being offered places at some of the country’s leading universities. ❞ LATEST CUSTOMER SERVICE EXCELLENCE REPORT

The sixth form is outstanding

St Mary’s sixth formers are important role models and ambassadors for our schools. They have extra responsibilities for organising their own time and learning, as well as additional privileges. They have our absolute support for all of their endeavours and we are immensely proud of their achievements.

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Ofsted 2012/13

Confidence in the futureStudents leave St Mary’s as young adults with a clear sense of ambition and moral purpose. They are determined to create their own futures as decent successful citizens who understand the enormous challenges of the modern world. We are interested in teaching the skills, knowledge and values they need to succeed in every direction.

❝ Students thoroughly enjoy school, are happy and feel safe. Students support each other’s learning without question. ❞ Ofsted 2012/13

❝ Students’ behaviour is exemplary. They are courteous, polite and respectful to each other and staff at all times. ❞Ofsted 2012/13

St Mary’s Catholic School | Windhill | Bishop’s Stortford | Hertfordshire | CM23 2NQ | Telephone 01279 654901 | Fax 01279 653889 www.stmarys.net | info@stmarys.net

❝ The School’s motto ‘achieving excellence for all’ has become a reality at this oustanding school. Endeavour, trust and kindness prevail. ❞ Ofsted 2012/13