Principal of The Marist School, Jo Smith, on how their approach to pastoral care inspires success in the classroom and beyond
In a nutshell, what does The Marist School offer?
The Marist is a Catholic, all-girls, independent day school from 2-18-years-old, and academically selective in the senior school. We are an ambitious school which provides so many opportunities for young people. The girls excelled in their A-levels this summer with 48% achieving A* to A, 20% above the national average.
We have worked hard on our educational provision in academic rigour, co-curricular, sporting success and a bespoke Sixth Form curriculum. Our Senior and Prep curriculum has extended with The Marist Diploma in Years 6-9 and enrichment into Year 7, with lessons such as woodland photography and environmental studies. Needless to say we also have small class sizes which allows for that important relationship building with both peers and teachers. We offer academic excellence without sacrificing the rounded education which comes from a school which has wellbeing high on the agenda. We have recently been shortlisted for Student Wellbeing in The Independent Schools of the Year Awards 2024 and are finalists in the Talk Education Awards for Innovation for Pastoral Care and Wellbeing.
What are the benefits of the single sex environment?
There is a focus on the love of learning and a curiosity for learning. It is an environment where girls can be whoever they want to be; aspirational and ambitious. Research from the Girls’ Schools Association (GSA) reveals girls only education leads to greater confidence and higher academic achievement and this is reflected in our exam results. There are no stereotypes here, as illustrated in the choice of subjects at university where STEM featured highly: Veterinary Science at Cambridge; Physics at St Andrews and Economics at Bath to name a few.
Boys are not out of the picture, we enjoy mixing in a co-ed environment, just not in the classroom and in our day-to-day learning. Girls in all year groups mix with boys in social settings and, in the case of Sixth Form, for various workshops, competitions and leadership opportunities where we host students from all schools, co-ed and single sex.
What would we find in a typical class?
“You will find small class sizes with high expectations from everyone so that high standards in all areas are the norm; from interactions between peers to homework to sport and music. You will find a challenge-for-all culture whereby all students are encouraged to fulfil their potential, whatever their ability.”
What do you believe your students are prepared for when they leave the school?
We build the confidence of our students from an early age so when they leave us at the grand age of 18 years, they are prepared to be future leaders and innovators. They will be adept in their hard skills; these will get them in the door of their choice; but young people need much more in today’s world. Our students leave us equally adept in their communication skills, their presentation and problem-solving skills. They leave us with a strong moral compass which will stay with them for life and, that is perhaps the most important, as The Marist values remain with you.
The Marist School themarist.com
Instagram: @themaristschool
Facebook: TheMaristSchool
Further reading: Wellington College on the importance of thinking bigger
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