On Saturday evening, a group of girls form the Sixth Form headed off the annual Caledonian Ball at Radley, dressed to impress in beautiful dresses - but, of course, with flat shoes for dancing!

Congratulations to Ellie P (LVI) on achieving a Distinction in her ARSM Diploma in Music Performance on violin.

In September, we decided to design 'charity trackies' in support of Justice in Care, a charity dedicated to ending modern slavery. The project, inspired by a Sixth Form Lecture presented by Mrs Boobbyer at the start of the Autumn Term, allowed us to develop valuable skills while raising nearly £1,900 for this important cause.

In case the Christmas and New Year celebrations weren’t quite enough, the 2023 Leavers kicked off the new year in style with a fun evening reunion of drinks and nibbles at The Thomas Cubitt in Belgravia last Friday 3 January.

Music Production lessons with Mr Allard continue this year, with Mia W (LVI) and Hermione B (UV) creating a catchy South American-themed song that was written, recorded and produced in just a few short sessions and will form part of Mia's portfolio for university applications. 

Congratulations to our Deputy Head Academic, Mr Michael Smyth, for his inclusion in ‘Triumph Like a Girl: An Anthology for Hope’, published by the Girls’ School Association (GSA) as part of their 150th anniversary celebrations.

In the final week of term, LIV French pupils enjoyed festive lessons where they learned new vocabulary, created French Christmas cards, and made crêpes. Inspired by the experience, two pupils visited their former primary school to teach 120 children how to make French Christmas cards, confidently sharing their knowledge and spreading holiday cheer.

A Level RS students attended a Masterclass at Oxford University, featuring lectures by renowned theological experts, including Professor Alister McGrath, and engaging debates on thought-provoking topics. The day provided a truly fantastic and intellectually enriching experience for all attendees.

We are delighted to celebrate the incredible achievement of St Mary's alumna (1968 Leaver) and Emeritus Governor, Professor Julia Buckingham, who has been awarded a DBE in the King’s New Year’s Honours List 2025 for her outstanding contributions to higher education. Dame Julia's DBE follows on from her CBE received in 2018.

We were delighted to welcome back Annabelle Edgington (2023 Leaver) who returned to St Mary's to share her experiences of volunteering in Nairobi, funded from a Calne Foundation Trust bursary, with our Sixth Form and pupils from St Margaret's Prep.