St. Mary’s School, Cambridge – 11+ Practice Papers with Video Explanations
Independent Day and Boarding School for Girls | Cambridge | Ages 3–18 | Catholic Foundation, Inclusive of All Faiths
📚 History of St. Mary’s School, Cambridge
St. Mary’s School, Cambridge was founded in 1898 by the Sisters of the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary (IBVM), also known as the Loreto Sisters, inspired by the vision of Mary Ward, a 17th-century educational pioneer. Mary Ward believed in the potential of women and girls to achieve greatness through education — a core ethos that remains at the heart of St. Mary’s.
Located in the historic city of Cambridge, the school blends academic tradition with forward-thinking, holistic education. While rooted in Catholic values, the school is inclusive and welcoming to pupils of all faiths and none.
👩🎓 Pupil Numbers & School Structure
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Total pupils: ~600
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Senior School (Years 7–11): ~300 girls
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Sixth Form (Years 12–13): ~100 students
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Prep School (ages 3–11): ~200 pupils
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Year 7 intake: ~50–60 girls
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Boarding places: Available from Year 5+ (weekly & full boarding)
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Class sizes: Typically 15–20 students
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Gender: Girls only
The school offers a small, nurturing environment, where each girl is known personally and supported to flourish.
🎓 Academic Reputation
St. Mary’s Cambridge is known for its academic excellence, pastoral care, and development of confident, independent thinkers. While it is academically selective, the school prides itself on value-added success, meaning girls consistently exceed their expected outcomes.
✅ Academic Highlights:
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Excellent GCSE and A-Level results across all subject areas
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High-achieving students in STEM, Languages, Arts, and Humanities
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Specialist support for Oxbridge, Medicine, and international university applications
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Emphasis on STEAM, creativity, and critical thinking
📊 Recent Academic Results:
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GCSEs:
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67% Grades 7–9 (A–A*)
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97% Grades 4–9 (C–A*)
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A-Levels:
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67% Grades A–A*
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95% Grades A–C*
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Leavers go on to:
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Russell Group universities (e.g., Cambridge, UCL, Durham)
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Art and design colleges (e.g., Central Saint Martins)
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US & international universities
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🏆 Awards & Recognition
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Rated “Excellent” in all areas by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI)
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Winner of multiple Green School Awards for environmental sustainability
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Recognised in:
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The Good Schools Guide for Art and Pastoral Care
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Tatler Schools Guide for its holistic, creative education
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Member of Girls’ Schools Association (GSA) and Catholic Independent Schools’ Conference (CISC)
🏫 St Mary’s School, Cambridge – Contact Information
School Name: St Mary’s School, Cambridge
Type: Independent Day and Boarding School for Girls (Ages 3–18)
Religious Affiliation: Roman Catholic (welcoming girls of all faiths)
📍 Address:
Main School (Senior & Sixth Form):
Bateman Street
Cambridge
CB2 1LY
United Kingdom
☎️ Telephone:
+44 (0)1223 224111
📧 Email:
admissions@stmaryscambridge.co.uk
enquiries@stmaryscambridge.co.uk (general enquiries)
🌐 Website:
https://www.stmaryscambridge.co.uk
📱 Social Media:
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Instagram: @stmaryscambridge
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Facebook: St Mary’s School, Cambridge
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Twitter/X: @StMarysCamb
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YouTube: St Mary’s School Cambridge
📝 Exam Board: CEM Select
You can view the school’s location on the map below:
How to Use ExamTutor 11 Plus Practice Papers with Video Explanations to Achieve High Scores for St. Mary’s School, Cambridge, in the 11+ Entrance Exam
St. Mary’s School, Cambridge uses their own English test and CEM Select 11+ entrance test for admission to Year 7. To secure a place, students must perform well in the exam, which assesses English, Mathematics, and Reasoning skills.
Why Use ExamTutor 11 Plus Practice Papers with Video Explanations?
✔ Designed for Independent School Entrance Exams – Covers question types that may appear in the St. Mary’s School, Cambridge entrance test.
✔ Video Explanations for Every Question – Helps students understand mistakes and improve problem-solving skills.
✔ Identifies Strengths & Weaknesses – Tailored practice to improve weaker areas.
✔ Boosts Confidence & Exam Performance – Familiarisation with exam-style questions reduces anxiety.
How to Use ExamTutor for St. Mary’s School, Cambridge 11+ Exam Preparation
1. Understand the Exam Format
📌 Cranford House School 11+ entrance test typically includes:
- English – Reading comprehension, creative writing, and grammar.
- Mathematics – Problem-solving, arithmetic, and numerical reasoning.
- Reasoning (Verbal & Non-Verbal) – Logical thinking, pattern recognition, and spatial awareness
✔ Start by introducing your child to each section and understanding what is tested.
2. Create a Structured Study Plan
✔ Allocate dedicated study time for each subject every week.
✔ Use ExamTutor practice papers to track progress.
✔ Practice under timed conditions to improve speed and accuracy.
3. Boost Confidence with Video Explanations
Some 11+ question types can be challenging for students. Our expert-led video explanations:
🎥 Break down complex questions step by step
🎥 Teach proven problem-solving techniques
🎥 Show shortcuts and strategies to save time in the exam
🎥 Help students reinforce learning and build confidence
How to Use Video Explanations Effectively:
✅ Review incorrect answers with video solutions – Identify and correct mistakes early.
✅ Take notes on key strategies – Record important problem-solving techniques for future reference.
✅ Rewatch explanations for difficult topics – Reinforce learning by revisiting challenging areas.
4. Develop Exam Strategies & Time Management
✔ Teach skimming and scanning techniques for comprehension questions.
✔ Use mental maths tricks to speed up calculations.
✔ Practice logical reasoning techniques to improve accuracy in reasoning questions.
5. Take Practice Exams & Review Performance
✔ Schedule practice exams close to the real test date.
✔ Analyse results and focus on weak areas.
✔ Use ExamTutor’s tutor-led video explanations for targeted revision.
6. Boost Confidence & Reduce Exam Stress
✔ Maintain a positive and encouraging learning environment.
✔ Encourage regular breaks and revision balance.
✔ Use mindfulness techniques to stay calm before the exam.
Final Tips for Success
✔ Start preparation early – At least 6-12 months before the exam.
✔ Use ExamTutor’s practice tests regularly – Build confidence with real exam-style questions.
✔ Practice writing skills – Creative writing is often a key component in independent school exams.
✔ Stay consistent – Small daily practice sessions are more effective than last-minute cramming.
✔ Attend an open day or taster session at St. Mary’s School, Cambridge– Familiarity with the school environment can boost confidence.
By using ExamTutor 11 Plus Practice Papers with Video Explanations, your child will gain strong exam skills, improve accuracy, and build confidence—increasing their chances of success in the St. Mary’s School, Cambridge 11+ Entrance Exam.
📌 Start practicing today to help your child achieve a top score and secure a place at St. Mary’s School, Cambridge! 🚀
✏️ Year 7 Admissions Criteria & How to Apply
✅ Entry Process for Year 7 (11+)
St. Mary’s is academically selective, and admissions are based on a holistic view of each applicant’s academic ability and personal qualities.
Entry Criteria:
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Entrance Assessment
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School Reference
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Interview with Head of Senior School
🧪 Entrance Assessment (11+ Entry)
Held in autumn or spring of Year 6.
Subjects assessed:
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English – Reading comprehension and written task
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Mathematics – Age-appropriate numeracy and problem-solving
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Reasoning – Verbal and/or non-verbal (CAT-style)
Assessments are friendly and designed to identify potential rather than coached performance.
👩🏫 Interview
Applicants are invited for a short, informal interview to explore their interests, ambitions, and suitability for the school’s ethos.
🏅 Scholarships & Bursaries (11+ Entry)
St. Mary’s offers scholarships and means-tested bursaries for entry into Year 7.
Scholarships:
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Academic
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Music (audition required)
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Art & Design
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Sport
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Drama
Scholarships offer up to 20% fee remission, with additional enrichment and mentoring.
Bursaries:
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Means-tested up to 100% of fees for families needing financial support
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Can be awarded alongside a scholarship
📅 Admissions Timeline
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Open Events | September & October |
| Registration Deadline | October or December |
| Entrance Assessment | November – January |
| Interviews | Following assessment |
| Offers Made | January – February |
| Acceptance Deadline | March |
📌 Early registration is encouraged due to limited Year 7 places.
