Sports College

"PE and Sport at St. Mary's offers all children the foundation to develop their potential to the full, whatever their level of ability"

Professor Margaret Talbot
Chief Executive
Central Council of Physical Education

In 2000 the Minister of Sport launched St. Mary's as a DfES Sports College in recognition of the school's outstanding commitment to Physical Education and Sport in school and with the wider community. The school was one of the first in the country to be involved in the School Sport Co-Ordinators initiative. St. Mary's now leads a School Sport Partnership of 54 schools.

Sports College status brings additional funding to the school for facilities, staffing and equipment. The facilities at St. Mary's include; Sports Hall, Gymnasium, Performing Arts Studio, Hard Court areas, Cricket Pitch and floodlit Tennis Courts.

The purpose of Specialist Schools is to raise standards across all curricular areas. St. Mary's is one of the highest achieving Sports Colleges in the country.

In addition to a comprehensive curriculum programme, there are also opportunities for students to study academic, vocational and leadership courses in PE and Sport. The PE Department offers a vast extra-curricular programme for pupils of all ages and abilities.

The school participates in over three hundred inter-school fixtures annually and in recent years no less than thirty pupils have gained Junior International Honours.

"St. Mary's gives pupils the support and guidance they need to achieve their goals, including beginners or athletes establishing a career in sport"

Joe Sayers
Professional Cricketer and former St. Mary's student