WHAT? WHERE?

Marymount International School London Exterior Edwardian manor house and formal gardens

The first girls’ school in the UK to adopt the IB curriculum for all ages (11-18), Marymount International School London is unique, offering a broad education from its leafy oasis in Kingston-Upon-Thames. Pupil numbers are 250 from over 50 countries – and its cultural diversity is a badge of honour. Expect a global outlook and Catholic heritage, Marymount London celebrates inclusivity, kindness and community.

As for its location? Phil and Kirsty would be giddy. It’s close enough to culturally rich Central London yet far enough out to gain acreage and stellar transport links. Marymount London sits in seven acres with an elegant mansion house at its centre with modern, purpose-built wings housing a hall, theatre and state-of-the-art gym.

Marymount International School London international pupils in the theatre

It is part of an international network of schools founded by Sisters of the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary. They first opened a Marymount School in 1907 in New York, and the Sisters bought this site in 1955. In 1988 they hosted Mother Teresa, who arrived by helicopter and joined students for prayer and a couple of hymns. How fancy is that? There are 19 schools worldwide, and Marymount London girls regularly visit the schools in Rome and Paris. First impressions? There’s a wonderful sense of calm here, creating a friendly and relaxed vibe that you wouldn’t expect at a school of this calibre in the gaze of London parents.

FACILITIES

The grand Edwardian manor house has high ceilings and oh-so elegant interiors. New additions are positioned across the site. The light, bright STEAM classrooms have a Scandi vibe, the Fab Lab is equipped with 3D printers, laser cutter and large format printer, classrooms are kitted out with flexi ‘kite’ tables, there’s three science labs, a sleek, newly-refurbished dining room and the jewels in Marymount’s crown are its sports centre and theatre.

SPORT

Marymount International School London sports Hall

Enough green space to squeeze in tennis courts, but not enough for rolling playing fields as far as the eye can see. That said, the sports complex is enormous, with multiple courts for volleyball, football, basketball, badminton and track and field (sounds so much cooler than athletics). The state-of-the-art gym is a big draw for the girls and the dance studio was buzzing. It’s got a US college sports vibe, which feels very different to other schools I have visited.

Marymount International School London state of the art gym

The competition is fierce at inter-school fixtures and everyone gets stuck in. Many compete under the Marymount banner internationally and with other local schools, but it’s not quite up to the cut and thrust of unapologetically sporty schools. No lacrosse or hockey and no swimming pool, but access to a local pool which provides the training ground for Marymount’s swim squad. Horse riding, golf and fencing can also be arranged.

CREATIVE ARTS

Marymount International School London pupil acting

You’ll discover a real passion for the creative arts – drama, dance, music and visual arts. It’s definitely a strong suit – dance and theatre are popular options offered at diploma level. A spinky-spanky new dance studio is a much-loved addition and the girls clearly enjoy busting moves and rehearsing in the space. Many of the girls take extra dance and LAMDA qualifications.

There’s an impressive theatre with opportunities to perform on stage and work backstage on the techy stuff, as well as set, costume and prop design. Recent shows include Legally Blonde, High School Musical and Hairspray. The school also holds an Annual Shakespeare Festival and there are regular trips to London’s West End.

In terms of music, any school with its own chapel, like Marymount London, is naturally inclined to invest in its choirs, and there’s a decent cohort singing or playing an instrument. There are five practice rooms available but musicians hankering a big band experience/ full orchestra may have to get creative, but there’s a decent array of ensemble groups to flex their talents.

Art is as part of IB, but it’s great to see that the teaching goes beyond a beautiful portfolio and ventures into the dark arts of marketing and presentation skills, with the girls organising their own show at a London gallery. Cool kudos. Art rooms are well-equipped, light, spacious and surprisingly tidy – although it was a Friday afternoon. There’s space plenty of space for students to create large conceptual pieces, and they’re not afraid to think big.

WHAT’S ELSE?

Marymount International School London girls tug of war

Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) is one of the key elements of the IB Diploma Programme and all year groups participate. The academic business takes place Monday to Friday, but every Saturday morning, from October to February, local primary school kids attend an ‘enrichment’ programme, organised and run by the girls. They also organise community, charity fundraisers, with one student previously collecting unwanted specs for the homeless.

Big shout out to all the staff who really look out for the girls. Comforting for parents who may have just moved to the UK, or mid-year starters. The pace of the school is dialled down a notch and year groups head off on an annual retreat for days of reflection. It’s a big plus knowing that their wellbeing and happiness is a priority.

It’s not a stiff, buttoned up school. Tree climbing and hanging out on the manicured lawns is encouraged. Uniforms are not starchy and the girls are not made to stand on ceremony – though they take pride in wearing their uniforms. Without the pressure of GCSEs, Marymount London seizes the opportunity to spread the girls’ wings and open their minds with hands-on learning, cool trips in the UK and abroad and fun activities. It creates a buzzy campus and the flexibility of the curriculum enriches the girls learning and school experience. We likey a lot.

BOARDING

Marymount International School London boarding

Ooh, it’s nice. Clean, modern and spacious. Roughly a third opt to sleepover, and younger boarders room in twos or threes and are assigned a swish bathroom. Boarding numbers increase, particularly in grades 11 and 12 as the workload ramps up. Each year group has its own floor in the boarding house, but everyone mingles. Weekends are full of activities, so there’s plenty of time for socialising. Full, weekly and flexi boarding available.

ACADEMICS

Marymount International School London girls on laptops in class

Marymount London is in the top 10% schools globally, has an IB average of 37 (the global average is 32 and the maximum score is 45), with a third achieving 40+. When you consider this is an all-ability, that’s pretty darn impressive.

If you’ve only been struggling to get your head around A*s and Grades 9-3, well the IB is different again. Settle in, this is what you need to know. There are NO GCSEs. I repeat no GCSEs. Girls join Marymount in Grade 6 (age 11) and start on a seven-year IB programme. It kicks off with the Middle Years Programme which covers project work, assessments and termly school tests. In Grades 11 and 12 (ages 17-18) the girls work towards IB exams and the IB Diploma. Students are not ‘taught to tests’, instead they’re encouraged to think for themselves, develop research skills and learn to study independently and collaboratively, making ‘real world’ connections across a range of subjects. There’s lots of guidance from teachers and class discussions feel grown up, respectful and insightful.

Class sizes are small (just 10-12) and girls use their own laptops in lessons: study plans, research, homework and progress are coordinated via school’s digital comms. Prep is 90 minutes per night. Boarders can do it before or after supper, depending on activities. Marymount London’s global outlook extends to its university destinations. Oxbridge, Russell Group and the usual medical schools, but an increasing number are looking to the US, Canada, Japan and Europe for undergraduate study. There’s a rather brilliant, dedicated staff member who helps girls make applications to overseas unis. She is totally clued up on the procedures, deadlines and what they are looking for.

THE HEAD

Marymount International School London HEAD

Margaret Giblin is one of the brave heads took the reins during Covid. She joined Marymount London in January 2021 and is warm, charming and approachable, with a hypnotic Irish accent. She has a wealth of experience – previously deputy head at Woldingham School for Girls and two decades in education in the UK and Ireland, in state and independent schools. Although this is her first time working at a International Baccalaureate school, she is passionate about the IB curriculum. Mrs Giblin’s holistic approach to education feels like a natural fit for a school with a curiosity-driven approach to learning. She’s the glue that holds this culturally rich community together and embodies the school mission statement to be “firm in faith, vibrant in hope, rooted in love and one in service”.

The diverse pupil body also promotes tolerance and understanding of difference is a school mantra and is celebrated with an International Day where pupils showcase their cultural roots and heritage. Mrs Giblin makes learning the intrinsic value of each individual a priority and is evangelical about Marymount’s incredibly close-knit community.

QUIRKS

First up, it’s a Catholic school. Ditch any old-fashioned preconceptions. It’s not just for Catholics, everyone’s welcome. It’s not mean and strict, there is an emphasis on kindness, respect and tolerance. Think of the Catholic element providing a moral framework, sense of service and self-reflection. We could all do with a bit more of that in our lives.

The number of languages taught here is above and beyond. Yes, it’s an international school, so duh of course they would. But the offering includes: French, Spanish, Japanese, Korean, Italian, German, Mandarin, Polish, Dutch… and all taught by native speakers. Impressive, non?

WRAP AROUND CARE

Nothing formalised, but students can arrive at school from 7.45am. Classes start at 8.30am and finish at 4pm. The afternoons are free to take part if activities, trips to exhibitions and productions or study in the Library until 6pm.

ISI REPORT

Marymount International School London GIRLS IN CLASS

A rarity, an ISI report in the last year! This one’s from November 2022 and it’s highly flattering across the board, describing the girls’ attitude to learning as ‘exemplary’. One small caveat – increases opportunities to serve the community (crikey, compared to the average teen, they are saints).

MOBILE PHONE POLICY

‘With age comes responsibility, and with responsibility comes maturity.’ You’ll find that on a mug somewhere, and sums up the mobile phone policy here. Middle school students may bring phones to school but they must be switched off and handed in during the day. High School students can scroll during break, lunch (although not while they’re eating), but are encouraged to keep usage to a minimum.

TRANSPORT

Given its proximity to London, public transport is excellent. Norbiton station is a 20-minute walk from the school. Take the District Line to Wimbledon and then hop on a bus. It’s a 5-minute walk from the bus stop (jump on the 57/ 85 bus) and just 15 miles from Heathrow airport and 30 miles from Gatwick.

SEND

There’s a dedicated learning resources centre that supports girls with specific learning concerns. Teachers are hot at identifying challenges to ensure students don’t lose confidence. They’re also keen talent spotters and give those students the opportunities and space to flourish.

FEES

The 2023/24 fees start at £9,610 per term for day pupils (£28,830 a year). Throw boarding into the mix and the fees rise to £15,580 per term (£46,740 per year) for weekly boarding and £16,270 per term (£48,810 per year) full boarding. It’s a big academic investment, but the results speak for themselves and they also include lunches, stationary, text books and educational trips. Means tested bursaries (full and partial) are awarded based on the student’s potential to beneﬁt.

WORD ON THE GROUND

Marymount International School London GUEST ON LAWN

Parents love the school’s global vibe, Catholic ethos and beautiful grounds. The small class sizes and supportive staff help the girls’ achieve superb results in the International Baccalaureate. There’s lots of support to help the girls reach their first choice destinations, be it Oxbridge or US Ivy League colleges. Fees are on the upper end, but many felt it was worth every penny. It’s high achieving without being sharp elbowed.

THE MUDDY VERDICT

Good for: Anyone seeking a tried and tested alternative education. The IB is robust and the global outlook, cultural diversity and international nature means the world really is their oyster.

Not for: If you’re a stickler for traditional exams – Common Entrance, GCSEs and A Levels, walk on by. Moving into a traditional Sixth Form could be trickier, although not impossible.

Want to see for yourself? Be my guest! The next Open Day is on 26 April 2025. A limited number of private tours are also available.

Marymount International School London, George Rd, Kingston Upon Thames, London KT2 7PE. Tel: 020 8949 0571

Marymount International School London, Kingston-Upon-Thames

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