St Mary’s is a very special community to be part of. The school provides an environment that enables its pupils to flourish in a caring, safe and inclusive setting. Pupils and staff alike describe the school community as feeling ‘like a family’. Pupils are confident that they can talk to adults about their worries and know that they will be taken seriously. The school’s expectations of pupils are consistently high. Pupils rise to this challenge. As a result, pupils are welcoming to visitors. They speak respectfully to one another and adults. Equally, adults model the behaviours they expect of pupils. Pupils feel included and celebrate difference. They can learn in a school that encourages them to be kind and well-mannered. Students in the sixth form enjoy their education. They feel their experience is broad and they have opportunities to extend and consolidate their knowledge. They very much feel part of the ‘St Mary’s family’. Educational trips form a fundamental part of the school experience. For example, pupils have the opportunity to visit Bletchley Park, New York and CERN. They also enjoy the chance to participate in activities and events that help to develop resilience and work as part of a team. These contribute to pupils building their confidence.