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    ClassAce Intelligence/South West London / Surrey/Marymount International School London
    Verified Data92% Confidence Score24 Sources AnalysedLast verified May 2026 (incl. ISI Oct 2025 + Admissions Policy June 2025 — both PDFs fully extracted)Public Profile

    Marymount International School London

    Independent Catholic Day and Boarding School for Girls (11–18) — IB curriculum only · Est. 1955

    Tucked into seven acres of suburban parkland a short walk from Richmond Park, Marymount is a tiny, genuinely international Catholic girls' school of just 180 pupils — part of a global network of 18 Marymount schools founded by the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary. The school became the first all-girls' school in the UK to fully adopt the International Baccalaureate in 1979 and still offers only the IB — MYP for ages 11–16 and the Diploma Programme for sixth form, with no GCSEs or A-Levels. The atmosphere is unusually open: 100 of the 180 pupils have English as an additional language, only around a quarter are Catholic, and the school feels much more like a small international community than a traditional London independent.

    The UK's only all-years, all-girls IB World School — 100% IB pass rate, average 36.74 points (top 15% globally), 38% scoring above A*A*A* equivalent. Tiny by design at just 180 pupils.

    George Road, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, KT2 7PE
    Free 11+ admissions brief · 24 sources

    Loading map…

    George Road, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, KT2 7PE

    MapDirections
    £

    Day Fees

    £13,180

    per term (2026/27, £39,540/year — verified school fees page)

    Curriculum

    IB only

    MYP (ages 11–16) + Diploma — no GCSEs, no A-Levels

    Total Pupils

    180

    girls 11–18, 34 boarders (ISI Oct 2025)

    Founded

    1955

    by Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary

    IB Results 2025

    36.74 avg

    100% pass rate, 38% scored 38+, top 44/45

    EAL Pupils

    100

    55% have English as additional language (ISI 2025)

    Best For

    Internationally minded girls drawn to the IB rather than GCSEs/A-Levels — particularly suited to expat families, multilingual households, or UK families who actively want a smaller, more global community rather than a large traditional London girls' school. The 100% IB pass rate and 36.74 average points (top 15% globally) confirm the academic rigour is real.

    Watch Out For

    Extremely small (180 pupils) — limited subject choice at A-Level-equivalent depth, and not for families wanting big-school resources (large sports facilities, broad extra-curricular menu). The October 2025 ISI report explicitly flagged two areas for development: teachers' questioning/feedback consistency, and the breadth of the careers programme. Catholic ethos is genuine (weekly Mass) — only ~25% of pupils are Catholic but the spiritual framing is woven through school life.

    Entry Points

    • Main intake: Grade 6 (Year 7) via November assessment day. Mid-year rolling admissions for Grades 7–10 (written tests + interview). Grade 11 (Year 12) entry for the two-year IB Diploma Programme.
    Admissions Intelligence

    The Complete Admissions Timeline

    Every key date, deadline and decision point — with insider intelligence you won't find on the school website. Click any item to reveal verified insider knowledge.

    The critical window: Marymount uses a rolling admissions model — applications can be submitted at any time during the year. However, the MAIN intake at Grade 6 (Year 7) is via the formal Assessment Day in November. The 2025 Assessment Day (for September 2026 entry) was held on Friday 14 November 2025; the 2026 equivalent (for September 2027 entry) is expected mid-November 2026 — confirm the exact date with admissions@marymountlondon.com. The assessment day includes an online aptitude test (numerical, verbal and non-verbal reasoning), small group activities, and an individual interview. For overseas applicants and late applicants, written Maths and English tests are taken alongside an online or in-person interview, space permitting. Scholarship interest must be indicated on the application form.

    Registration & Documentation
    Year 4 / Year 5 — Visit and decide

    Attend Open Mornings

    Marymount runs Open Mornings throughout the year. The school is small and the IB-only structure is best understood in person. Visit at least once, ideally with the candidate.

    Assessment Day
    Year 4 / Year 5 — Visit and decide

    Attend Open Mornings

    Marymount runs Open Mornings throughout the year. The school is small and the IB-only structure is best understood in person. Visit at least once, ideally with the candidate.

    Year 5 (from autumn)Insider Intel

    Decide if IB-only suits your family

    The biggest decision is whether you actively want the IB. There are no GCSEs at Marymount. If your child eventually wants to take A-Levels, this is the wrong school. If you want a smaller, internationally minded community on a pure IB track from 11–18, this is one of very few options in the UK.

    Decision & Offer
    Mid-November Year 6

    Assessment Day at school

    Online aptitude test (numerical + VR + NVR), small group activities, and a 1:1 interview with a senior academic team member.

    Key Dates — Grade 6 / Year 7 Entry 2026 & 2027

    1. 1

      Grade 6 Assessment Day (main intake — 2026 entry)

      Friday 14 November 2025 (held)

    2. 2

      Grade 6 Assessment Day (main intake — 2027 entry)

      Mid-November 2026 (expected — confirm with admissions)

    3. 3

      Rolling applications open year-round

      All year

    4. 4

      Fee payment deadlines

      100% by 1 June OR 60% by 1 June + 40% by 1 December

    Assessment Intelligence

    Inside the Marymount Grade 6 Assessment

    Marymount's assessment is deliberately holistic rather than highly competitive. The Grade 6 (Year 7) assessment day combines an online aptitude test (numerical skills, verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning), small group activities observed by staff, and a 1:1 interview with a senior academic team member. WhichSchoolAdvisor describes the admissions process as 'not as strict or selective as many schools in the London area' — the school is more focused on fit with the IB philosophy than on top-decile academic performance. There are no GCSE preparation papers and no comparable past-paper banks; preparation focuses on broad reasoning fluency and warm interview conversation.

    Online Aptitude Test

    Approximately 60–90 minutes (specific timings not officially published) · Online adaptive — numerical skills, verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning

    Children unfamiliar with timed digital aptitude testing freeze on early questions. Without explicit familiarisation, even bright candidates underperform. CEM/GL-style practice on platforms like Atom Learning, Bofa or Pretest Plus builds the right reflexes.

    Group Activities

    Variable (typically 30–60 minutes within the day) · Small group activities observed by staff

    Children who dominate group activities perform WORSE than children who balance contributing with listening. The school's stated ethos emphasises kindness, respect and inclusion — bossy or hyper-competitive behaviour reads as poor fit.

    Individual Interview

    Approximately 15–25 minutes (not officially published) · 1:1 conversational interview with senior academic team member

    Over-rehearsed answers register as inauthentic. The interviewer is looking for genuine curiosity, warmth, and a real reason for wanting an IB education — not scripted CV-style answers about achievements.

    Topic Difficulty & Weight

    Difficulty (%) and exam weight by topic area

    Difficulty
    Exam Weight %

    Key takeaway: Computer-based aptitude test covering numerical skills, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning. Tests problem-solving fluency rather than curriculum recall. The school does not publish specific timings, difficulty bands, or pass thresholds.

    Topic Breakdown

    Numerical reasoningModerate
    35%
    Verbal reasoningModerate
    35%
    Non-verbal reasoningModerate
    30%

    Known Exam Traps — Online Aptitude Test

    No digital aptitude practice

    Use Atom Learning, Bofa or Pretest Plus for 4–6 weeks of online aptitude practice

    Curriculum-only revision

    Layer reasoning practice on top of NC content — speed and pattern recognition matter more than depth of recall

    The pattern: Children unfamiliar with timed digital aptitude testing freeze on early questions. Without explicit familiarisation, even bright candidates underperform. CEM/GL-style practice on platforms like Atom Learning, Bofa or Pretest Plus builds the right reflexes.

    If you can only improve in one area, make it

    Digital VR/NVR familiarity + numerical reasoning

    What this means in practice:

    ✓

    Dedicate 60%+ of prep time to this area

    ✓

    Practice under timed conditions regularly

    ✓

    Review mistakes immediately after each session

    ✓

    Track progress weekly to spot patterns

    All focus areas ranked by impact:

    #1

    Digital VR/NVR familiarity + numerical reasoning

    Online Aptitude Test

    #2

    Warm collaboration + active listening + creative contribution

    Group Activities

    #3

    Authentic conversation about real interests + IB awareness

    Individual Interview

    Academic Performance

    Results & League Table Position

    Marymount London consistently ranks among the top co-educational schools in England. These figures are benchmarked against national averages so you can see the full picture.

    A-Level A* Rate

    Not published

    Public A-Level breakdown not published.

    A-Level A*/A Rate

    Not published

    Marymount does NOT offer A-Levels. The school's leaving qualification is the IB Diploma Programme. 2025 IB average: 36.74 points (UK average 35, global average 30.58). 38% scored 38+ points — broadly equivalent to A*A*A* at A-Level, achieved by only ~10% of IB students globally.

    GCSE Attainment 8

    Not published

    Public GCSE breakdown not published.

    A-Level A*-B Rate

    Not published

    Marymount does not appear in mainstream UK league tables because those tables rank A-Level and GCSE outcomes, neither of which Marymount offers. On IB-specific rankings the school sits in the top 2% of IB schools worldwide (per the school's own statistics page) — meaningful but not directly comparable to the A-Level rankings parents are familiar with.

    A-Level Results vs National Average

    Marymount London vs England average (%)

    Marymount does not offer A-Levels — pupils sit the IB Diploma Programme instead. 2025 average: 36.74 IB points (up from 36.29 in 2024), with 38% scoring 38+ points. The IB pathway demands six subjects plus the Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge and CAS — broader than A-Levels but with corresponding workload. Universities including UCL, St Andrews, Bath, Warwick and Royal Veterinary College recently accepted Marymount IB graduates, alongside international destinations in the US, France, Germany and Korea.

    A*

    Not published

    A*/A

    Not published

    A*-B

    Not published

    What this means: Marymount does not offer A-Levels — pupils sit the IB Diploma Programme instead. 2025 average: 36.74 IB points (up from 36.29 in 2024), with 38% scoring 38+ points. The IB pathway demands six subjects plus the Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge and CAS — broader than A-Levels but with corresponding workload. Universities including UCL, St Andrews, Bath, Warwick and Royal Veterinary College recently accepted Marymount IB graduates, alongside international destinations in the US, France, Germany and Korea.

    GCSE Grade Distribution

    Marymount London vs National distribution (%)

    Marymount does not offer GCSEs. Pupils in Years 7–11 follow the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP), which is internally assessed by the school rather than producing externally graded GCSE results. This is the school's most important structural feature — a deliberate IB-only pathway from age 11 to 18 with no break between qualifications.

    Grade 9-7

    Not published

    Attainment 8

    Not published

    What this means: Marymount does not offer GCSEs. Pupils in Years 7–11 follow the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP), which is internally assessed by the school rather than producing externally graded GCSE results. This is the school's most important structural feature — a deliberate IB-only pathway from age 11 to 18 with no break between qualifications.

    University Destinations

    Where Marymount London leavers go — % of cohort

    The school signals strong progression outcomes, but does not publish a detailed destination split in the public admissions material used for this brief.

    Notable Academic Achievements

    All 5 ISI Standards Met (Oct 2025 inspection)

    ISI inspection 14–16 October 2025: every regulatory standard met across Leadership, Quality of Education, Pupil Wellbeing, Social/Economic Education and Safeguarding. Inspectors gave TWO recommended next steps: (1) ensure teachers' questioning and written feedback is consistently high quality, (2) further develop the careers programme to cover degree apprenticeships and non-university pathways. Both are improvement areas, not failures.

    100% IB pass rate, 36.74 average (Class of 2025)

    Average IB Diploma score 36.74 (up from 36.29 in 2024), exceeding UK average of 35 and global average of 30.58. Top score 43; every pupil scored above 31. 38% scored 38+ points (broadly A*A*A* equivalent — top 10% globally). 32% achieved a bilingual diploma.

    First UK all-girls school to fully adopt the IB (1979)

    Marymount adopted the International Baccalaureate in 1979 — the first UK all-girls school to do so, and one of the earliest IB schools in the country overall. Over 40 years of continuous IB delivery — staff expertise is genuinely deep, not a recent addition.

    Part of global RSHM Marymount network of 18 schools

    Affiliated with the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary, an order founded in 1849 in France. Sister Marymount schools in New York, Paris, Rome, Madrid, Mexico City, Manila and others. Pupils participate in exchanges and a Marymount network sports tournament.

    Tiny by design — 180 pupils, average class size ~12

    ISI October 2025 confirms total enrolment of 180 pupils (with 34 boarders and 100 pupils for whom English is an additional language). WhichSchoolAdvisor reports average class size of around 12. This is one of the smallest selective schools in the UK at this fee level.

    Notable alumna: Mia Farrow

    American actress Mia Farrow attended Marymount London in the 1950s (per Wikipedia). The school's small alumna network is internationally distributed rather than concentrated in any UK profession.

    League Table Position: Marymount does not appear in mainstream UK league tables because those tables rank A-Level and GCSE outcomes, neither of which Marymount offers. On IB-specific rankings the school sits in the top 2% of IB schools worldwide (per the school's own statistics page) — meaningful but not directly comparable to the A-Level rankings parents are familiar with.

    Interview Intelligence

    The Interview

    The 1:1 interview is integral to the Grade 6 Assessment Day and to admission at every other entry point. The school describes it as part of a 'holistic admissions process' that is more about fit with the IB philosophy and the school's values (kindness, respect, inclusion, intellectual ambition) than about academic stress-testing. Interviews are conducted by senior academic staff — by the MYP Coordinator for Grades 7–10 entry, the IBDP Coordinator for Grade 11 entry, and a senior member of the academic team at Grade 6.

    Format

    1:1 conversational interview with senior academic staff (in person or online for overseas applicants)

    Duration

    Approximately 15–25 minutes (not officially published)

    Role in Admissions

    Part of a holistic assessment, not a pass/fail gate

    Fit, not selection — but fit is judged carefully

    Marymount admissions are described by multiple sources (WhichSchoolAdvisor, Mumsnet, the school's own materials) as less academically selective than top London girls' schools. But this does NOT mean the interview is a rubber-stamp. The school is screening for genuine IB suitability, warmth, and respect for the school's ethos. Candidates who are dismissive of the Catholic dimension, uninterested in the international community, or visibly performing rather than engaging tend to be politely declined.

    What Makes a Strong Impression

    Genuine curiosity about the IB, warmth in conversation, and a real reason for choosing Marymount specifically. Candidates who can talk authentically about their interests — particularly anything cross-cultural, multilingual, or service-oriented — align well with the school's stated ethos. The Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary network and the school's emphasis on becoming 'responsible and contributing members of the community' are recurring frames; alignment with that framing helps.

    Confirmed interview themes

    Compiled from parent reports (2023-2025)

    • Why are you interested in Marymount specifically?
    • What do you know about the IB and why does it interest you?
    • Tell me about a book / topic / project that excited you recently
    • How do you handle feedback or a setback?
    • What would you contribute to school life if you joined?
    • Languages spoken at home / international background (often surfaced naturally)

    The pattern: Conversational — focused on interests, motivation, fit with IB philosophy, and character

    Never Asked — Don't Over-Prepare

    • Trick academic questions or 'gotcha' problems
    • Detailed knowledge of school's history or alumni
    • Catholic doctrine specifics (the school welcomes all faiths and only ~25% are Catholic)
    • Comparative interview about other schools you've applied to

    What Actually Wins Offers

    • 1A real, specific reason for choosing Marymount (the IB, the international community, the network, the small size)
    • 2Genuine warmth in conversation — not over-rehearsed
    • 3Curiosity about international perspectives and cross-cultural experiences
    • 4Comfort discussing the IB pathway and what attracts her to it
    • 5Respect for the school's Catholic ethos even if from a different faith background

    “I know a girl whose family sent her and her sister there when they moved to London, and they did brilliantly there and made great friends both British and international expat. The IB got both girls into leading US universities.”

    Mumsnet thread 4599699 (mathanxiety, 28/07/2022)

    “The school had clearly developed great strategies to help students settle in quickly and feel at home — even for students who were the opposite of 'life of the party' types.”

    Mumsnet thread 4599699 (mathanxiety, 28/07/2022)

    “Lovely Catholic ethos and beautiful grounds. Very international vibe.”

    Mumsnet thread 4599699 (SouthernFashionista, 04/08/2022)

    “It has a rather transient school population. Lots of pupils come and go every year which can be unsettling.”

    Mumsnet thread 4599699 (jeanne16, 07/08/2022)

    “£9k per term for day students. That is a lot, even for London.”

    Mumsnet thread 4599699 (ghislaine, 28/07/2022 — fees now ~£12,380/term in 2025/26)

    Contact Admissions

    Marymount International School London Admissions Team

    admissions@marymountlondon.com+44 (0)20 8949 0571
    Exclusive Intelligence

    Insider Intel: What Other Parents Don't Know

    These are the verified insights you will not find on the school website, in Good Schools Guide, or from any single tutoring agency. Each insight is compiled and cross-referenced from 24+ sources including official documents, parent reports, and tutoring industry data.This is the intelligence that gives ClassAce families an edge.

    Curriculum
    High ValueExclusive

    Marymount does NOT offer GCSEs or A-Levels — this is the central decision

    The single most important thing to understand about Marymount: there are no GCSEs and no A-Levels. Pupils take the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP, ages 11–16, internally assessed) and then the IB Diploma Programme (ages 16–18). If your child eventually wants A-Levels, Marymount is the wrong school. If you actively want a pure IB pathway from 11 to 18 with no break between qualifications, Marymount is one of very few options in the UK and the only all-girls all-years IB option.

    Strong — official_school_website
    School Size
    High ValueExclusive

    Just 180 pupils — small by design, smaller in practice than directory profiles suggest

    The October 2025 ISI report confirms total enrolment of 180 pupils. Several directory profiles list 240–250 — those numbers are out of date or aspirational. The genuinely small size has consequences: average class ~12 (per WhichSchoolAdvisor), narrower extra-curricular menu, and possible single-figure cohorts for some IB Diploma subject combinations. Confirm subject viability for your child's likely IB Six before accepting an offer.

    Strong — isi_inspection_report_2025
    Culture
    Exclusive

    55% of pupils speak English as an additional language — this is a genuinely international school

    ISI October 2025 identifies 100 pupils (55% of 180) for whom English is an additional language. Combined with 38 nationalities in the Class of 2025 and the global RSHM Marymount network, this is not 'international-flavoured' — it's a genuinely multilingual, multicultural community where English-only UK girls are a minority. Strong fit for expat families, multilingual households, or UK families who actively want their daughter in this kind of environment.

    Strong — isi_inspection_report_2025
    Quality
    Exclusive

    ISI Oct 2025 flagged TWO areas for development

    Unusually, the October 2025 ISI report gave two recommended next steps (most independent schools get zero or one): (1) ensure teachers' questioning and written feedback is consistently high quality (some lessons strong, some less probing), (2) further develop the careers programme to cover degree apprenticeships and non-university pathways. These are improvement notes within an otherwise-positive inspection — but worth raising at Open Mornings to hear how the school is responding.

    Strong — isi_inspection_report_2025
    Boarding
    Exclusive

    Boarding is a minority experience — only 34 boarders out of 180

    The October 2025 ISI report confirms 34 boarders across just 2 boarding houses (some sources mention 3 houses — ISI says 2). Boarding is roughly 19% of the school — significantly smaller than other Surrey day/boarding schools like St John's Leatherhead (24%) or Sevenoaks. If full or weekly boarding is your priority, the community is small. For day pupils, boarding doesn't dominate the social structure the way it does at larger boarding schools.

    Strong — isi_inspection_report_2025
    Logistics
    Exclusive

    Fees are high but rolling admissions is genuinely flexible

    Verified 2026/27 fees from school: £39,540 day, £64,110 weekly boarding, £66,990 full boarding annually. Flexible boarding from £45,150/year for 1 night/week. 10% sibling discount when multiple sisters attend. Mumsnet posters from 2022 noted £9k/term was 'a lot even for London' — current 2026/27 day fees are £13,180/term, reflecting both VAT (added Jan 2025) and general inflation. However, Marymount runs rolling admissions throughout the year — particularly useful for families relocating to London mid-year who can't wait for the standard September intake.

    Strong — official_fees_page_2026_27
    Access
    High ValueExclusive

    Bursaries up to 100% — BAL-assessed, RC preference

    Per the Bursary Policy (Approved Nov 2023, current): bursaries can cover up to 100% of fees, AND extend to acceptance fee, trips, transport and IT devices. Means-testing is by Bursary Administration Limited (BAL) — same independent assessor used by St John's Leatherhead — with potential home visit. Preference is given to Roman Catholic day and boarding students. Bursaries are funded from school budget + the Marymount Annual Appeal (which actively raises funds for bursaries). Apply at enrolment stage — interest must be flagged BEFORE the entrance assessment. Bursary outcome does NOT affect academic offer.

    Strong — bursary_policy_pdf
    Bursary
    Exclusive

    Mid-school bursary review before IB Diploma — plan ahead

    Per the Bursary Policy: all bursaries undergo a 'comprehensive review' before transition into the IB Diploma (Year 11 → Year 12). The school explicitly states it may 'provide guidance if it becomes necessary to adjust or discontinue bursary support, allowing parents ample time to make the necessary arrangements'. Families relying on bursary support should plan for a fresh means-test at this transition point — circumstances that change during years 7–11 can affect IB Diploma funding.

    Strong — bursary_policy_pdf
    Culture
    Exclusive

    Catholic ethos is genuine, but ~75% of pupils are non-Catholic

    The school has a Catholic foundation (Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary, 1849), weekly Mass, daily reflection, and feast day celebrations. Yet only around a quarter of pupils are Catholic (per WhichSchoolAdvisor). Other faiths are welcomed and the Catholic dimension is framed as spiritual rather than doctrinal. Worth visiting on a day when reflection/Mass happens — it's a real part of school life, not background decoration.

    Strong — whichschooladvisor_corroborated
    Culture
    Exclusive

    The pupil population genuinely is transient — plan for it

    A Mumsnet poster (jeanne16, 2022) flagged 'lots of pupils come and go every year which can be unsettling'. This is consistent with the international diplomatic/corporate demographic — families relocate as careers move. The school explicitly designs for it (rolling admissions, settling-in strategies for new pupils mid-year), but expect more friendship-group churn than at a traditional UK day school where the same cohort moves through 11 → 18 intact.

    Medium — mumsnet_thread
    Parent Guidance

    Common Mistakes Parents Make

    The errors we see most often from families preparing for Marymount International School London. Avoid these and you're already ahead of the majority of applicants.

    #1

    Treating Marymount as 'an A-Level school that also offers IB'

    Marymount offers ONLY the IB MYP and Diploma. There are no GCSEs and no A-Levels. Families who assume their daughter can pivot to A-Levels in Sixth Form will have to move schools.

    Fix: Decide BEFORE applying whether your family is committed to the pure IB pathway from 11 to 18. If not, look elsewhere.

    #2

    Underestimating how small the school is

    180 pupils across 7 year groups is roughly 26 pupils per year. Subject viability in the Sixth Form depends on uptake; some IB subject combinations may have very small groups.

    Fix: If your daughter has a clear academic specialisation (e.g. Higher Level Physics + Maths + Computer Science), confirm with admissions that current and projected uptake supports that combination.

    #3

    Preparing for the assessment as if it were an 11+ exam

    The assessment is an online aptitude test + group activities + interview, not a Maths/English/VR/NVR paper-based 11+. Heavy 11+ paper drilling is overkill and may miss the things being tested.

    Fix: Focus on digital aptitude familiarity (Atom Learning etc.), warm collaborative behaviour, and authentic conversational interview practice. Skip Bond 11+ comprehension drilling — it's the wrong target.

    #4

    Dismissing the Catholic dimension

    Weekly Mass, daily reflection, and faith-based assemblies are real parts of school life. Candidates who signal in interview that they would skip these will not be a good fit.

    Fix: Visit on a day when reflection happens. Discuss with your daughter how she would engage respectfully whatever her own faith background — the school welcomes all faiths but expects participation.

    #5

    Underestimating fees inflation since Jan 2025

    VAT (20%) was applied to all UK independent school fees from January 2025. Pre-2025 fee figures (e.g. the £26,510 day fee cited by WhichSchoolAdvisor for 2021/22, or £9k/term Mumsnet quotes from 2022) are significantly lower than current rates.

    Fix: Use the current 2025/26 figures: £37,140 day, £60,180 weekly boarding, £62,880 full boarding annually. Add 3–5% per year for likely future inflation.

    Competitive Landscape

    Marymount London vs Competitor Schools

    How does Marymount International School London compare to the schools your child is most likely also applying to? This analysis covers the key factors that actually matter to families.

    Important context: On rigour, Marymount sits in the top 15% of IB schools globally. On size, it is the smallest of the international-IB cluster in the London area. On Catholic identity, only Marymount and (more loosely) some London Oratory-style schools share the framework. On all-girls IB, Marymount is the only all-years option in the UK.

    FactorFeaturedMarymount LondonACS Cobham InternationalAmerican School in LondonLady Eleanor Holles (for context)Tiffin Girls' School (for context)
    School TypeCatholic Girls Day/Boarding — IB only, 180 pupilsInternational Co-Ed Day/Boarding — IB + American HS DiplomaInternational Co-Ed Day — American HS Diploma + IBIndependent Girls Day — A-Level pathwayState Selective Girls Grammar — A-Level pathway
    Co-educational
    VR in Exam
    Annual Fee
    11+ DifficultyMediumMediumMedium-HighHighVery High
    Interview StyleYesYesYesYesNo

    Why Parents Choose Marymount London

    • The only all-years all-girls IB World School in the UKGenuinely unique positioning. ACS Cobham and ACS Egham are co-ed; American School London is co-ed; Lady Eleanor Holles and Tiffin Girls are A-Level. If you want all-girls plus IB plus the small size, Marymount is the only option.
    • Global RSHM network — 18 schools across multiple continentsSister Marymount schools in NYC, Paris, Rome, Madrid, Mexico City, Manila and elsewhere. Exchange programmes and sports tournaments leverage the network. Useful for families with future international mobility.
    • Less selective entrance than top London girls' schoolsWhichSchoolAdvisor and Mumsnet both confirm the admissions process is more about fit than competitive academic selection. Suits families seeking strong outcomes without the intensity of top-decile 11+ competition.
    • Genuinely international community, not 'international-flavoured'55% of pupils have English as an additional language, 38 nationalities in 2025 cohort, only 46% British. Most UK schools claiming to be 'international' are 80%+ British — Marymount is in a different category entirely.

    Points to Consider

    • Small size limits subject and extracurricular breadth180 pupils means narrower subject menus, smaller sports squads, and possibly single-figure IB Higher Level groups for less-popular subjects. Confirm subject viability before committing.
    • Two ISI 2025 development areas: teacher feedback consistency + careers programmeThe Oct 2025 inspection flagged both. Worth raising at Open Mornings to understand the school's response. Neither is a failure — but neither is hidden in the public report.
    • Transient pupil community — friendship churn is realForum accounts confirm pupils come and go year to year as expat families relocate. Less stable peer group than a traditional UK day school.

    Scholarships & Financial Support

    Marymount offers scholarships at Grade 6 (Year 7) and Grade 11 (Year 12) entry across multiple strands. Scholarship interest is indicated on the main application form rather than through a separate scholarship process. The Discretionary Scholarship can be awarded to candidates joining at non-standard entry points on Admissions Committee recommendation.

    Scholarship TypeValueAvailable PlacesSelection MethodStackable?
    Academic Scholarship (Grade 6 entry)Honorary + enrichment access (value not publicly disclosed)By invitation onlyAwarded by invitation following the Grade 6 entrance assessment. No separate application — top performers are identified by the Admissions Committee.Yes
    Visual Arts & Design Scholarship (Grade 6)Honorary + portfolio enrichmentNot publicly disclosedPortfolio submission alongside main application. Practical assessment may be required.Yes
    Performing Arts Scholarship (Dance / Drama / Music — Grade 6)Honorary + tuition supportNot publicly disclosedAudition in the candidate's chosen strand. Indicate interest on application form.Yes
    Sports Scholarship (Grade 6)Honorary + elite pathway accessNot publicly disclosedPractical assessment in primary sport. Indicate interest on application form.Yes
    Grade 11 (Year 12) IBDP ScholarshipsHonorary across five strandsNot publicly disclosedFive strands at Grade 11: Academic, Arts, Sports, Service, All-Rounder. Available to both external candidates and existing pupils transitioning from Grade 10.Yes
    Bursary (means-tested) — up to 100% fee remissionUp to 100% of fees; can also cover acceptance fee, trips, transport and IT devicesLimited number annually (funded by school budget + Marymount Annual Appeal)Means-testing via Bursary Administration Limited (BAL) — independent external assessor; may include home visit. Apply alongside main application — interest must be flagged at enrolment stage. Preference given to Roman Catholic day and boarding students. ENTIRELY SEPARATE from entrance assessment — outcome does not affect academic offer. Annual re-assessment thereafter. Comprehensive review before transition into IB Diploma (Y11→Y12).Yes

    * Means-tested bursaries are entirely separate from scholarships and confidential (third-party financial assessment). The bursary process explicitly does not affect the entrance assessment outcome. Scholarship and bursary values are not publicly disclosed.

    Preparation Strategy

    The Preparation Roadmap

    Everything here is built around Marymount International School London's specific exam format, interview style, and selection criteria. This is not generic 11+ advice. Every recommendation is calibrated to this school.

    Across Year 4
    Phase 1

    Year 4 — Visit and decide on IB

    Decide whether IB-only suits your family

    • Attend at least one Open Morning at Marymount
    • Visit at least one A-Level alternative for genuine comparison (Lady Eleanor Holles, Surbiton High, etc.)
    • Discuss as a family: are you committed to the IB pathway from 11 to 18, with no GCSEs?
    • Read about the IB Middle Years Programme and Diploma Programme structure

    Useful resources

    School Open Morning · ibo.org official IB site · Mumsnet IB threads

    September Year 5 onwards
    Phase 2

    Year 5 — Foundation

    Build aptitude test fluency + IB familiarity

    • Begin digital aptitude practice (Atom Learning, Bofa, Pretest Plus) — numerical, VR, NVR
    • Read widely — both fiction and non-fiction, including international perspectives
    • Encourage curiosity about other cultures and languages (genuine IB fit signal)
    • Practise group collaboration through board games, family debates, projects

    Useful resources

    Atom Learning Plus · Bofa 11+ digital · Wide independent reading

    September–October Year 6
    Phase 3

    September–October Year 6 — Application

    Submit application and prepare for Assessment Day

    • Submit OpenApply online application with school reports, references, passport copy, application fee
    • Declare any SEND or language needs at application stage (do not hide — the admissions policy explicitly notes that undisclosed needs revealed later can lead to offer withdrawal)
    • Indicate scholarship interest on the application form
    • Continue digital aptitude practice — increase frequency to 3–4 sessions per week

    Useful resources

    marymount.openapply.com · School reports (last 2 years) · Passport copy

    Mid-November Year 6 (e.g. 14 Nov 2025 for 2026 entry)
    Phase 4

    November Year 6 — Assessment Day

    Assessment Day at Marymount

    • Arrive rested and well-fed
    • Stay calm during the online aptitude test — adaptive tests reward consistent pacing, not rushing
    • In group activities: contribute warmly, listen actively, recover gracefully from mistakes
    • In interview: be yourself, talk about real interests, have a genuine reason for Marymount
    Following weeks
    Phase 5

    December onwards — Wait for decision

    Decision and acceptance

    • Decision letter from Admissions Committee follows in subsequent weeks
    • Offers may be conditional on outstanding documents
    • Plan finance: full annual fees due 1 June or 60/40 split between 1 June and 1 December
    • Apply for bursary separately if relevant — bursary process does not affect academic offer

    Useful resources

    Bursary policy (request from admissions) · Fee schedule

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    92%

    Intelligence Score

    Updated May 2026 (incl. ISI Oct 2025 + Admissions Policy June 2025 — both PDFs fully extracted) · 24 sources

    Data Completeness88%
    Source Diversity90%
    Recency Score98%

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    Near Marymount London

    Schools nearby

    Canbury School

    Independent · 1.0km away

    St Agatha's Catholic Primary School

    Primary · 1.0km away

    Latchmere School

    Primary · 1.0km away

    The Tiffin Girls' School

    Secondary · 1.3km away

    The Kingston Academy

    Secondary · 1.3km away

    Fern Hill Primary School

    Primary · 1.4km away

    ClassAceSchool Intelligence
    Data verified May 2026 (incl. ISI Oct 2025 + Admissions Policy June 2025 — both PDFs fully extracted)·Privacy Policy·Terms of Service·Contact

    Data Notice: School intelligence on ClassAce is compiled from multiple public and proprietary sources including official school communications, parent forums, tutoring industry data, and verified community contributions. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, parents should verify critical details directly with the school before making admissions decisions. Marymount International School London is not affiliated with ClassAce and has not endorsed this profile.