FAQs
Are there any school clubs / activities available?
We know many parents have very busy lifestyles so we offer a number of before and after-school activities. The school provides a free drop-off facility from 8 am each morning. We also encourage pupils to have active, healthy lifestyles so offer multi- sports such as gymnastics, lacrosse and swimming, as well as music lessons (piano, guitar, recorder, ukulele), speech training, art and drama.
What extra encouragement do you give pupils?
All children are given a place in one of two ‘House Teams’: Matthew (blue) and Mark (red). Children earn merit marks for good work and behaviour and they take part in a number of team competitions throughout the year. Each week class teachers award House merit badges for exceptional work during the week and the achieving pupils are presented with their badges at the whole school assembly and given a mention in the weekly parents Facebook news page.
What about homework?
All children from Year 1 upwards are required to do some homework during the week. The time spent on doing this work will vary according to age and ability. More detail can be found in our Homework Policy. Homework is seen as a constructive activity and reinforces what children are working on in school. As well as doing formal work at home we also expect children to read every night. Parents are required to sign the Reading Record/Communication Book each evening.
What are the school fees and how can they be paid?
Our current school fees for the academic year 2021 -2022 is £8,100. We also accept the government nursery grant scheme for all 3 and 4 year olds. Fees are due for payment before the first day of term or you can arrange to pay by standing order over 10 monthly equal payments.
How does the school involve its parents?
We’re fortunate at Stella Maris to have a very proactive PTA who put on regular fundraising events - especially as we’re a not-for-profit school. We also send out weekly news via our Parent Facebook page as well as a PTA Facebook page. The PTA have their AGM each September and a committee is voted in for the academic year. The school uses a combination of email and a text messaging service to inform parents of news or other communications. The Headteacher regularly writes to parents to update them or make them aware of other information.
How many pupils do you currently have?
Our small class sizes mean that we never have any more than 70 children at any one time which includes our Pre-Prep, infant and junior years. It means we’re never overcrowded and maintain good class sizes, resulting in individual attention for every child.
Do you require a minimum number of Nursery hours be taken up?
We only offer full-time nursery places which requires children to attend school Monday to Friday 9am-3.05pm during term time.
Stella Maris School does not offer short-term child care. As per the school’s Terms & Conditions, any child joining in the Pre-Prep is expected to progress through the school to Year 6.
Are you a registered charitable trust?
We are a registered charitable trust. Our number is 505848.