FAQs
FAQS
Is St Mary's a school?
No. St Mary's is a education centre, a homeschool hybrid as it were. It is an educational model that combines elements of traditional homeschooling and traditional classroom schooling. In a homeschool hybrid program, students typically attend classes in a physical classroom setting part-time and are homeschooled part-time.
How many days a week is the Acaedmy on, and which days are they?
The Academy is currently runs two days a week, Monday and Thursday. We aim to go to three days a week by September 2024.
What happens on the other days?
Just like other homeschooling hybrid Academys, the other days, Tuesday and Wednesday are homeschooling days where the parents teach their own children. Friday's typically tends to be a non curriculum day, where most parents try to fit in a range of other activities such as Nature trails, Museum visits, Independant Study, Cathedral/ Shrine visits and much more.
What age range are the pupils at St Mary's
Currently age 5-13, however, we hope to grow up to Year 11 (age 16) and maybe beyond.
5. How big are the class sizes?
The average class size currently is three pupils per teacher, this will increase in the future, but the maximum will be 12 in any class.
6. How many teachers are at St Mary's and are their credentials?
There are four very experienced QTS full time teachers and two part time. Click here to find out more.
7. What access will they get to the sacraments?
The FSSP. They will attend daily Mass at the shrine and confession is available every day.
8. Is there a uniform?
Yes. Click here for more details
10. What is the philosopy of the school?
Click here
11. Why should I consider St Mary's Academy?
12. How is the St Mary's Academy funded?
St Mary's is a fee-paying education centre. However, it is possible for families who cannot afford the full fees to agree with the Trustees to a reduced rate. We do not wish to exclude anyone because of financial considerations. We do, however, ask our families to bear in mind that even the full fee is not sufficient to cover the overall cost of Saint Mary's Academy. We remain dependant on our generous benefactors and entrust their intentions to the prayers of our children, parents, and staff. Click here for more details.
13. Is there a Curriculum to follow?
Click here
14i.Will the pupils sit GCSE examinations?
Yes, the cost of enrolment in, and assessment by, any and all external examination (including but not limited to GCSE and A-Level subjects etc.) will be borne exclusively by the parents of the child(ren) concerned. The Academy will not be liable for any costs relating to external examination but commits to providing, where possible, teaching and tutoring in order to prepare students for such assessment, should they choose to pursue them. We have links with a Christian Examination Centre in Manchester that many of our Parishioners use.
14ii. Will the pupils sit all their exams at once as they do in other schools.
No, at SMA we taylor the GCSE course to suit the individual pupils ability and maturity. For example if a pupil is ready and able to take GCSE Maths or English early then we will support them in this and if they are not viceversa. Also are aim is to phase the GCSE exam in from age 14. (year 9) so they do not have to complete all the exams in the final year of school. This is designed to reduce stress and increase their chances of success. Furthermore some pupils will be capable of gaining 11 or more GCSEs and some the essential six needed to go on to further education, or apprenticeships. Again this is the choice of the parents in. conjuction with our teachers.
15. Will my child/Children get a authentic Catholic Education?
Yes, this is our core value and reason for setting up this academy. See mission statement, click here.