Admissions Enquiries: 01491 573118

Welcome to
St. Mary's Preparatory School

We have been at the centre of education in Henley for almost 100 years, helping generations of children to learn in a stimulating and inspiring environment. Situated in the heart of the town in a beautiful Victorian townhouse, our vibrant co-ed prep school provides an outstanding education for children aged 3 – 11 years.

Proud of our reputation for delivering academic excellence – the attainment of St. Mary’s pupils is above national age-related expectations in all subjects, and our more able pupils are challenged and stretched with a range of classroom work and additional activities.

Our pupils are well prepared to make the transition on to the next stage in their education, with children consistently receiving offers from their first choice of the most prestigious schools in the area, including scholarships and awards.

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 EXCELLENT 

Inspection Report 2023


We are proud to have been awarded the highest possible grade: double EXCELLENT in our recent ISI Inspection.

As well as being fully compliant in every aspect of the Regulatory Compliance Inspection, it was determined that the children’s academic achievement is "Excellent" and the children’s personal development is "Excellent".

Inspection Report

Where
NURTURE meets BRILLIANCE


We prioritise personalised education with small class sizes, ensuring that each child receives individual attention, tailored support, and the opportunity to excel academically at their own pace.

Academic Excellence

Where
NATURE meets EDUCATION


Our school’s location in beautiful Henley on Thames, enables us to access a wonderful variety of outdoor learning spaces with our children. From woodlands and wildlife gardens to the River Thames, we offer unique opportunities for experiential learning.

Facilities & Location

Where
HEARTS meet MINDS


Our close-knit community is a cornerstone of our educational journey. Here, teachers, children, and parents come together as active participants, each with a voice in shaping our school's excellence.

Community

Meet our Headteacher, Mr Stephen Blundell

Welcoming a new headteacher for the first time in 15 years, this autumn is a very exciting time for St. Mary’s Preparatory School and Nursery. Stephen Blundell joins St Mary’s after spending 10 years at Wetherby Prep in London, where he served as Deputy Head for 5 years.

"As soon as I stepped into the school, I was immediately drawn to the happiness of the children. The interactions between boys and girls of all ages give a clear sense of a nurturing, family oriented environment underpinned by exceptional pastoral care. These strong foundations are vital in allowing each pupil to develop personally, academically and creatively whilst at St Mary's."


- Mr. Stephen Blundell

FACILITIES & LOCATION

Nurturing excellence
in the heart of Henley

Our outstanding onsite facilities are enhanced by excellent sports and outdoor options in Henley-on-Thames and the local area.

Our specialist classrooms such as a fully equipped science lab, light and airy art studio, music room and vibrant well stocked library, foster a dynamic learning environment. Our wonderful outdoor spaces include a recently refurbished courtyard playground and all-weather sports area, climbing frame and soft surface. Our Nursery and Early Years children also benefit from their own specialist fun and interactive outdoor area in addition to the main school facilities.

Laptops, iPads and interactive whiteboards, in our classrooms, all connected through our school-wide wireless network, promote interactive learning.

We have close relationships with a number of local organisations, enabling us to provide our pupils with exciting learning environments, all just a short walk or minibus journey away.

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Join us for a Personal Tour

Shape a bright future for your child

Book a personal tour today to discover excellence in education, experience our nurturing community, and envision a future full of promise for your child.

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Enjoy regular updates on life in our School and Nursery

Our Year 4, 5 and 6 children had a wonderful day at Wentworth Golf Club for the BMW PGA Tour golf tournament.

Part of the DP World Tour `Literacy in Sport` programme run by Pobble UK, our pupils enjoyed a tour of the amazing course, the opportunity to watch some of the players warming up, sitting in the grandstand in the autumn sunshine!

Inspired by their amazing surroundings, the children took part in a writing workshop in the afternoon.

We know that our children really enjoy these sort of learning outside the classroom opportunities and huge thanks to the team @teampobble for hosting us.

@bmwpga @simon_pobble @teampobble #cognitaway #prepschool #henley #golf #pga

Open
Our Year 4, 5 and 6 children had a wonderful day at Wentworth Golf Club for the BMW PGA Tour golf tournament. Part of the DP World Tour 'Literacy in Sport' programme run by Pobble UK, our pupils enjoyed a tour of the amazing course, the opportunity to watch some of the players warming up, sitting in the grandstand in the autumn sunshine! Inspired by their amazing surroundings, the children took part in a writing workshop in the afternoon. We know that our children really enjoy these sort of learning outside the classroom opportunities and huge thanks to the team @teampobble for hosting us. @bmwpga @simon_pobble @teampobble #cognitaway #prepschool #henley #golf #pga

Our Year 2 children had a great time celebrating Roald Dahl Day, making their own colourful Roly Poly birds and enjoying reading The Twits together!

#RoaldDahlDay #Cognitaway #henley

Open
Our Year 2 children had a great time celebrating Roald Dahl Day, making their own colourful Roly Poly birds and enjoying reading The Twits together! #RoaldDahlDay #Cognitaway #henley

One of the things that makes St. Mary`s so special, is the happy and nurturing atmosphere.

All of our children know each other, support each other, play and learn together.

Each year, our Year 6 children are teamed up with one of our youngest pupils in Nursery or Reception, acting as their `buddy` throughout the year. They listen to them read, play games together and look out for them in the playground.

This week was our first buddy session of the new academic year, and everyone really enjoyed it. This special relationship builds confidence and fosters friendships that sometimes last way beyond their years at St. Mary’s!

#happychildren #school #Cognitaway

Open
One of the things that makes St. Mary's so special, is the happy and nurturing atmosphere. All of our children know each other, support each other, play and learn together. Each year, our Year 6 children are teamed up with one of our youngest pupils in Nursery or Reception, acting as their 'buddy' throughout the year. They listen to them read, play games together and look out for them in the playground. This week was our first buddy session of the new academic year, and everyone really enjoyed it. This special relationship builds confidence and fosters friendships that sometimes last way beyond their years at St. Mary’s! #happychildren #school #Cognitaway

We are pleased to invite our parents to join us for Coffee with the Head!

This monthly event offers parents the opportunity to get to know our new Headteacher - Stephen Blundell - to ask questions and hear all about what is coming up in school this term.

We look forward to welcoming you!

#prepschool #henley #Cognitaway

Open
We are pleased to invite our parents to join us for Coffee with the Head! This monthly event offers parents the opportunity to get to know our new Headteacher - Stephen Blundell - to ask questions and hear all about what is coming up in school this term. We look forward to welcoming you! #prepschool #henley #Cognitaway

Join us for our first Stay and Play of the term - with Awesome Autumn!

Children age 2 - 4 are invited to join us for a morning of fun activities including print making, clay hedgehog modelling and pumpkins!

Places are limited, so booking is essential, please book your place here: https://bit.ly/3Tk7kYG

Tel: 01491 573118 or email: admissions@stmarys-henley.co.uk

#stayandplay #preschool #startingschool #toddler #henley #henleyonthames #school #prepschool #cognitaway

Open
Join us for our first Stay and Play of the term - with Awesome Autumn! Children age 2 - 4 are invited to join us for a morning of fun activities including print making, clay hedgehog modelling and pumpkins! Places are limited, so booking is essential, please book your place here: https://bit.ly/3Tk7kYG Tel: 01491 573118 or email: admissions@stmarys-henley.co.uk #stayandplay #preschool #startingschool #toddler #henley #henleyonthames #school #prepschool #cognitaway
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St Mary's Preparatory School is a Microsoft Showcase School

We are proud that St Mary's Preparatory School has been recognised as a Microsoft Showcase School, dedicated to using technology for personalised learning and school-wide transformation.

With 1:1 devices and cutting-edge tools like Microsoft Teams, Office 365, and OneNote, we enrich students' learning experiences.

Our goal is to make their skills relevant in real-world scenarios, seamlessly integrating knowledge into daily life and future projects.

Parent & Pupil Feedback

100%

Parents agree that:


  • the school safeguards their children effectively.

  • the school helps their children to be confident and independent.

  • the range of subjects is suitable for their child.

  • their child is well prepared for senior school.

  • the school equips their child with the skills they need later in life.

★

100% pupils agree that the school expects the children to behave well.

I couldn't recommend St. Mary's more highly and know that as a family, it will be a special place for us for years to come.

– Parent, Early Years at St Mary’s Preparatory School

Unlock Your Child's Potential

Discover the enriching journey your child will embark on

through the various school stages at St. Mary’s Preparatory School.

Your child's learning journey
...
Early Years

2 - 4 yrs old

...
Pre-Prep

4 - 7 yrs old

...
Prep

7 - 11 yrs old

...
Admissions

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Facilities & Location
Academic Excellence
Admissions Process

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St Mary’s School Henley