Admissions Enquiries: 01491 573118

International Pupils

Experience an exceptional education in our leading private school

We regularly welcome international pupils* from a variety of countries to join our school community. International families choose St Mary's Preparatory School because of our commitment to academic excellence, character development, global perspectives, and British values.

All students – British, EU and international – are charged the same fees, regardless of nationality or immigration status.

*International pupils are those with nationalities other than UK or Irish who are subject to immigration control

International Admissions

Pupils who are non-native English speakers will be asked to meet online with a member of our parent company, Cognita’s international team, who will informally assess their English language level.

The international team will then advise the school whether the pupil would benefit from additional support with their English prior to enrolment and/or during the first year of their studies.

St Mary's Preparatory School and Cognita work with a range of international pupil recruitment agencies, education consultants and relocation agents. Agents and consultants are invited to contact the international admissions team at Cognita about representation.

English as an Additional Language

Pupils who need support with English as an Additional Language prior to enrolment and/or during the first year of their studies may be referred to Cognita’s English language school, Ardmore.

Ardmore have over 35 years’ experience supporting young English learners and have recently developed an online platform – Ardmore X – to support teacher-led and independent study.

Ardmore can support international pupils prepare for life at school in the UK in the weeks and months prior to the start of term. They can also support pupils throughout their first few terms with us, scheduling online English lessons outside of the standard school day.

International pupils who receive an offer to study at St Mary's Preparatory School will be asked to accept their place by completing and returning an acceptance form and paying a deposit equal to one term’s fees. The international deposit will be returned at the end of a pupil’s time at the school, providing appropriate notice has been given and all fees have been settled.

St Mary's Preparatory School's parent company, Cognita, has a licence to sponsor Child Student visas. Please contact Cognita’s international team if you would like to discuss visa sponsorship. The team will be glad to support you throughout your application and subsequent studies. Families are asked to settle the academic year’s fees in full and pay a £500 administration fee for each Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) in advance of sponsorship.

The international team can support parents of students aged 4 to 11 years old who wish to join their children in the UK under the Parent of a Child Student visa route.

We also welcome international pupils who are dependents of their parents’ investor, skilled worker, and diplomatic visas, as well as those who come to the UK under many other immigration routes.

If you are unsure whether your child needs a Child Student visa, we recommend taking the UK Visas questionnaire to establish the most suitable immigration route for your family.

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.

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2 - 4 yrs old

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4 - 7 yrs old

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7 - 11 yrs old

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Next Steps

St Mary’s School Henley