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.

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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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

Last week was a heartwarming occasion as our reception class welcomed their grandparents to school to honour World Kindness Day. Together, they enjoyed tea, scones and shared delightful stories. We concluded the week by donning our spotty attire to show our support for Children in Need. A heartfelt thank you for your generous contributions.

@bbccin #bbccin #worldkindnessday #henley #wearecognita #prepschool

Last week was a heartwarming occasion as our reception class welcomed their grandparents to school to honour World Kindness Day. Together, they enjoyed tea, scones and shared delightful stories. We concluded the week by donning our spotty attire to show our support for Children in Need. A heartfelt thank you for your generous contributions.

@bbccin #bbccin #worldkindnessday #henley #wearecognita #prepschool

As part of this year`s Anti Bullying Week, we have been participating in Odd Socks Day today.

We have had so many wonderful coloured sock combinations - and our Headteacher joined in too!

Odd Socks Day is all about showing that it is OK to be different, encouraging us all to stand up against bullying and discrimination.

#oddsocksday #antibullyingweek #kindness #henley #prepschool #wearecognita
@antibullyingalliance @antibullyingpro

As part of this year's Anti Bullying Week, we have been participating in Odd Socks Day today.

We have had so many wonderful coloured sock combinations - and our Headteacher joined in too!

Odd Socks Day is all about showing that it is OK to be different, encouraging us all to stand up against bullying and discrimination.

#oddsocksday #antibullyingweek #kindness #henley #prepschool #wearecognita
@antibullyingalliance @antibullyingpro

We have a number of really talented musicians in school, and are very proud of their dedication and hard work. Lessons with our specialist music teacher from Nursery through to Year 6, ensures that all of our children enjoy the opportunity to try a range of instruments and to participate in our choir.

One of our pupils in Year 4 is a very talented violinist, having started to learn the instrument when she was just 3 years old.

Daily practice and a genuine love of the instrument, has ensured that she has made swift progress through her grades, and she is currently studying for grade five which she hopes to take in Spring next year.

Performing regularly in concerts both in groups and as a soloist, Alejandra also participated in two competitions this year, and was delighted to be awarded distinctions in both. This Spring, Alejandra attended the International String Biennale in Córdoba, Spain, along with 150 children representing 7 music schools from several different countries.

We are incredibly proud of Alejandra, and of all of our hardworking and talented pupils!

#prepschool #henley #violin #music

We have a number of really talented musicians in school, and are very proud of their dedication and hard work. Lessons with our specialist music teacher from Nursery through to Year 6, ensures that all of our children enjoy the opportunity to try a range of instruments and to participate in our choir.

One of our pupils in Year 4 is a very talented violinist, having started to learn the instrument when she was just 3 years old.

Daily practice and a genuine love of the instrument, has ensured that she has made swift progress through her grades, and she is currently studying for grade five which she hopes to take in Spring next year.

Performing regularly in concerts both in groups and as a soloist, Alejandra also participated in two competitions this year, and was delighted to be awarded distinctions in both. This Spring, Alejandra attended the International String Biennale in Córdoba, Spain, along with 150 children representing 7 music schools from several different countries.

We are incredibly proud of Alejandra, and of all of our hardworking and talented pupils!

#prepschool #henley #violin #music

Our Headteacher was joined by a number of our pupils at the weekend, to lay a Poppy Wreath at Henley`s Remembrance Day Service.

Today, we came together as a whole school in our assembly to reflect, to honour and remember those who served and sacrificed for our freedom.

We remember their legacy and continue to teach our children the importance of peace, respect, and remembrance.

#lestweforget #wewillrememberthem #remembrance #henley #school #prepschool #wearecognita

Our Headteacher was joined by a number of our pupils at the weekend, to lay a Poppy Wreath at Henley's Remembrance Day Service.

Today, we came together as a whole school in our assembly to reflect, to honour and remember those who served and sacrificed for our freedom.

We remember their legacy and continue to teach our children the importance of peace, respect, and remembrance.

#lestweforget #wewillrememberthem #remembrance #henley #school #prepschool #wearecognita

It has been a wonderful week for Sport at St. Mary`s Prep!

A huge congratulations to our Girls U11 Hockey Team, who finished 4th out of 32 teams at the ISA Nationals this week. An incredible result, we narrowly missed 3rd place in the final seconds of the game, competing against teams from schools all around the country.

Today it was the turn of our swimmers, who were competing at the ISA Swimming Qualifiers in Surrey. Final placings and times are yet to be released but notable results included a win in the 50m backstroke and 2nd place in the 50m freestyle.

All of our swimmers did really well, and were wonderful ambassadors for the school, well behaved and cheering each other on - well done everyone!

#sport #SchoolSports #henley #prepschool #WeAreCognita @isaschoolssport #prepschool

It has been a wonderful week for Sport at St. Mary's Prep!

A huge congratulations to our Girls U11 Hockey Team, who finished 4th out of 32 teams at the ISA Nationals this week. An incredible result, we narrowly missed 3rd place in the final seconds of the game, competing against teams from schools all around the country.

Today it was the turn of our swimmers, who were competing at the ISA Swimming Qualifiers in Surrey. Final placings and times are yet to be released but notable results included a win in the 50m backstroke and 2nd place in the 50m freestyle.

All of our swimmers did really well, and were wonderful ambassadors for the school, well behaved and cheering each other on - well done everyone!

#sport #SchoolSports #henley #prepschool #WeAreCognita @isaschoolssport #prepschool

We always enjoy our Outdoor Learning sessions with the wonderful @wild_ones_of_henley_

Whether it rains or the sun is shining, our Nursery and Reception children relish the opportunity to spend time together outside.

Outdoor play and connecting with nature isn’t just about having fun – but is essential for children’s physical, cognitive and emotional development.

We are really looking forward to another engaging and action packed learning session!

#outdoorlearning #henley #nursery #prepschool #wearecognita

We always enjoy our Outdoor Learning sessions with the wonderful @wild_ones_of_henley_

Whether it rains or the sun is shining, our Nursery and Reception children relish the opportunity to spend time together outside.

Outdoor play and connecting with nature isn’t just about having fun – but is essential for children’s physical, cognitive and emotional development.

We are really looking forward to another engaging and action packed learning session!

#outdoorlearning #henley #nursery #prepschool #wearecognita

It may only the be the start of November, but we all know that now Halloween has been and gone, it is Christmas all the way!

We are looking forward to a very special Stay and Play next month, when we will be welcoming a real life Reindeer to School - alongside Santa`s Sleigh.

Join us to enjoy a little Christmas magic, a hot chocolate, and a lot of fun!

Perfect for children aged 2 - 4 years, our event is free to attend, but places are limited so please book yours now: bit.ly/4gFLito

#christmasiscoming #christmas #preschool #startingschool #nursery #henley #parenting #wearecognita #nativity #prepschool

It may only the be the start of November, but we all know that now Halloween has been and gone, it is Christmas all the way!

We are looking forward to a very special Stay and Play next month, when we will be welcoming a real life Reindeer to School - alongside Santa's Sleigh.

Join us to enjoy a little Christmas magic, a hot chocolate, and a lot of fun!

Perfect for children aged 2 - 4 years, our event is free to attend, but places are limited so please book yours now: bit.ly/4gFLito

#christmasiscoming #christmas #preschool #startingschool #nursery #henley #parenting #wearecognita #nativity #prepschool

We are always delighted to receive positive feedback from our Nursery parents, and this wonderful review from a family who joined us this term really made us all smile.

"Our little one joined in September and I can`t recommend St. Mary`s enough. The staff are incredible and have provided such a nurturing environment which has really helped him to settle. Every day at pick up he is so happy and always wants to show us the wonderful things he has played with or made - it really is a pleasure to see him so animated and thriving in his new environment."

Our Nursery team work hard to help our youngest ones to settle quickly, and take great pleasure in watching them make friends and grow in independence. Spending time with our specialist teachers, including French, Music and PE, helps the children to build confidence, as well as supporting their early learning to get off to an amazing start.

We have a limited number of spaces available in our Nursery from January 2025, to find out more, please call our friendly admissions team now: 01491 573118 or email: admissions@stmarys-henley.co.uk

You can read more reviews from our parents on the Day Nurseries UK website: bit.ly/3rxoXDQ

@daynurseriesuk #nursery #henley #prepschool #WeAreCognita

We are always delighted to receive positive feedback from our Nursery parents, and this wonderful review from a family who joined us this term really made us all smile.

"Our little one joined in September and I can't recommend St. Mary's enough. The staff are incredible and have provided such a nurturing environment which has really helped him to settle. Every day at pick up he is so happy and always wants to show us the wonderful things he has played with or made - it really is a pleasure to see him so animated and thriving in his new environment."

Our Nursery team work hard to help our youngest ones to settle quickly, and take great pleasure in watching them make friends and grow in independence. Spending time with our specialist teachers, including French, Music and PE, helps the children to build confidence, as well as supporting their early learning to get off to an amazing start.

We have a limited number of spaces available in our Nursery from January 2025, to find out more, please call our friendly admissions team now: 01491 573118 or email: admissions@stmarys-henley.co.uk

You can read more reviews from our parents on the Day Nurseries UK website: bit.ly/3rxoXDQ

@daynurseriesuk #nursery #henley #prepschool #WeAreCognita

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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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Academic Excellence

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