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

This morning, some of our nursery children were filled with joy and anticipation as they prepared to visit the Town Hall to send their letters to Father Christmas.

The children approached this task with great seriousness, dreaming of receiving a variety of gifts, from a fluffy pink cat to a steam engine and even a candy floss machine.

#henleyonthames #prepschool #independentschool #fatherchristmas #wearecognita #lettertosanta #henley #christmasiscoming

This morning, some of our nursery children were filled with joy and anticipation as they prepared to visit the Town Hall to send their letters to Father Christmas.

The children approached this task with great seriousness, dreaming of receiving a variety of gifts, from a fluffy pink cat to a steam engine and even a candy floss machine.

#henleyonthames #prepschool #independentschool #fatherchristmas #wearecognita #lettertosanta #henley #christmasiscoming

The St. Mary’s choir were thrilled to launch the 2024 Henley Living Advent this evening, on the steps of the Town Hall.

Our pupils, along with Miss Wilkinson, sung their hearts out and it was a brilliant and fitting opening performance.

Each evening full of festive fun supports a local charity and The Henley Living Advent will be popping up around Henley for the next 23 nights.

#Henley #HenleyonThames #VisitHenley #ExperienceHenley #livingadvent #prepschool #wearecognita

The St. Mary’s choir were thrilled to launch the 2024 Henley Living Advent this evening, on the steps of the Town Hall.

Our pupils, along with Miss Wilkinson, sung their hearts out and it was a brilliant and fitting opening performance.

Each evening full of festive fun supports a local charity and The Henley Living Advent will be popping up around Henley for the next 23 nights.

#Henley #HenleyonThames #VisitHenley #ExperienceHenley #livingadvent #prepschool #wearecognita

This afternoon, our Reception, Year 1, and Year 2 classes were captivated by the enchanting Nativity story at Trinity Church, masterfully narrated by Reverend Duncan. #nativity #henleyonthames #prepschool #wearecognita

This afternoon, our Reception, Year 1, and Year 2 classes were captivated by the enchanting Nativity story at Trinity Church, masterfully narrated by Reverend Duncan. #nativity #henleyonthames #prepschool #wearecognita

We welcomed some year 6 elves this morning to help decorate one of the Christmas trees. It’s starting to feel a lot like Christmas here at St. Mary’s Prep.🎄

#christmas2024 #henleyonthames #wearecognita #prepschoolhenley #prepschool #studentambassador

We welcomed some year 6 elves this morning to help decorate one of the Christmas trees. It’s starting to feel a lot like Christmas here at St. Mary’s Prep.🎄

#christmas2024 #henleyonthames #wearecognita #prepschoolhenley #prepschool #studentambassador

This morning, our Year 5 students stole the show with their spectacular music concert.
From the timeless melodies of Beethoven to the iconic sounds of Oasis, they took us on an unforgettable musical journey.
A huge round of applause to all the performers; we couldn’t be prouder of each and every one of you!

#henleyonthames #prepschool #prep #henley #musicconcert #wearecognita

This morning, our Year 5 students stole the show with their spectacular music concert.
From the timeless melodies of Beethoven to the iconic sounds of Oasis, they took us on an unforgettable musical journey.
A huge round of applause to all the performers; we couldn’t be prouder of each and every one of you!

#henleyonthames #prepschool #prep #henley #musicconcert #wearecognita

The Year 6 students experienced an incredibly interative science lesson centered around the anatomy of the eye. Each student skillfully dissected their specimens, successfully identifying all the components they had covered in class, including the lens, iris, pupil, and vitreous humor. Their maturity and concentration were impressive as they worked towards their objective. Great job, everyone!

#steameducation #sciencelover #wearecognita #prepschool

The Year 6 students experienced an incredibly interative science lesson centered around the anatomy of the eye. Each student skillfully dissected their specimens, successfully identifying all the components they had covered in class, including the lens, iris, pupil, and vitreous humor. Their maturity and concentration were impressive as they worked towards their objective. Great job, everyone!

#steameducation #sciencelover #wearecognita #prepschool

Each week, our youngest learners embrace an afternoon of outdoor learning and even with the brisk temperatures this week was brimming with excitement.

The children delved into the captivating creations of artist Andy Goldsworthy and afterwards they gathered around a cozy fire, enjoying delicious toasted marshmallows to warm up.

#andygoldsworthy @wild_ones_of_henley_ #outdoorlearning #learningoutsidetheclassroom #henleyonthames #prepschool #wearecognita

Each week, our youngest learners embrace an afternoon of outdoor learning and even with the brisk temperatures this week was brimming with excitement.

The children delved into the captivating creations of artist Andy Goldsworthy and afterwards they gathered around a cozy fire, enjoying delicious toasted marshmallows to warm up.

#andygoldsworthy @wild_ones_of_henley_ #outdoorlearning #learningoutsidetheclassroom #henleyonthames #prepschool #wearecognita

Congratulations to Tattie in Year 3 for being the first child at St. Mary’s Prep to earn a gold merit certificate this term, celebrating her dedication and hard work!
Her teachers have noted that she should take pride in her enthusiastic approach to learning, the effort she invests in her homework, and her readiness to assist her teachers and classmates.
Well done Tattie! #henleyonthames #prepschool #wearecognita

Congratulations to Tattie in Year 3 for being the first child at St. Mary’s Prep to earn a gold merit certificate this term, celebrating her dedication and hard work!
Her teachers have noted that she should take pride in her enthusiastic approach to learning, the effort she invests in her homework, and her readiness to assist her teachers and classmates.
Well done Tattie! #henleyonthames #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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