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.

Discover more

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

Don`t miss out on the opportunity to join us for our first Stay and Play of the term - Awesome Autumn!

Children age 2 - 4 are invited to join us for a morning of really 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 #WeAreCognita #preschool #startingschool

Open
Don't miss out on the opportunity to join us for our first Stay and Play of the term - Awesome Autumn! Children age 2 - 4 are invited to join us for a morning of really 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 #WeAreCognita #preschool #startingschool

Find out more about our new Headteacher, Stephen Blundell, in this recent interview with the Henley Herald!

https://bit.ly/3U3gnhf

"What is unique to St. Mary’s, is that every teacher knows every child intrinsically.
It has been wonderful to meet so many of our parents already, and I am looking forward to getting to know them, and their children.”

"The Prep School years, are the very best of a child’s education. I am excited to be leading St. Mary’s to deliver this for all of our children.”

@HenleyHerald #henley #prepschool #wearecognita

Open
Find out more about our new Headteacher, Stephen Blundell, in this recent interview with the Henley Herald! https://bit.ly/3U3gnhf "What is unique to St. Mary’s, is that every teacher knows every child intrinsically. It has been wonderful to meet so many of our parents already, and I am looking forward to getting to know them, and their children.” "The Prep School years, are the very best of a child’s education. I am excited to be leading St. Mary’s to deliver this for all of our children.” @HenleyHerald #henley #prepschool #wearecognita

We are so grateful for our wonderful teachers, and World Teachers` Day is a great reminder to us all to remember to tell them how fantastic they are and how much we appreciate them.

Our experienced and energetic teaching team work tirelessly to support all of our pupils, inspiring them with a passion for their subjects and helping them to develop a love of learning, that they carry into senior school and beyond.

“If you have to put someone on a pedestal, put teachers. They are society’s heroes.” Guy Kawasaki

#worldteachersday @unesco #school #prepschool #henley #WeAreCognita

Open
We are so grateful for our wonderful teachers, and World Teachers' Day is a great reminder to us all to remember to tell them how fantastic they are and how much we appreciate them. Our experienced and energetic teaching team work tirelessly to support all of our pupils, inspiring them with a passion for their subjects and helping them to develop a love of learning, that they carry into senior school and beyond. “If you have to put someone on a pedestal, put teachers. They are society’s heroes.” Guy Kawasaki #worldteachersday @unesco #school #prepschool #henley #WeAreCognita

What a wonderful week it has been at the Henley Literary Festival!

All of our children have had the opportunity to take part in their exciting events, and have thoroughly enjoyed hearing from so many of their favourite authors.

The children have really enjoyed reading the books from the talks, and Year 3 were so inspired by meeting Cressida Cowell that they have set up a new book club!

Thank you to the Festival team for bringing such amazing authors to our town!

@p.horacek_ @jacquelinewilson_hq @cressidacowellauthor @hannahgold_author @josephcoelhoauthor @henleylitfest @literacy_trust #henley #school #wearecognita

Open
What a wonderful week it has been at the Henley Literary Festival! All of our children have had the opportunity to take part in their exciting events, and have thoroughly enjoyed hearing from so many of their favourite authors. The children have really enjoyed reading the books from the talks, and Year 3 were so inspired by meeting Cressida Cowell that they have set up a new book club! Thank you to the Festival team for bringing such amazing authors to our town! @p.horacek_ @jacquelinewilson_hq @cressidacowellauthor @hannahgold_author @josephcoelhoauthor @henleylitfest @literacy_trust #henley #school #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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Next Steps

Open Days & Visits
Facilities & Location
Academic Excellence
Admissions Process

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St Mary’s School Henley