Admissions Enquiries: 01491 573118

We are here to help! Make an enquiry over the summer holidays.

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We are here to help! Make an enquiry over the summer holidays.

Contact Us

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 Rob Harmer

As Head of St. Mary’s Preparatory School for 13+ years, Rob Harmer champions
academic excellence and a nurturing community, inspiring confidence, independence,
and a love for learning in every child.

"What sets our school apart is the wonderful sense of family. We pride ourselves on our reputation for providing a nurturing and secure environment, alongside outstanding pastoral care. This enables our children to thrive and to achieve the very best that they can."

- Rob Harmer, Headteacher

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

We were absolutely delighted to welcome such an incredible number of guests into school last night, when 300 people joined us to say a very fond farewell to our Headteacher, Rob Harmer!

After 21 years at school, and 15 of those as Head, it was very clear for all to see what an incredible impact Rob has made during his time leading the school, and the legacy that he leaves.

Current and former parents and pupils, current and former staff, and members of the local community, all came together to celebrate his tenure and to wish him all the very best for the future. Former pupils who are now enjoying senior school, graduating from University, and starting their first careers, all enjoyed the opportunity to thanks Mr Harmer for his kindness and care during their time at St. Mary`s.

Describing the school as `A vibrant hub of positivity`, and acknowledging that it was hard to choose specific highlights of his time as Headteacher, Rob said that the learning had been two way, thanking the children and staff: "You’ve taught me that education isn’t just about grades; it’s about character."

Rob`s final words really capture just what makes St. Mary`s School such a special place for all of our children: "St. Mary’s has been more than just a place of learning; it has been a sanctuary of dreams. Continue to dream big, embrace change, and cherish the magic that happens when hearts and minds come together. Keep reaching for the stars—you are destined for greatness."

We are looking forward to further celebrations in school later this week with all of our current pupils!

#schoollife #henley #school
#CognitaWay

Open
We were absolutely delighted to welcome such an incredible number of guests into school last night, when 300 people joined us to say a very fond farewell to our Headteacher, Rob Harmer! After 21 years at school, and 15 of those as Head, it was very clear for all to see what an incredible impact Rob has made during his time leading the school, and the legacy that he leaves. Current and former parents and pupils, current and former staff, and members of the local community, all came together to celebrate his tenure and to wish him all the very best for the future. Former pupils who are now enjoying senior school, graduating from University, and starting their first careers, all enjoyed the opportunity to thanks Mr Harmer for his kindness and care during their time at St. Mary's. Describing the school as 'A vibrant hub of positivity', and acknowledging that it was hard to choose specific highlights of his time as Headteacher, Rob said that the learning had been two way, thanking the children and staff: "You’ve taught me that education isn’t just about grades; it’s about character." Rob's final words really capture just what makes St. Mary's School such a special place for all of our children: "St. Mary’s has been more than just a place of learning; it has been a sanctuary of dreams. Continue to dream big, embrace change, and cherish the magic that happens when hearts and minds come together. Keep reaching for the stars—you are destined for greatness." We are looking forward to further celebrations in school later this week with all of our current pupils! #schoollife #henley #school #CognitaWay

We are celebrating the start of this year`s Henley Royal Regatta, with a spotlight on two of our recent St. Mary`s alumni - Miley and Eliza.

We are very proud of these superstar siblings, who have both got their rowing careers off to a flying start.

Although they have both only been rowing for a short period of time, Miley has already won gold at the National Schools Regatta, amongst a number of other notable wins, and Eliza recently won her first gold medal at Reading Amateur Regatta - congratulations to them both!

Nurturing and encouraging talent, whether it is sporting, musical, artistic or another of our other subjects, is a core part of what we do at St. Mary`s and each year, our Year 6 children are offered Scholarships across a range of subjects, at their Senior Schools of choice,

Eliza says: "I love rowing, it keeps me strong and healthy and I have made great friends - it makes me really happy."

We are really proud of them both and look forward to celebrating further successes with them in the future!

@henleyrowingclub @hrc_junior_women @henleyroyalregatta @leander_club
#rowing #henley #loverowing #school #regatta #henleyroyalregatta #cognitaway

Open
We are celebrating the start of this year's Henley Royal Regatta, with a spotlight on two of our recent St. Mary's alumni - Miley and Eliza. We are very proud of these superstar siblings, who have both got their rowing careers off to a flying start. Although they have both only been rowing for a short period of time, Miley has already won gold at the National Schools Regatta, amongst a number of other notable wins, and Eliza recently won her first gold medal at Reading Amateur Regatta - congratulations to them both! Nurturing and encouraging talent, whether it is sporting, musical, artistic or another of our other subjects, is a core part of what we do at St. Mary's and each year, our Year 6 children are offered Scholarships across a range of subjects, at their Senior Schools of choice, Eliza says: "I love rowing, it keeps me strong and healthy and I have made great friends - it makes me really happy." We are really proud of them both and look forward to celebrating further successes with them in the future! @henleyrowingclub @hrc_junior_women @henleyroyalregatta @leander_club #rowing #henley #loverowing #school #regatta #henleyroyalregatta #cognitaway

The Henley Youth Festival have launched their annual logo design competition for HYF 2025!

This year`s theme is `Growing`, and we know that with so many talented artists amongst our pupils, they will relish the opportunity to get creative and get involved.

The closing date to submit entries is 16th August.

Full details and an entry form can be found on the HYF website here: bit.ly/4cJLB3S

@henleyyouthfestival #HYF #henley #CognitaWay #school #prepschool

Open
The Henley Youth Festival have launched their annual logo design competition for HYF 2025! This year's theme is 'Growing', and we know that with so many talented artists amongst our pupils, they will relish the opportunity to get creative and get involved. The closing date to submit entries is 16th August. Full details and an entry form can be found on the HYF website here: bit.ly/4cJLB3S @henleyyouthfestival #HYF #henley #CognitaWay #school #prepschool

The making of our whole school photo 2024!

It is quite an undertakng, to have all of our children and all of our staff, in the same place at the same time, on a very hot and sunny day...but we did it!

Thank you to all our parents for ensuring that the children looked extra smart in their summer uniform. We are looking forward to sharing the final photo with you later this term.

We love our whole school photos, a wonderful momento for all, of their time at St. Mary`s.

As we look ahead to our centenary in 2026, we will be looking back through lots of old photos and enjoying these snapshots of our school through the years. It will be fascinating to see how much has changed - and just how much has stayed exactly the same in our happy and successful school.

#loveoflearning #henley #startingschool #CognitaWay

Open
The making of our whole school photo 2024! It is quite an undertakng, to have all of our children and all of our staff, in the same place at the same time, on a very hot and sunny day...but we did it! Thank you to all our parents for ensuring that the children looked extra smart in their summer uniform. We are looking forward to sharing the final photo with you later this term. We love our whole school photos, a wonderful momento for all, of their time at St. Mary's. As we look ahead to our centenary in 2026, we will be looking back through lots of old photos and enjoying these snapshots of our school through the years. It will be fascinating to see how much has changed - and just how much has stayed exactly the same in our happy and successful school. #loveoflearning #henley #startingschool #CognitaWay

At St. Mary`s Nursery, our children really love the time that they spend outside, exploring the natural world around them.

Whilst we may be a town centre school, we regularly make the most of our location next to the river, the beautiful woods and meadows and on our afternoons at Wild Ones.

Outdoor play and connecting with nature isn`t just about having fun - but is essential for children’s physical, cognitive and emotional development. Encouraging curiosity and a love of learning are central to our ethos at St. Mary`s Nursery.

If you would like to find out more about how your child could benefit from the best possible start to their early education, contact us now: admissions@stmarys-henley.co.uk or call 0491 573118.

Our Nursery welcomes children from 2 1/2 - 4 years old.

#nursery #school #startingschool @redkitedaysoxfordshire @berkshiremummies #preschool #parenting #henley #cognitaway @wild_ones_of_henley_

Open
At St. Mary's Nursery, our children really love the time that they spend outside, exploring the natural world around them. Whilst we may be a town centre school, we regularly make the most of our location next to the river, the beautiful woods and meadows and on our afternoons at Wild Ones. Outdoor play and connecting with nature isn't just about having fun - but is essential for children’s physical, cognitive and emotional development. Encouraging curiosity and a love of learning are central to our ethos at St. Mary's Nursery. If you would like to find out more about how your child could benefit from the best possible start to their early education, contact us now: admissions@stmarys-henley.co.uk or call 0491 573118. Our Nursery welcomes children from 2 1/2 - 4 years old. #nursery #school #startingschool @redkitedaysoxfordshire @berkshiremummies #preschool #parenting #henley #cognitaway @wild_ones_of_henley_
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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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Open Days & Visits
Facilities & Location
Academic Excellence
Admissions Process

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St Mary’s School Henley