To try to capture the unique atmosphere and opportunities of St. Mary's in a few pages of a web site is nigh on impossible as there is just too much to fit in! Here at St. Mary's every child is offered far more than just an academic education. We value each child as an individual; our aim is to instil each pupil with the self-confidence and moral values to meet the challenges of life.

We emphasise the importance of the pursuit of excellence in those areas in which a child shows talent, whether it be in the classroom, in music, on the sports field or in contributing to a caring and supportive community.

St. Mary's combines tradition with innovation in its approach to an all-round education. Our academic results are truly enviable, but there is more to this school than book-learning, there is the opportunity to explore, to have fun while learning and to enjoy one's childhood. The world is constantly changing, yet our children need secure foundations upon which to build. Between us, we can make those foundations strong and secure, good enough to last a life-time.

Andrew Salmond Smith
Headmaster

Established in 1950, St. Mary's Preparatory School is based within a grade 1 listed building in Pottergate, adjacent to the Cathedral and set within secure and beautiful grounds. The green and pleasant two acre site is surprisingly spacious for a city centre school, and surrounded by 8' to 20' city walls, providing outstanding security and privacy. For children and adults alike, the school is an exciting and happy place to be.

Close to the Cathedral and surrounded by mediaeval walls, there is a wonderful atmosphere about the school, a strong sense of tradition. But behind that tradition    

St. Mary's is entering an important new phase of its development, looking to expand the opportunities in Sports and the Performing Arts, whilst forging links with the Creative Arts sections of Lincoln University, giving extra breadth to the many opportunities on offer. Exciting times are ahead!

St. Mary's already boasts excellent facilities, recently the school has benefited from a complete refitting of the library and the addition  

of a floodlit astroturf. Other facilities include a purpose-built Early Years Centre, administrative offices, an octagonal assembly hall and an attractive extension to the dining room and kitchens where superb, freshly prepared meals are served daily to the pupils and staff. Our recent initiative of "Bring a Parent to Lunch Day" has proved extremely popular. The school has its own Uniform Shop on-site and our ICT facilities are being constantly upgraded, with interactive white boards being installed in many classrooms.

In addition to their academic successes, all St. Mary's pupils are encouraged to develop their personal talents. With class sizes of no more than 17, pupils can be carefully monitored and every child's strengths and weaknesses are identified quickly. Our dedicated Special Needs Co-ordinator works closely with all staff to ensure children are stretched or helped where appropriate. Every child is helped to reach their individual potential.

Pupils are offered an extensive and ever-growing list of extra-curricular clubs and activities, whilst for busy parents there is a Pre School and After School Club provision.

St. Mary's is a truly independent preparatory school which remains committed to preparing pupils thoroughly for which ever school they choose upon leaving, whether it be an independent school via a scholarship, a secondary school or a grammar school post the 11+, we make it our job to see they get there.

Lincoln Cathedral as viewed from the school