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.
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.
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.
Follow us on Social Media
Enjoy regular updates on life in our School and Nursery
What a week - we kicked off the celebrations for our 100th year, by running 100 miles!
The whole school joined in the fun, running laps together, and chasing the dinosaur...
Our Year 5 teacher Mrs Brown, is training for the London Marathon in the Spring, fundraising for the NSPCC, so she led the way!. The children voted for her fancy dress costume, and chose the dinosaur outfit. Joining in the fun, we saw our Headteacher as a very tall pink pig and our Head of PE, running as a very smiley elephant!
It was a wonderful team effort, such enthusiasm and energy from all the children, well done team St. Mary`s!
If you would like to support the fundraising for such a great cause, you can donate here: https://bit.ly/4q4Fxdy
@nspcc_official #fundraising #prepschool #100milerun #school #henley
Our Year 6 children really enjoyed their visit to Manor Care Home in Henley.
A group of their residents wrote letters to our children in the summer, introducing themselves and telling them a little about their lives. The children were fascinated to read their experiences of living through the Second World War, their travels around the world, and one resident who knew the family who started St. Mary`s School 100 years ago!
In response, the class wrote back, telling their new pen pals all about themselves. We wanted to deliver our letters in person, and both the children and the residents really enjoyed meeting each other.
One of the highlights was talking to James, who is 103, about his travels around the world, working as an electrical engineer.
This sort of intergenerational experience is so beneficial for our pupils, and we are looking forward to our next visit later this term, to see our new friends.
Thank you to all the team at Manor Care Home for making us so welcome.
#prepschool #henleyonthames #school #startingschool #intergenerational
We are delighted to be hosting Tyrone Howe, Headteacher at Shiplake College, in school next week.
Tyrone will be giving parents a broad overview of the transition process from Prep to Senior School, with detailed information for those who may be considering Shiplake as their next school.
An opportunity to ask questions from an expert, and find out how best to support your children through the process.
All local families are welcome to join us. To book your place, please contact: info@stmarys-henley.co.uk or call us on 01491 573118.
@shiplakecollege
#seniorschool #henley #henleyonthames #prepschool #startingschool
@trinitycehenley @valleyrdhenley @shiplakeprimaryschool @badgemoreprimaryhenley @rupert_house_school @peppardprimaryschool
"We found the preparation for Senior School at St. Mary`s to be exceptional" - St. Mary`s Parent Feedback
We take great pride in the exceptional results that our Year 6 children achieve at the end of their journey with us.
100% success in senior school placement, numerous scholarships and awards, clearly demonstrates the effectiveness of our individualised approach to learning.
Our children leave us confident and curious, ready to thrive in the next stage of their education.
Specialist subject teachers in Science, French, Maths, Art, Music, English and Drama and PE, ignite a lifelong love of learning in all of our children.
Recent senior school destinations have included: @abingdon_school @shskschool @johnhampdengrammarschool @rgshighwyc @readingbluecoat @qas_caversham @shiplakecollege @pangbourne_college @theabbeyschoolreading @cranford_sch
@leightonparkschool
#henleyonthames #school #prepschool
Another wonderful week of autumnal outdoor learning for our little ones!
Sunflowers and apples, acorns and sunshine, a perfect afternoon with @wild_ones_of_henley_
#outdoorlearning #prepschool #henley #nursery
Autumn is the perfect time for our youngest learners to enjoy time outside - the wonderful colours, falling leaves - and picking plums - makes it extra special!
We all love our weekly sessions at the wonderful @wild_ones_of_henley_ and we know that for our Nursery children, learning outside isn’t just fun – it lays the foundation for resilience, problem-solving and a lifelong love of nature.
We can`t wait for the next session!
#outdoorlearning #nursery #startingschool #henleyonthames #prepschool
Every big journey, starts with a small step - and our friendly and experienced Nursery team are here to help.
Join us on Friday 26th September, to find out more about our warm and welcoming Nursery. From French and Yoga, to Music, Phonics, PE and Outdoor Learning, our children thrive in a rich learning and nurturing environment.
Our Nursery parents say: "Sending our daughter to St Mary`s Nursery is one of the best decisions we have made."
To book your place at our Open Morning, contact us now: admissions@stmarys-henley.co.uk or 01491 573118.
#nursery #preschool #startingschool #henleyonthames #school #prepschool #toddler @berkshiremummies
This is Me!
As our Reception Class has been getting to know each other during the first week of term, we have been discussing what makes us unique.
The Class enjoyed drawing their self portraits, sitting in front of the mirror and drawing what they saw. We think their pictures are wonderful, full of character, and we are excited to share some!
Well done Reception, so many talented artists in our Class already!
#thisisme #startingschool #backtoschool #receptionclass #henley #school #prepschool
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.
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.
