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
Huge congratulations to our St. Mary`s alumni on your wonderful GCSE results!
We’re so proud of all our former pupils receiving their GCSE results today.
We know that your hard work and determination will have paid off, and we couldn’t be happier for you.
Whether you`re heading to sixth form, college or to start an apprenticeship, this is an exciting next step in your learning journey.
We would love to hear from you, so do get in touch and share your news.
Congratulations to you all!
#gcseresultsday #examresults #alumni #henleyonthames #school #prepschool #startingscohol

The very best way to find out what makes our school so special, is to visit and see for yourself!
Join us on Friday 26th September, and see the school in action.
Enjoy a tour, meet our Headteacher and hear from our pupils about what makes St. Mary`s so special.
Whether you are looking at Reception 2026, our Nursery, or considering an immediate move, we would be delighted to welcome you.
Discover for yourself why our parents say: "St Mary’s is a glorious ray of sunshine! Our entire experience has been so positive."
To book your place, please call: 01491 573118 or email@ admissions@stmarys-henley.co.uk
#openday #openmorning #startingschool #school #prepschool #henleyonthames

Each year, we’re proud to celebrate our amazing Year 6 graduates — and the Class of 2025 truly shone!
From scholarships and academic awards, to places at their first choice of senior school, this group has achieved so much.
Amongst our Scholars, huge congratulations to Elijah, who has been awarded the prestigious Griffen Award from Abingdon School. The Award recognises `Exceptional All-Rounders` - and Elijah is a fantastic example of that.
Elijah is looking forward to joining his older brother at Abingdon School, to further developing his Science skills, and embracing a wide range of sporting opportunities.
@abingdon_school #scholarship #scholarships #academicexcellence #school #henley #henleyonthames #prepschool #startingschool #classof2025

We are wishing all of our St. Mary`s Prep Alumni the very best, as you receive your A-Level results today!
We’re so proud of everything you’ve accomplished and can’t wait to hear your story —how it went and what’s next!
Wherever your journey takes you next - university, an apprenticeship, a gap year, or something completely new, we are behind you all the way.
#ALevels #alevelresultsday #henleyonthames #prepschool #startingschool #school

Looking back at some of the highlights at the end of the summer term, our Year 3 Class enjoyed a trip down to the river and to the playground at Mill Meadows.
A reward for working hard all term, the children not only had a wonderful time together in the sunshine, but were fantastic ambassadors for the school. Their good behaviour and exceptional manners made us very proud.
As a town centre school, we are so lucky to be able to walk to so many wonderful local facilities, Henley really is our extended playground.
We hope that all our pupils are having a great summer break, and we are looking forward to welcoming them back to school in September.
#henleyonthames #school #prepschool #startingschool #independentschool #wearecognita #nursery

We`re so proud to be celebrating the amazing achievements of our Year 6 Class of 2025 - including a number who were awarded prestigious scholarships!
First up, a huge congratulations to Sophia, who received an Academic Scholarship to @millfieldschool!
Sophia has consistently impressed us with her hard work, determination and enthusiasm to get involved in everything that St. Mary`s had to offer.
Sophia said: "I am thrilled to be given this opportunity" and we have no doubt that she`ll thrive in her next school, and continue to shine!
#scholarship #prepschool #scholarshipsuccess #henleyonthames #millfieldschool

Our Nursery parents are our greatest advocates, and we`re truly grateful for the wonderful feedback that they regularly share with us.
"We can`t recommend St. Mary`s Nursery enough."
Children in our Nursery are happy and well-settled. They make friends, enjoy playful learning experiences, and grow with confidence as they take their first steps on their educational journey.
Discover how your child could thrive at St. Mary`s - join us for our Open Morning on Friday 26th September, 10am - 12pm. Book your place now: admissions@stmarys-henley.co.uk or call us on 01491 573118.
"Our daughter truly does love it there and I`m so glad we chose St Mary`s Nursery. We would recommend to anyone"
#nursery #preschool #toddler #parenting #henleyonthames #school #startingschool #wearecognita #prepschool

Happy sunshine filled days, with our youngest children enjoying their wonderful weekly sessions of outdoor learning.
Time spent outdoors, enjoying nature, exploring and getting messy - the simple pleasure of playing with water with friends!
Outdoor learning is essential for young children, offering them the freedom to explore, be curious, and engage with the world around them.
Through outdoor experiences in a nurturing and safe environment, our children build a connection with nature, develop confidence and independence, and most of all – they have fun!
Thank you to our partner @wild_ones_of_henley_ for providing such wonderful creative and stimulating sessions for our children, we are looking forward to the autumn term already!
#outdoorlearning #nursery #preschool #school #prepschool #henleyonthames #wearecognita

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.