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
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
We are so excited to start the new school year!
It’s wonderful to see familiar faces again and to welcome so many new families into our St. Mary`s community.
Our classrooms and outdoor spaces are already buzzing with laughter, chatter, and the joy of learning. There is so much to look forward to this year, we can`t wait to get started.
#backtoschool #startingschool #prepschool #nursery #school #henleyonthames
Every year, we celebrate our brilliant Year 6 leavers — and the Class of 2025 was no exception!
From academic success and scholarships to securing places at their first choice senior schools, this cohort has made us incredibly proud.
A special congratulations to Natalie, who has been awarded a drama scholarship to Leighton Park School!
Her passion and talent lit up the stage in our end-of-term production of The Wizard of Oz, where she brought the Tin Man to life, with a show-stopping performance of ‘If I Only Had a Heart’.
Natalie shared: “I’m so proud of my drama scholarship and St. Mary’s Prep have really helped me get this far.”
We are delighted to see her talent recognised and can’t wait to see how her talent continues to develop and flourish.
Good luck to all of our Class of 2025 this week, as they begin the next stage in their educational journey.
@leightonparkschool #scholarships #school #henleyonthames #startingschool #schoolsback
Counting down to the start of term… just 3 days to go!
We hope that all our families have had a wonderful summer break and we can’t wait to have our classrooms buzzing with laughter and learning again.
We are really looking forward to seeing everyone as we start the new academic year, and are really excited to be welcoming so many new starters to St. Mary`s.
#startofterm #backtoschool2025📚✏️ #backtoschool #school #startingschool #prepschool #henleyonthames @berkshiremummies
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
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.
