St Mary's Preparatory
School summary
With just 110 pupils from ages three to eleven, St Mary's Preparatory is a small, intimate independent school in Oxfordshire where children are likely to be known as individuals rather than faces in a crowd. The Independent Schools Inspectorate awarded its highest rating of "excellent", and the school met all compliance requirements at its most recent inspection. Led by Head Mr Stephen Blundell, this is a co-educational, non-denominational setting that takes pupils through the full preparatory journey. Its compact size will suit families seeking a close-knit community and a gentle, sustained transition from the early years to the end of primary.
Where every mark matters.
Places are limited and demand is high, so exam performance is what sets candidates apart. Passmate turns the months ahead into ten focused minutes a day on the exact topics this school tests.
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Inspection reports
- ISI rating
- excellent
- ISI personal development
- excellent
- Last inspected
- 10 February 2026
Teaching & academics
The ISI judged the school "excellent", its top grade, reflecting strong outcomes across the prep years. As a small school spanning ages three to eleven, it can offer continuity and close attention as children progress towards the 11+ stage.
Head · Mr Stephen Blundell
School life & ethos
- Religious character
- None
- Boarding
- No
Schools nearby
Rupert House School
Henley-on-Thames, South East
Shiplake College
Henley-on-Thames, South East
Reading Blue Coat School
Berkshire, South East
Aurora Rowan School
Reading, South East
Beech Lodge School
Hurley, South East
Red Balloon Learner Centre Reading
Reading, South East
Watch Passmate decide how to teach.
Answer as a child would. Left: what they see. Right: what it learns about them.
A small Oxfordshire prep with top marks from the inspectors for both academics and personal development. Best suited to families who value a close community over scale.
That’s where Passmate comes in. Tutoring is the most effective thing in a child’s preparation - a well-tutored child can outperform the vast majority of their peers. Passmate works alongside your tutor, not instead of them: it learns how your child thinks, finds the gaps, and shows the tutor exactly where to spend each session - so the limited time you have lands on what actually decides a place.
Works alongside your child’s tutor - not instead of them.
Free month · No payment needed
St Mary's Preparatory 11+: frequently asked questions
Compiled from public data. Last checked 5 June 2026.