St Mary’s school set to expand with new Preschool opening

St Mary’s School in Cambridge will open a new Preschool in September, extending its offering to girls aged as young as three for the very first time. The move follows requests from parents, who wanted St Mary’s to provide an early years option for the younger sisters of current pupils, who can study at the school until the age of 18.

Set in the spacious grounds of the independent day and boarding school, St Mary’s Preschool will be based in the current Junior School building located on Chaucer Road. The Coach House is being reconfigured to create an Early Years Centre that includes space for Preschool pupils plus Reception and Year One students.

Preschool pupils will follow an individualised learning programme tailored to each child's own developmental needs. Learning will be predominantly based on experiential play, with support and challenge activities provided by a dedicated group of Preschool teachers. There will also be some direct teaching, in small groups, with a focus on early phonics skills and mathematics, and lessons from specialist teachers, including computer science, music and woodwork. 

Jo Christian, Head of Juniors at St Mary’s School, Cambridge, said:

“We are delighted to announce the opening of our new Preschool in September. Creating an Early Years Centre on site, that includes the provision of a Preschool, will ensure an even smoother transition into the Junior School for our girls. From teaching and pastoral care to school life, everything at St Mary’s is built for girls. Our pupils learn free from gender stereotypes, in an educational environment that helps develop their independence, initiative, creativity and problem-solving skills. We very much look forward to welcoming our new Preschool girls to our St Mary’s family from September.”

St Mary’s Preschool Early Years Centre will consist of three areas. There will be a large room for free-flow activities for all Early Years children, which will also act as a base for Preschool aged pupils; a smaller room for structured teaching and Reception class activities; and a Year One classroom. A spacious outdoor learning area will also include a new outdoor stage and sandpit.

If you are interested in finding out more about admissions, please contact: admissions@stmaryscambridge.co.uk