St Mary’s was established in 1871 as a Catholic convent boarding school for girls in the heart of Hampstead. Originally founded by the IBVM (now known as the CJ Congregation of Jesus), the School originally comprised some day-boarders and young boys to pre-preparatory level.
Although St Mary’s enjoys a rich history, since 1926 the School has flourished in a beautiful Grade II Listed house on Fitzjohn’s Avenue. We are extremely fortunate to have had a full-size Chapel since 1939 in the centre of the School. Our gardens, outdoor areas and facilities are unique in the local area.
In 1992, St Mary’s School became a new registered charity with a lay Board of Trustees, allowing the unbroken provision of a faith-based education and so continuing to be one of the leading Catholic schools in London for girls.
This Catholic independent school remains faithful to the ideals of the Venerable Mary Ward, Foundress of the CJ. She wisely said in 1617: