Early Years

Pre-Nursery, Nursery & Reception

St Mary’s warmly welcomes girls from the age of 2 years 6 months into our vibrant and nurturing community. Encompassing Pre-Nursery (age 2 ½-3), Nursery (age 3-4) and Reception (age 4-5), our EYFS department is dedicated to providing the best possible start to your daughter’s educational journey with fully qualified teachers. We also warmly welcome boys from the age of 2 years 6 months to 4 years, in our Pre-Nursery and Nursery.

Housed in a colourful, homely environment, our EYFS boasts a purpose-built STEAM corner and a lovely Secret Garden, fostering creativity and exploration.

Why choose St Mary’s?

  • Inspiring and spacious learning spaces, including Secret Garden, five playgrounds and STEAM Centre
  • Fully-qualified teaching staff in EYFS
  • Wraparound care from 8am-6pm
  • Year-Round school holiday care with Let’s Leap, also welcoming siblings and the local community
  • Flexible pick-up times in Pre-Nursery and Nursery
  • Small class sizes and personalised attention
  • Automatic entry at 4+ into our Reception
  • Boys also welcome in Pre-Nursery and Nursery
  • Active parent community and school life

Pre-Nursery and Nursery children attend five mornings per week, with the flexible option to extend to a full day. We view every child as an individual, learning at their own pace through focussed and purposeful play.

Our comprehensive curriculum covers seven areas of learning: personal, social and emotional development; communication; physical education; literacy; mathematics; understanding the world; and expressive art and design. St. Mary’s is committed to nurturing well-rounded, confident and curious young learners. More information about the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum and our 7 areas of learning can be found here.

You can view our EYFS curriculum statement here.

More information about the EYFS can be found here:

Foundation Years

Year-Round Provision

From September 2026, St Mary’s is proud to offer year-round nursery provision for children from the age of 2½, providing families in Hampstead and the wider local community with greater flexibility and continuity throughout the year. During term time, children can attend our nurturing Pre-Nursery and Nursery, with additional on-site holiday provision available during the school holidays through our partnership with Let’s Leap, an Ofsted-registered holiday camp provider.

Importantly, the holiday provision is open to all local families – children do not need to be existing pupils at St Mary’s to attend. Current pupils, siblings and children from other nurseries and schools are all warmly welcomed. This means families can benefit from high-quality childcare in a safe, familiar and stimulating environment throughout much of the year, with children able to enjoy a wide range of sports, creative activities, games and adventures while building confidence and making new friends.

To find out more about our holiday provision, including dates, fees and booking information, please visit the St Mary’s Holiday Club page or book directly with Let’s Leap.

Welcome to St Mary’s School, Hampstead

Our school strives to nurture an active partnership between home, school, parish, and the wider North London community. Situated in one of London’s most affluent and scenic areas, our school is an excellent choice for families in North London who want their daughters to receive an outstanding education in a safe, nurturing, and inspiring place.

“Our St Mary’s Way is the spirit by which we live: to treat other people as you would like to be treated, to do your best to be your best, to be honest and truthful, to listen to each other, to be kind and helpful, to forgive, and to share.”

Charlotte Owen, Headmistress
Open Morning - Saturday 26 September

All are warmly invited to visit us. Join us for breakfast, hear from our Headmistress, explore our beautiful facilities and experience the St. Mary’s magic.

Proud to launch a year-round educational provision (including school holidays) from September 2026.

Book your place here.

Top 5 UK Prep School 2024 & 2025 | Commended: Small Independent School of the Year 2026