Welcome to our school

Prestbury St Mary's C of E Junior School is situated in the village of Prestbury on the outskirts of the historic Cotswold town of Cheltenham. St Mary’s school was founded in the eighteenth century. The National School was opened in 1826 when it was transferred from a school room in the St Mary’s Parish Church, to three cottages on its present site in Bouncer’s Lane. Boys were taught in one house, girls in the other, on either side of the middle cottage which was the Master’s dwelling.

Although the buildings have been extended and, recently almost completely rebuilt, the front of the school still retains some of its original character, whilst inside, the buildings are well equipped to provide a large hall/gymnasium, music room, and ICT suite. Adjacent to the school is a large playing field where the children can enjoy football, hockey, rounders, tag rugby, cricket and athletics. The field also enables the school to host town and area sporting events.

The environment is a very important aspect of school life. With views to Cleeve Hill, a thriving wildlife area and a variety of trees and plants, we promote a caring and respectful attitude to our environment. The voluntary aided status of St Mary’s Junior School describes the special responsibilities and organisation of the foundation, the school and its governors. The school’s foundation is in the Church of England, having been founded originally by members of St Mary’s Parish Church, which still maintains a close identity and interest through the clergy, the Parochial Council and the Foundation Governors.

As a voluntary aided school we maintain very close links with the church. A member of the local clergy visits weekly to take school assembly and at least once a term the children worship in the church.

View recent reports: Ofsted / SIAS