This year St. Mary’s School, Hampstead marks 100 years on Fitzjohn’s Avenue, having moved into its beautiful Grade-II listed home in 1926. Pupils first arrived (St. Mary’s was previously based in England’s Lane) in September 1926, following the installation of electricity and central heating into the house.

The occasion was marked with a Centenary Garden Party on 9th May for former pupils, parents and staff. Nearly 600 people visited to celebrate the milestone and to reconnect with old friends and the beloved school. The original convent school welcomed its first lay-Head in 1992, following the departure of nuns from the Congregation of Jesus. The Congregation was founded during the 17th century through the work of nun Mary Ward, whose schools also include St. Mary’s Ascot, Cambridge and Shaftesbury, which closed in 2020.

The birthday party included self-guided tours, afternoon tea in the garden and the opportunity to donate a leaf to the school’s Centenary Tree. Reflecting on the occasion, Headmistress Charlotte Owen said, “What a privilege it was to be part of so many years of our history; I am immensely proud to be the current Head of St Mary’s and the custodian of over 150 years of education for young girls in and around Hampstead. The school is truly a remarkable one and I hope that we will continue to go from strength to strength throughout the next century.”

Here’s to the next 100 years. Happy Birthday, St. Mary’s!