St Mary’s Kindergarten and Lower School is celebrating a new chapter of growth and opportunity following the official opening of its brand-new Kindergarten extension to enhance provision and created in response to increasing demand for places.
The new building was formally declared open during a special ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Lower School Head Girl, Orlaith, who joined St Mary’s in the Kindergarten and School Governor, Craig Woods. An audience of families gathered eagerly to see inside the impressive new facilities for the first time.
Capacity at St Mary’s Kindergarten has now been increased by 57%, enabling the school to welcome more children from its waiting lists. St Mary’s has also seen a 24% rise in enrolment at its Lower School over the past year, reflecting continued interest in the school’s nurturing and high-quality approach to an empowering education for girls. The Kindergarten features beautifully designed, age-appropriate learning spaces for children aged 2-3 and 3-4, supporting an inspiring introduction to education. Children can now join St Mary’s Kindergarten at the start of the academic year in which they turn three, allowing them to enjoy two full years in the setting before moving on to school.
During their time in Kindergarten, children benefit from a rich and varied curriculum that combines specialist early years teaching with new, teacher-led lessons in the year before school. Subjects such as French, Forest School, music and ballet further enhance their learning experience and help develop confidence, curiosity and creativity.
The opening ceremony on Friday 7 November offered families the opportunity to tour the new facilities, meet the Kindergarten and Lower School team and experience first-hand how the new environment supports St Mary’s warm, curiosity-led approach to early education.
Mrs Nicola Griffiths, Principal, said: “It was wonderful to celebrate this exciting milestone with current and prospective families and the school community. The new Kindergarten extension is a bright, inspiring space where our youngest learners can grow, explore and thrive. We’re proud to be able to offer more children the opportunity to experience the unique care and education that St Mary’s is known for.”