Perhaps you’ve passed Saint Mary’s before. But have you ever considered the story of St Mary’s University in London? Founded in 1850, St Mary’s began as a college for training Catholic schoolmasters. Imagine the dedication required of those early educators.
St Mary’s University commitment is linked to the mission of the Catholic Church in higher education.
Originally located in Hammersmith, St Mary’s moved to its present Strawberry Hill location in 1925. The land had a fascinating history. It was once part of Strawberry Hill House. This was the home of Horace Walpole. He was the son of the politician Robert Walpole. Horace transformed a small cottage into a neo-Gothic masterpiece.
Later, St Mary’s became a college of the University of London Institute of Education in 1949. This connection ended in 1979. St Mary’s degree courses were then validated by the University of Surrey.
Fast forward to January 23, 2014. St Mary’s gained full university status. The university has a beautiful campus. It is only half an hour from Central London. This gives students the best of both worlds. St Mary’s prides itself on being a friendly campus. Students are known by name.
St Mary’s University is known for sports science, business and teacher training. The university has top rankings for student experience and teaching quality. Around 6000 students attend St Mary’s. About 12% are international students.
The campus boasts Olympic-quality sports facilities. These facilities are equipped to world-class standards. In 2012, St Mary’s was a pre-Games training camp for the Olympics.
Eighteen St Mary’s athletes participated in the 2012 Summer Olympics. They were in athletics, rowing and hockey. David Weir even won quadruple gold at the 2012 Summer Paralympics.
The campus offers various facilities. There are libraries, a refectory and sports facilities. The sports centre includes a fitness suite and a sports hall. The athletics track was renamed the Sir Mo Farah track in 2017.
St Mary’s University maintains partnerships with other universities across the globe. Pope Benedict XVI visited St Mary’s in 2010. This was the first papal visit since 1982.
Today, St Mary’s University continues to thrive. It provides high-quality teaching and support. The university prepares students for successful futures. Students enjoy convenient access to employers across London. St Mary’s offers an exciting social life both on and off campus. The Students’ Union organises entertainment. There are weekly events. There are also major annual occasions. Generous scholarships are offered to international students.
St Mary’s University, a place of history, education and sporting excellence. A place where students are prepared to meet the future.