ST MARY'S
THE TOWN & COUNTRY SCHOOL
38-40 Eton Avenue, London, NW3
also at Stanford Hall, Nr. Rugby & Hedgerley Wood, Nr. Chinnor

A retrospective of this unique school, by a former pupil (1961-1968)
with a massive and still growing number of contributions from others, spanning the1930s until closure

UPDATED 7th JANUARY 2026 I have included some recent additional names to the list of former pupils linked below at ALUMNI Gwen O'Sullivan is something of an expert when it comes to geneology. Elisabeth Paul evidently used different birth dates on the various extant documents, seemingly to suit the occasion. For example portraying herself as younger, for her entry to the university in Paris, but older when applying for a license to run the school in Hampstead, and her age on her death certificate differs from that on her marriage certificate. Gwen has unearthed Mrs Paul's original birth certificate, and thus we now have a definitive age for the lady. I have added said record in  Mrs Paul's section and included a translation, the German gothic style being very hard to read, even for a German. Other recnt additions: Audio from a BBC Programme featuring essays from Jennifer Beacham & Melanie King High quality recording courtesy John Ker Independent Television For Schools programme 'Ways With Words' - Jennifer Beacham - Melanie King The two were winners in the nationwide competition within the ITV series for schools. Lovingly recorded by John Ker in the old music room and preserved for you here. I have created a new photo page (Number 24) to accomodate the new influx of pictures, with an additional section featuring Mr Tolstoy, some new to this website. There are some new nam es in the alumni list. If you find that you are missing, just let me know, it is not a nice feeling to be written out of history! I have also added a fascinating article about our art teacher Mary Gorrara who taught at the school from 1966-1968 Click here for her special page In addition John O'Sullivan has discovered a great deal more about Mr & Mrs Paul's history from their days in Germany. I have an english translation added to here page at  Mrs Paul's section added in below the existing content, or you can download the article as pdf here I should mention that the wiki article borrows heavily from this website when covering the Paul's later life.