Welcome to St. Margaret’s Prep School
We know that finding the right school for your child is one of the biggest decisions parents face. That perfect environment, suited especially to your child, where they will learn, grow and embark on a journey of discovery and adventure. At St. Margaret's Prep, we pride ourselves on being just this.
Our children are happy, curious and kind. They thrive in our beautiful, countryside school, where we prioritise a holistic education, fostering character development alongside academic excellence.
Whilst academic achievement is high, so is our focus on wellbeing, as we know that happy children are high achieving children. We nurture our pupils and develop the characteristics and qualities we know they will need to build bright futures. We ensure they are fully prepared for the next steps in life, both in the classroom and beyond.
Day Nursery Awards 2025 Winners
We’re delighted to have been awarded the ‘Top 20 Day Nursery Award’ for the second year in a row!
The annual Nursery Awards recognises 20 of the top-rated Nurseries in each region of the UK based on reviews from parents/individuals responsible for a child.
We are St Margaret’s
We have a strong family ethos and instil a sense of great pride in our school community. We look after, support and encourage each other to always be our best.
Welcome to St. Margaret’s Prep School, we make education fun and stimulating. We have a reputation for developing exceptionally well-rounded pupils with a love of learning. Our results speak for themselves, with our excellence in scholarships, sports, arts and music.
"I believe strongly that a happy child is a successful child and here at St Margaret’s we excel in providing a warm, welcoming and supportive community for your family."
-Carolyn Moss, Headteacher
Awards
An excellent all-round education
We were delighted to be awarded European ‘School of the Year 2022’ at the Cognita O-wards, we offer specialist teaching across the curriculum, combined with a home-from-home family feel, to give your child the very best start.
The Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI), rated St. Margaret’s as ‘excellent’ in October 2021. The inspection report concluded that the quality of the pupil’s academic and other achievements is excellent and the quality of the pupils’ personal development is also excellent.
"Pupils’ enjoyment of school life is evident in every aspect of their activities in and out the classroom. This is a result of the high quality of pastoral care, which focuses on the well-being of each individual to ensure they all flourish.” ISI, 2021
Join us for a Personal Tour
We warmly welcome families throughout the year, offering tailored personal tours on a day that suits you, including school holidays.
Enjoy a guided tour of the school, arranged by a member of our friendly Admissions Team who can answer any questions you may have
FACILITIES & LOCATION
A beautiful parkland setting
Our idyllic countryside setting, in rural north Essex, means we are surrounded by stunning scenery, including parkland, fields and woodland.
The former coach house and stables of Gosfield Hall make up the partly Grade 2 listed school buildings.
The school offers two classrooms per year group, plus dedicated rooms for music, science, art, languages and computers, as well as a sports hall and a well-stocked library. There are three music practice ‘pods’ where children have individual music lessons.
The grounds include netball courts, playgrounds, an adventure playground, and outdoor classrooms. Forest School and various sports are also available. Additionally, the school uses nearby facilities for cricket, hockey, and swimming.
School News
We have enthusiastic pupils who are eager to showcase their accomplishments, and we join in celebrating their triumphs through various engaging activities throughout the year. These activities, such as outings, concerts, sports events, and numerous other exciting events, are designed to enhance our pupils' learning experience.
Follow St Margaret's School on Social Media
Here`s some more photos of our wonderful parent lunches we`ve hosted this Summer Term! 🌞🍽️
It has been such a joy to welcome all of you and share these delightful moments together. Thank you for being a part of our school community and making these gatherings so special.
We`re especially excited for our special Year 6 leavers lunch with parents on Thursday after Speech Day. 🎓✨ It`s going to be a memorable day as we celebrate our amazing Year 6 children and their journey ahead.
Stay tuned for more updates and photos! 📸💫
@_thomasfranks
Join St. Mag`s for Academic Success!
Are you ready to start your journey towards academic excellence? It’s not too late to join St. Mag`s! We have places available starting this September. ✨
Our friendly admissions team are here all summer long to assist you. Contact us today to find out more about our simple six-step admissions process. Whether you’re looking for a supportive community or top-tier educational opportunities, St. Mag`s is the place for you!
Don`t miss out on the opportunity to be part of something special. Reach out to us now and secure your place at St Margaret`s Prep! 📚🌟
📞 01787 273 050
📧 admissions@stmargaretsprep.com
Thank you so much to all of our parents, carers and special visitors who have attended our lunches this term. We hope you have enjoyed this event and we can’t wait to do it all over again next year ☀️🥂🩵
@_thomasfranks 🍴
Celebrating Our Five Core Values 💙🌞🎨🌍🌈
Joyful, Creative, and Determined
At our school, we embrace creativity as a vital part of our community, allowing each individual to flourish and grow. We foster a love of learning and ensure that school life is filled with joy, creating an environment where every child is inspired to do their best.
Proud of Our Learning Journeys
We are committed to providing a high-quality education where children can expand their knowledge and understanding. In our school, achievements are celebrated, and every student is encouraged to pursue excellence.
Respectful Global Citizens
Our values encourage independence, respect for others, and personal responsibility. We promote a sense of community and collaboration, not just within our school but in the wider world, preparing our children to be respectful global citizens.
Kind, Caring Friends
We create a nurturing and inclusive environment where every child is treated with the highest standards of courtesy, honesty, and fairness. We encourage our children to support each other and build a kind, caring community.
Confident Communicators
We empower every child to communicate with confidence in every situation, equipping them with the skills to express themselves clearly and effectively.
As we bid farewell to a fantastic Summer Term, yesterday`s highlight was the epic Year 6 rounders showdown! Picture this: our young champs, armed with bats and boundless energy, faced off against their determined parents in a sunny showdown.
The battle was fierce, the ice pops were cool, and the mocktails were on point! With a score as tight as the grip on a bat, the parents almost took the glory, but our future rounders stars snatched victory by a single rounder! 🎉
Kudos to everyone who played, cheered, and embraced the friendly rivalry. Who knew a rounders pitch could be the scene of such nail-biting drama? Here’s to the kids for proving that sometimes, the children really do surpass the masters! 🏆😄
Nursery`s trip to the village park on Thursday was a delightful adventure! This little outing becomes one of the highlights of the summer term! The children walked beautifully to the park and had a blast playing on the equipment. The zip line was, as always, a big hit! The day was made even sweeter with an ice lolly treat, adding a cool bonus to our sunny day. 🌞🍦
🌿 Prepared for Adventure! 🌿
At St Margaret’s, we love Forest School — where every child explores, discovers, and learns in our stunning 7-acre leafy grounds.
🌳 Nature-based learning
🧠 Builds confidence & curiosity
✨ A truly unique childhood experience
Places available for September – it’s not too late to make the move!
Contact our friendly admissions team on 01787 273 050 or email admissions@stmargaretsprep.com
Reception had a fabulous time at the seaside today on their first school trip! The children made us all so proud as they explored the wonders of the seaside. From building sandcastles to collecting seashells, the day was filled with laughter and learning. ☀️🍦⛵️⛱
