Welcome to St. Margaretβs 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 Margaretβs
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. Margaretβs 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 Margaretβs 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 βSchool of the Year 2022β 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. Margaretβs as βexcellentβ in October 2021. The inspection report concluded that the quality of the pupilβs academic and other achievements is excellent and the quality of the pupilsβ personal development is also excellent.
"Pupilsβ 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.β 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 βpodsβ 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
Discover the Magic of Learning in Nature πΏ
Nestled within 7 acres of stunning grounds in the charming village of Gosfield, adventure awaits for our young explorers! π³β¨
Our Forest School sessions, led by Mrs. Hedgehog Hawes, offer children the unique opportunity to learn and grow amidst nature`s wonders. From climbing trees to building dens, every experience is designed to foster independence, confidence, and teamwork.
Forest School starts from nursery upwards with our annual residentials from Year 3 onwards, further preparing children for the challenges ahead, ensuring they develop resilience and readiness for senior school.
Contact us today to find out more and see our school in action.
β 01787 273 050
π§ admissions@stmargaretsprep.com

Sports Day 2025
The sun is shining (finally) and our Sports Day is underway! Some brilliant races this morning including a parent race and lots of happy children now with their families enjoying a picnic and an ice cream π¦
A huge shoutout to @scs_coaching for the football dartboard π― β½οΈ

Knead to Succeed π₯ π
Our Year 4 children enjoyed their DT lesson on Tuesday where they learned why yeast plays such a crucial role in transforming simple ingredients into delicious, fluffy loaves.
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#breadmaking #DT #yeast #prepschool #essexprepschool

Academic Excellence Awaits! β¨
Is your child ready for the next big step in their educational journey? At St Margaret`s Prep, we believe in preparing our children for a bright future with our curriculum and the support we offer, tailoring to each child`s needs.
β¨We understand that every child is unique. That`s why our class sizes are small so that each child`s strengths and areas are supported for growth.
β¨Our curriculum is designed to equip children with the skills and knowledge they need to excel in senior school and beyond.
β¨We guide and prepare children to seize scholarship opportunities and prepare for the 11+, opening doors to prestigious independent, grammar schools and more.
β¨Our approach ensures that each child receives the attention and resources they need to thrive academically.
To see the magic of St Margaret`s, please contact our friendly admissions team to book your tour today!
β 01787 273 050
π§ admissions@stmargaretsprep.com

Butterflies Forest School Dayπ¦ πͺ΅
Our Butterflies class had the BEST day out in the forest all day yesterday! The children enjoyed den building, swinging in the hammock, making potions in the mud kitchen, toasting marshmallows and eating Sβmores round the fire π₯
Thank you Mrs Hedgehog Hawes for a wonderful day! π¦

Year 6 Ignition Arts Workshop π
A huge thank you to Darren Carr from Ignition Arts who visited our lovely Year 6 children yesterday!
Darren was here to educate, inspire and ignite young minds through bespoke drama workshops, creative consultations and mentoring.
Over the next 4 weeks, these workshops will play a crucial role in helping our children transition smoothly to senior school.
We are thrilled to offer this incredible opportunity to our children, empowering them with creativity and confidence for the future ππ

π Nursery Places Available for September Start! π
Are you looking for a nurturing and educational environment for your little one? Look no further! Our award-winning nursery, nestled in the beautiful grounds of the leafy village of Gosfield, has limited spaces available for a September start.
π¨ Teacher-Led Lessons Include:
π Performing Arts
π³ Cookery
β½ PE
π«π· French
We proudly accept 15 hours funding, making it easier for your child to experience a holistic and enriching education. Our dedicated teachers and staff are committed to providing a warm, supportive, and stimulating environment that fosters growth and creativity.
π Come and explore our stunning setting and meet our friendly team. We are here to answer any questions and show you why our nursery is the perfect place for your child to begin their educational journey.
To book a tour or secure a place in our FREE Stay & Play session on Friday 20th June, please contact our friendly admissions team by phone on β 01787 273 050 or email π§ admissions@stmargaretsprep.com
