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.
Winners: The Top 20 Day Nurseries Award
We're delighted to have been awarded the 'Top 20 Day Nursery Award'.
The annual Nursery Awards 2024 recognises 20 of the top-rated Nurseries in each region of the UK based on reviews from parents/individuals responsible for a child.
You can read some of our fantastic reviews below.
Finalists!
We are delighted to announce that we are finalists in the ISA Junior School of the Year Award.
The ISA comprises around 600 schools and it is so fantastic to be recognised for all of the work that our staff team and pupils have done to build such a wonderful school.
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
Year 4`s Creative Adventure with Spots
Introduction to Spot Art
This week, Year 4 embarked on a vibrant and imaginative journey into the world of spot art. Inspired by famous artists like Yayoi Kusama, who is renowned for her iconic use of polka dots, the children explored how simple spots can transform into captivating works of art.
The Art of Spots
During their art lesson, children were encouraged to experiment with different sizes, colours, and arrangements of spots. This approach allowed them to understand how variations can change the mood and style of their artwork. The experience was not only about creating aesthetically pleasing pieces but also about enhancing their creativity and fine motor skills. 🎨🖌

Celebrating the Love of Learning This Valentine`s Day 🥰
Valentine`s Day isn`t just about hearts and roses—it`s also a time to celebrate the love of learning that brings us together as a community! 🌟
At St Margaret`s Prep, we believe that education is the key to unlocking endless possibilities. Our children show their love for learning every day, whether they`re exploring new worlds through literature, solving complex math problems, or conducting innovative science experiments. This passion for knowledge is what makes our community vibrant and inspiring.
Happy Valentines Day ❤

Exciting Developments at St. Mag`s for the Upcoming Academic Year 👩🍳👨🍳
As we look ahead to the next academic year, we are thrilled to share some exciting plans in store for St. Mag`s. These developments are designed to enhance the educational experience for our children and provide them with new opportunities for creative learning and skill-building.
Cookery Classroom for All Ages
We are planning a new Cookery classroom. This exciting addition will feature worktops and units at varying heights, making it accessible and suitable for children from nursery through to Year 6. The classroom will be equipped to support a range of culinary activities, encouraging children to explore the joys of cooking and develop essential life skills. By accommodating different age groups, the space will foster a love for cooking and provide opportunities for collaborative learning across year levels.
These new facilities are part of our ongoing commitment to provide a diverse and enriching curriculum that caters to the interests and needs of all children at St. Mag`s. We are excited about the potential these spaces hold for nurturing creativity, innovation, and essential skills among our young learners.
Stay tuned for more updates as we progress with these projects, and thank you for your continued support and enthusiasm for the growth and development of St. Mag`s.

Butterflies Smoothie Adventure 🍏🍓🥭🍍🍇🥥
An Afternoon of Fun and Flavour
On Monday afternoon, the Butterflies embarked on a delightful culinary adventure: making smoothies and exploring a variety of fruits. The classroom was filled with excitement as the children gathered around, ready to discover new tastes and textures.
The children were encouraged to touch, smell, and taste the fruits, sparking curiosity and enthusiasm.
The Smoothie-Making Process
With hands washed, the Butterflies were ready to blend their creations. Each child had the opportunity to choose their favourite fruits, creating personalised smoothie concoctions. The steps were simple and fun:
Select Your Fruits: Each child chose a combination of fruits to suit their taste preferences.
Blend It Up: With the help of a supervising adult, the fruits were blended into a smooth, creamy mixture.
Taste Test: The best part of the process—sampling the delicious results!

Discover St Margaret`s Award-Winning Nursery
Welcome to St Margaret`s Nursery! We are proud to offer an enriching and nurturing environment where young minds can flourish. Our award-winning nursery provides a unique blend of play-based learning and structured activities, ensuring that each child receives a well-rounded early education experience.
Limited Places Available
At St Margaret`s, we understand the importance of individual attention, which is why we keep our class sizes small. This allows our dedicated staff to focus on the personal development of each child. Please note that places are limited, so we encourage you to secure your child`s spot as soon as possible.
Early Years Funding
We are pleased to offer 15 hours of Early Years funding, providing accessible, high-quality early education for children aged 2 and above. This funding helps to support families and ensures that every child has the opportunity to benefit from our exceptional nursery.
Wrap Around Care
Understanding the busy schedules of modern families, our nursery offers wrap around care from 7:30 am to 6:00 pm. This flexible schedule allows parents to plan their day with ease, knowing that their children are in a safe and stimulating environment.
Teacher-Led Classes
Our curriculum is designed to inspire a love for learning through a variety of teacher-led classes, including:
P.E.: Encouraging physical development and a healthy lifestyle.
Performing Arts: Fostering creativity and self-expression.
French: Introducing a new language through fun and interactive lessons.
Cookery: Developing practical skills and encouraging healthy eating habits.
We believe that these subjects not only enhance the educational experience but also contribute to the holistic development of our young learners.
Visit St Margaret`s Nursery and see first-hand why our nursery has earned its award-winning reputation. We look forward to welcoming you and your child to our nurturing community!
Call our friendly admissions team today on 01787 273 050 or email admissions@stmargaretsprep.com

Appreciation for Our Wonderful PA 🦕🦖🦕🦖
A heartfelt thank you goes out to our amazing PA for organising a brilliant event last Tuesday. The TeachRex event was a resounding success, and it wouldn`t have been possible without your dedication and hard work.
The TeachRex event was not only educational but also engaging and inspiring for all attendees. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, and it has sparked curiosity and enthusiasm about learning in new and exciting ways. 🦕🦖🦕🦖

Discover St Mag`s: A Place for Your Child to Thrive
Welcome to St Mag`s, a vibrant and nurturing community where every child is encouraged to reach their full potential. As you embark on the exciting journey of choosing the right school for your child, we invite you to join us for our Open Day on Friday, 4th April. This event is designed to give you an inside look at what makes St Mag`s a special place for learning and growth.
Discover how St Margaret`s Prep can be the place where your child begins their exciting educational journey. We look forward to welcoming you and showing you why St Mag`s is the ideal choice for your family.
To book your tour, please contact our friendly admissions team by phone on ☎ 01787 273 050 or via email 📧 admissions@stmargaretsprep.com
