Admissions Enquiries: 01787 273 050

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.

Nurturing Excellence

 
St. Margaret’s has an outstanding record of academic achievement and expectations of what pupils can achieve here are high.

Our pupils routinely achieve results well above the national average, from our Early Years to key Primary stages.

Inspiring Futures

 
We are extremely proud of our ability to help pupils move successfully to their chosen secondary schools.

St. Margaret’s has an enviable record of success in 11+ exams and academic scholarships to a wide range of competitive independent schools in the area.

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.

Meet our Headteacher

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

5 min watch

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

My son has achieved so much in his time at St. Margaret's. He is happy, confident and motivated to do his best. It was the best decision we made to move him to St. Margaret's.

 – Year 6 Parent, St Margaret’s

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

Stay & Play Session Invitation

Join us for a delightful and engaging morning at our Stay & Play Session! This is a fantastic opportunity for pre-schoolers to explore and enjoy our nursery environment.

Event Details
Date: Friday, 28th February

Time: 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Location: St Margaret's Prep Nursery

What to Expect
This FREE event is designed for preschool-aged children to:

Familiarise themselves with our nursery setting

Participate in EY activities (Early Years)

Socialise with other children

Our Stay & Play session offers a welcoming space for your little ones to learn, play, and make new friends.

How to Book
To reserve your place, please email us at: admissions@stmargaretsprep.com

We look forward to welcoming you and your child for a fun-filled morning of discovery and play!
Join Us for Our Open Day!

Mark your calendars for an exciting opportunity to explore our school! Join us on Friday, 4th April 2025 for our Open Day and witness our vibrant learning environment in action.

Is Your Child Starting Reception in September 2025?

We understand that choosing the right school for your child's journey is an important decision. Our Open Day is the perfect chance for you to meet our passionate and dedicated children, as well as our committed staff. Discover first-hand how our engaging and nurturing community can be the best start for your child's educational journey.

What to Expect:
Interactive Classrooms: See our innovative teaching methods and how we inspire a love for learning.

Meet Our Teachers: Our experienced and caring educators are eager to answer your questions.

Explore Our Facilities: Take a tour of our classrooms, library, and outdoor play areas.

We look forward to welcoming you and your family to our school. Together, let's make the beginning of your child's learning journey a memorable and successful one!

☎️ 01787 273 050
📧 admissions@stmargaretsprep.com
Choosing the right environment for academic growth and 11+ exam preparation is crucial for your child's success. Here are several reasons why we stand out as the best choice for fostering academic excellence and preparing children for the 11+ examination.

Experienced and Passionate Educators
Our team comprises highly skilled and passionate educators who are dedicated to inspiring and motivating children. With years of experience in teaching and preparing children for the 11+ exams, our teachers understand the nuances of the curriculum and can tailor their teaching methods to suit each child's needs.

Comprehensive Curriculum
We offer a comprehensive and well-structured curriculum that covers all the essential subjects and skills required for the 11+ exams. Our curriculum is regularly updated to reflect the latest changes and trends, ensuring that children are always well-prepared.

Personalised Learning Plans
Understanding that each child is unique, we develop personalised learning plans to cater to individual strengths and weaknesses. This personalised approach enables children to progress at their own pace, ensuring thorough comprehension and mastery of subjects.

Small Class Sizes
Our commitment to small class sizes allows for more personalized attention and a better teacher-student interaction. This setup fosters a conducive learning environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and engaging in discussions.

Focus on Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
We emphasise the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills. These skills are essential for success in the 11+ exams and beyond. By encouraging analytical thinking, we prepare children to tackle complex questions with confidence.

Supportive Learning Environment
We pride ourselves on creating a supportive and nurturing learning environment. Our passionate teachers are always available to provide guidance and support, ensuring that each child feels valued and motivated to achieve their best.
Considering a Mid-Year School Move?

Is your child in need of a change? Our school could be the perfect fit to unlock their full potential! Here's why:

Academic Excellence
Tailored Learning: We offer personalised learning plans to cater to each child's unique needs and strengths.

Expert Teaching: Our experienced educators are dedicated to providing high-quality instruction and support.

Welcoming Community
Inclusive Environment: We celebrate diversity and foster a sense of belonging for every child.

Supportive Peers: Our home from home environment is friendly and encourages positive social interactions.

Holistic Development
Extracurricular Opportunities: From sports to arts, we offer a variety of activities to help your child discover their passions.

Seamless Transition
Dedicated Support: Our staff is committed to ensuring a smooth transition for mid-year entrants.

Parent Involvement: We encourage active communication and collaboration with families.

Discover how our school can be the stepping stone to your child's academic success and personal growth. Contact us today to learn more! 📚✨

☎️ 01787 273 050
📧 admissions@stmargaretsprep.com
After spending the first term learning about the role of our ears in listening and identifying different noises, the Butterflies class has moved on to the exciting task of exploring initial sounds. This important step helps children recognise and differentiate between the sounds that start words, which is a foundational skill in language development and literacy.

The 'S' Sound Challenge
This week, Mrs. Bull presented an engaging challenge to the Butterflies. The task was to work in pairs to identify objects in pictures that began with the initial sound 's' and circle them. This interactive activity not only reinforced their listening skills but also encouraged teamwork and collaboration among the children.

Begin an unforgettable adventure.

Children who join St Margaret’s develop their confidence and gain a genuine love for learning, putting them on the path to success.
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2 - 4 yrs old

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4 - 5 yrs old

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5 - 7 yrs old

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7 - 11 yrs old

Learn more

St Margaret's School

Enquiries :01787 273 050