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
Celebrating Success: Preparing For Everything.
At St Margaret`s Prep, we are dedicated to equipping children with the skills and knowledge they need for a successful transition to secondary school. Our commitment to providing the best possible start for their educational journey is unwavering.
We are thrilled to share the success story of one family whose son received offers from multiple independent secondary schools. This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of both the child and our educators. Our holistic approach focuses on nurturing each child’s unique talents and supporting their academic and personal growth.
We are incredibly grateful for the positive feedback from the family. Their appreciation fuels our passion for education and reinforces our mission to continue guiding children towards a bright future. Every success story is a reminder of why we do what we do, and we celebrate each child`s achievements alongside their families.
Our program is designed to prepare children not just academically, but also socially and emotionally, ensuring they are well-rounded individuals ready to thrive in any environment. Through personalised learning plans, engaging activities, and strong support systems, we strive to make every child`s educational experience enriching and rewarding.
Thank you to all the families who trust us with their children`s education. We are proud to be a part of their journey and look forward to many more success stories in the future. ✨

Congratulations to Our Prep Stars!
🎉 Well done to all the Prep Children who attended the ISA Regional Cross Country event last Friday at Littlegarth! Despite the chilly weather and challenging course, every one of you represented St Mag`s with pride and determination. 🌟 Your hard work and spirit shone through, and we couldn’t be prouder! 🏅👏 Keep up the fantastic effort!
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#StMagsPride #CrossCountryChampions

Looking for a Reception place for September 2025?
Look no further! St Margaret`s Prep is the perfect school for your little one to grow and flourish. 🌟
Why Choose St Margaret`s Prep?
Nurturing Environment: We foster a warm and inclusive atmosphere where every child feels valued.
Experienced Educators: Our dedicated teachers are committed to providing high-quality education.
Holistic Development: We focus on both academic excellence and personal growth.
Engaging Curriculum: Our innovative programs are designed to inspire a lifelong love of learning.
Limited Spaces Left! Secure your child`s future at St Margaret`s Prep today and ensure they have the best start. Don`t miss out on this opportunity!
#StMargaretsPrep #Reception2025 #LimitedSpaces
👉 Contact our friendly admissions team today to find out more!
☎️ 01787 273 050
📧 admissions@stmargaretsprep.com

Discover the vibrant community of St. Margaret`s Prep! 🌟 Families are at the heart of everything we do, and we believe in nurturing each child`s unique potential. With our engaging curriculum and supportive environment, your child`s journey to excellence starts here.
Mid-Year Spaces Available ✨
Good news! We have limited mid-year spaces available, offering your family the perfect opportunity to join us without waiting. Don`t miss out on the chance to be a part of something extraordinary. Enquire today and see the difference a St. Margaret`s education can make! 📚💫
Join us now and become part of a community that values growth, inclusivity, and joy in learning. Your family`s adventure awaits at St. Margaret`s! ❤️
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#StMargaretsFamily #JoinUs #EducationForAll

St Margaret’s is a small independent school and nursery in the heart of beautiful Gosfield. The nursery department is where our children begin their love of learning in a structured and fun environment that is supported by highly qualified and dedicated staff.
Children take part in a range of specialist teacher-led lessons such as P.E, Performing Arts, Cookery and Languages.
To book a private tour to see our wonderful school in action, please contact our friendly admissions team via email 📧 admissions@stmargaretsprep.com or call ☎ 01787 273 050

Crafting Butterfly Cards for Valentine’s Day 🦋❤️
Last week, we dove into the art of Japanese Butterfly card-making, exploring the detailed instructions, numbered steps, helpful diagrams, and thorough equipment lists.
On Friday, Year 2 took on the challenge of creating our own beautiful cards to send to our loved ones on Valentine’s Day. While some found the process a bit tricky, the end results were worth every effort! 🦋❤️
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#CraftingLove #ValentinesDay #ButterflyCards

Easter Camp 2024 at St Margaret`s Prep
We are thrilled to announce that booking for our Easter Camp is now live! Join us for another exciting half-term camp this Easter, where we have a fantastic array of activities planned to keep your children entertained and engaged.
Camp Details
Dates: Monday, 7th April - Friday, 11th April
Cost: £45 per day
Eligibility: Open to St Margaret`s children from Nursery through Year 6
Activities
Our Easter Camp promises a variety of activities catering to different interests, ensuring every child has a memorable and enjoyable experience. Some of the activities include:
Cooking: Develop culinary skills and have fun creating delicious recipes.
Sports: Participate in a range of sports activities to stay active and healthy.
Lego: Unleash creativity and problem-solving skills with our Lego challenges.
Forest School: Explore nature and enjoy outdoor learning experiences.
The camp will be operated by our dedicated and talented teaching staff, who are eager to provide a safe and nurturing environment for your children.
How to Book
To secure a spot for your child, please visit our school app, Cognita Connect!
We look forward to welcoming your children to an unforgettable Easter Camp at St Margaret`s Prep. If you have any questions or need further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.

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. 🎨🖌
