General Information

St Margaret’s School educates girls from the age of 4 to 18 and welcomes boarding pupils, both from the UK and overseas, from age 11. We provide a secure and caring environment with high academic standards and strong discipline at our core. With a Christian ethos at our heart, we manage this in a non-pressurised atmosphere. Girls’ happiness is of paramount importance to us, not only as an objective in itself, but also because this empowers them to make the most of their capabilities. Research shows our parents value highly the pastoral care at St Margaret’s not only provided by a number of specialists at the school but also by all teaching and support staff.

We are a forward-thinking school, proud of our 250 year, history, and committed to developing the young women of tomorrow in order for them to achieve their potential and realise their aspirations. Being an all-girls school, the positions of leadership within the student body are naturally held by girls who provide strong and inspirational role models for our younger pupils. Our girls have the freedom to shake of sexual stereotypes and study subjects such as Further Mathematics and the Sciences; traditionally subjects mainly studied by boys. At St Margaret’s our most popular A level subject choices are Mathematics and Economics followed by the Sciences. Our academic credentials in 2008 are evidenced by a record 78.9% A levels attaining grades A and B. We work hard to ensure that each girl fulfils her academic potential. All of our students, on completion of their A levels go on to university.

We firmly believe in developing much more than the academic side of our pupils and the girls can take advantage of many extra-curricular activities and lessons. We encourage; choirs, orchestras, speech and drama, sport, dance, The Model United Nations, The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, World Challenge and many other clubs and societies. Our modern sports centre enables our girls to try out and excel at many sports and physical activities both during the week and at weekends. Creative subjects such as Art and Drama, are very popular at St Margaret’s and we a offer a high standard of provision with our dedicated specialist staff and facilities.

The boarding students are an integral part of life at St Margaret’s, not only by helping to create a 24 hour, family environment, but by creating the international element of the school. All new boarders are assigned a ‘buddy’ from their peer group to help them integrate them into both the school and the UK. Day girls and boarders work and play side by side, day girls often participate in Saturday activities and trips and frequently invite their boarding friends home with them at weekends.

St Margaret’s is located just outside of London and the area is serviced by four major airports and several train lines. The 70 acres in which the School is situated provide a safe and secure setting from which our boarding pupils can explore the surrounding towns, including London.

Sports

Golf, Lacrosse, Tennis, Rounders, Swimming, Football, Netball, Athletics, Judo, Badminton, Trampolining, Gymnastics, Running, Aerobics, Fitness and Dance.

Extra Curricular

Photography, Cookery, Chinese, Sports, Science, Spanish, Duke of Edinburgh, Young Enterprise, Drama, Choir, Orchestra. Music tuition in bassoon, flute, organ, saxophone, trombone, vioin, cello, guitar, percussion, singing, trumpet, clarinet, horn, piano, theory, tuba, double bass, oboe, recorder, timpani and viola.

Special Needs

A dedicated Special Educational Needs coordinator ensures that support is provided where needed.

Fees/Bursaries/Scholarships

Scholarships are awarded each year at 11+ and at Sixth Form level on the basis of outstanding academic achievement. Some smaller Exhibitions are also offered, again on academic merit. Awards are made on the basis of success in the 11+ entrance examinations and interview or in the case of Sixth Form candidates, scholarship examinations and interview with mock GCSE examination results also then taken into consideration.

2 Music Scholarships are usually awarded at 11+. In addition to the normal entrance examinations prospective candidates will have an audition. This will include performance of two constrasting pieces and sight-reading on the main instrument (minimum standard Grade 4) and one piece on the second instrument, if available. 'Instrument' may also include voice. There are no written music papers and the potential of a pupil will be taken into consideration as well as her achievement at the audition. Successful candidates are exected to take an active part in and make a full contribution to the musical life of the school. Written applications for music scholarships for entry in September 2012 must be submitted by 30 November 2011.

A limited number of Bursaries, up to 100%, are avaialable to girls joining the school in Year 7 and above. To qualify, girls must meet our entry requirements and parents will be required to show evidence of the need for financial support. All applications are means-tested and parents are required to complete a confidential financial statement. If, at the time of application, you will be seeking financial assistance, please inform the Registrar who will send the necessary application form. Written applications for bursaries for entry in September 2012 must be submitted by 30 November 2011. One 100% means-tested bursary is available to a deserving candidate each year. Other financial support: A discount is given for siblings, the daughter of Anglican clergy, Services personnel and Old Girls. Please contact the Bursary for further details.