St. Margaret's is an all-through school of about 660 pupils, all but a few of whom are girls. Boys are welcomed in the Nursery and first three forms. Once a pupil is in the school there are no formal tests for entry to later stages.
The emphasis in the school is on the child as an individual. Her strengths are built up, whatever her talents are, by praise and encouragement rather than competition and drive. This is felt to be the best way to prepare a child for the future and the excellent exam results prove that it works. The curriculum is wide and varied, with the emphasis in the Junior School on children mastering the basic skills first, then progressing to a wide range of subjects. Specialist Senior Staff teach French, Science, Home Economics, Drama, Music and P.E. to Junior school girls.
The school offers a flexible boarding facility in homely and comfortable surroundings, where girls are looked after by specialist boarding-house staff and are encouraged to spend their time responsibly and sensibly.
The school has a long-standing reputation for its choirs, and there are strong musical and artistic traditions. It is also well-known as a remarkably happy school which combines academic excellence with a caring pastoral tradition.
