SCHOOL STRUCTURE​

There is a single-class entry structure in Bluebird Nursery and Pre-Prep, expanding to two classes per year group in the Prep School. The teacher:pupil ratio in Nursery is a maximum of 1:4 for our 2-year-olds and 1:8 for our 3 and 4-year-olds. Class sizes thereafter are generally between 12 and 18 pupils.

Our Class Teachers deliver the core curriculum and each year also has its own dedicated Teaching Assistant. In addition, specialist Subject Teachers provide lessons in Languages, Computing, Music, Sport and Art. To complement all of this we have a dedicated Learning Support department to ensure that children are given additional support where necessary, and our Gifted and Talented Programme develops and challenges high achievers.

St Margaret’s opens its doors at 8.15am each day (Monday to Friday) and we offer a Breakfast Club at 7:30am. Registration is at 8.25am for all children.  School finishes at 4.00pm and wraparound care is available hourly until 6.00pm in our after-school club. If children wish to take advantage of our extra-curricular clubs on offer, these run during lunchtime and also after school from 4.00pm-4.45pm.

We have a thriving School Council that meets regularly, with pupils encouraged to think of ways to enhance their own experiences at school. Each class is represented on the Council by a pupil nominated by their peer group. Children in Years 5 and 6 are encouraged to stand as Officers and all members of the school can put forward ideas, either through their Council Rep or the suggestion box. The Officers meet regularly with the Headmaster to discuss projects and report on progress.

St Margaret's provides a happy and purposeful environment for all children to explore within a friendly, caring community. Our main aim is for our pupils to be inspired, not be afraid to take risks and above all, have fun and enjoy learning.

FACILITIES

We share a 27-acre site with St Mary's Calne  which means our children have the freedom to explore in a safe environment. In addition to a variety of play areas including a playground with trikes, climbing equipment and swings, they are also fortunate enough to benefit from a wide range of facilities. These include a 25m indoor swimming pool where every child has a weekly swimming lesson, an all-weather surface Astroturf offering facilities for hockey, tennis, football and lacrosse and on-site and off-site sports pitches. An indoor sports hall enables us to offer an alternative wet weather venue and this includes cricket nets and a very popular climbing wall! We have access to a purpose-built chapel for services, concerts and a range of celebrations, a dining hall with full-time catering staff who prepare fresh, delicious hot meals every day, a theatre and a fully-staffed medical centre. The older children also have access to science laboratories situated at St Mary’s.

There are a number of exciting outdoor learning areas including an outdoor classroom and wildlife garden complete with an outdoor kitchen, bug houses and a story-telling corner. Our dedicated specialist classrooms include a languages room for our children to learn both modern and classical languages, music rooms and a soundproof studio, an art and design room and a high-tech computer suite equipped with iMacs. Our beautiful library offers space to read, relax and cultivate a love of books.

The Southwell Hall is a purpose-built hall where children and their families enjoy assemblies, drama productions and music events. The fondly named ‘Maggots’ after-school club provides wraparound care until 6.00pm Monday to Friday and also houses the holiday club during half-terms and the Easter and summer holidays.