Thinking of joining St Margaret’s? You’ve made a good choice!
St Margaret’s is a one form entry school meaning we have an intake of 30 pupils a year.
Many of our Year groups are currently full but there are some spaces in selected year groups. In year applications to St Margaret’s are dealt with by Essex admissions. They can be contacted via 0845 603 2200 or via admissions@essex.gov.uk. Alternatively please speak to the School office.
Do you have a child who will be in Reception in September 2024?
Many of you will be beginning to think about which school is right for your child’s first year. We very much hope that you will consider St Margaret’s.
Our admissions process and admissions policy for those families thinking of joining our school family can be found in the Information Hub on our website.
Autumn:
Application process starts (online application from 6th November 2023)
This year, we will be holding Open Day sessions on Wednesday 15th and Thursday 16th November, which include morning and evening options. Please contact our school office on admin.stmargarets@dcvst.org to book yourself a place at one of the sessions.
Please also read our prospectus for further information about the school. Do make contact and we will try to answer any of your questions.
Spring:
Application process closes (15th January 2024)
Summer:
National Offer Day – parents informed of outcomes (16th April 2024)
Induction for new parents and children takes place during the Summer term through our Little Margaret’s programme. Initial contact with those families who have successfully gained a place is usually in May.
For further information please contact the school office or Essex Admissions on: 0845 603 2200 or via admissions@essex.gov.uk.
Further information can also be found on the Essex County Council Website
How many Classes are there per year group?
Currently we have one class per year group. In Reception and KS1 we have 30 children per class. This can rise above 30 in KS2.
What is the children’s transition into school like?
Our prospectus gives more information about our Little Margaret’s programme. This is a 4 – 6 week programme in the Summer term before they are due to start school, where the children come in for a morning or afternoon session every week.
In September we aim to get the children into school as quickly as possible. In most instances the children have a gradual transition over the course of the week starting with mornings, then adding lunch before completing a full day at the end of the week. We don’t find that having a longer transition for most children is beneficial.
Of course if children need longer to transition into school this would be discussed on a case by case scenario – every child is different.
Does the school have a breakfast Club?
Yes! Reception are welcome to attend once they are attending school full time. More information can be found on our breakfast club page and in the prospectus.
How have Ofsted graded the school?
St Margaret’s was last visited by Ofsted in July 2019. The school was graded as Good. The school are also regularly inspected by SIAMS – a church schools inspection. We are currently graded as Excellent. The full reports can be found in our Information Hub. Please do read them – we are very proud of them.
How does the school perform in comparison with others?
Details of the school performance can be found on our results page.
Prior to COVID, our performance was typically in line with or above national averages at each of the key phases of school. Our revised curriculum, policies and procedures are building on successes and addressing areas in need of further development.
