St Margaret's Hampstead

[Yellowpaint14]

Hello my daughter is now 4 we are thinking we would really like her to go there 'if' she gets a place for reception. I don't know any parents with daughters there and any real insight would be really appreciated. We have a boy age 2 and not sure if it would be easier to go for one of the mixed preps instead. Any thoughts on St Margarets please?!

Lovely small school, head is very approachable and hands on (have you been to an open day and met him?). They pride themselves on stretching the higher ability groups (gifted and talented group is often taught with the year above for the relevant subjects) whilst getting the best out of the lower ability groups, league tables reflect a more mixed entry - it isn't a hot house. 10 per year in reception, usually take a couple more in year 1 , increases to 15 in senior school. House system with competition for points and each house raises money for a charity. Teachers very accessible on email and in person as is the head.

Facilities not bad given the size of the school, they use a local church hall for assembly and gym, tennis club opposite the school, swim at Copthall and playing fields at HCC and use the Heath. Active PTA that arranges events and second hand uniform sales etc. School trips every term - reception to year 3 went to the National Gallery today. Whole junior school French day happening at the end of January - French themed mufti, boules, pancakes, films in French.

They seem to have a good track record at getting the girls into the sixth form of their choice.

Can't think of anything else! Hope that helps.

Thank you so much for your reply, very informative. Thank you really helpful Smalltoothbrush.