St Margaret's School London

• Location: Kidderpore Gardens, Hampstead, London,
• Founded in: 1884,
• Language of instruction: English,
• Type of education: for girls.

St Margaret's School London is an independent school for girls from 4 to 16 years old.  Every year, 170 girls study at the school and 25 teachers work.

St Margaret's School London is not a religious institution, so representatives of any religion and those who do not belong to them are accepted to study.

In 2023, the school was ranked number one in the Sunday Times ranking of schools without a Sixth Form.

The educational process is organized in such a way that it combines high academic standards with the development of personal and social skills, stimulates interest in learning and creativity. In the process, teachers use modern technologies and interactive methods, including project work, group assignments and digital resources.

In addition to basic academic subjects — English, mathematics, science, languages, history, geography — much attention is paid to the arts, music, theater, and physical education.

Specialist teaching begins in the youngest age groups. Families receive information about upcoming events through the weekly school newsletter and parent class representatives.

The September 2025 ISI Inspection Report noted that leaders and staff prioritized pupils' wellbeing and supported each girl as an individual. Emotional wellbeing and mental health were high priorities throughout the school. Dr Wayne is the nominated governor for Safeguarding.

The author of the novel Rebecca attended the school.

St Margaret's School London has been educating girls since 1884, but the administration rarely advertises the school - most students enter by word of mouth, the excellent reputation speaks for itself.

The school was founded by Elizabeth Isabella Tulloch, who remained its proprietor and principal for 44 years. Originally known as Miss Tulloch’s, it was based at Chester House in West Hampstead. In 1898, a newspaper advertisement announced its move to a second home: a house called St Margaret’s in Oak Hill Park in Barnet. Its current location is the fifth home in its history.

In 1920, Hilda Jean Copinger became Joint Principal, responsible for boarding and Domestic Science. After the founder retired in 1928, Hilda Jean Copinger and Margaret Macrae led the school. Hampstead was added to the name to distinguish it from other St Margaret’s schools in London and the surrounding areas.

Friends of St Margaret’s School Hampstead (FoSM) is the school’s independent, parent-led charity, registration number 1216202. All funds it raises are reinvested in the school to support education, enrichment and school community activities.

St Margaret's School London has a variety of clubs and sections for girls of different age groups. Among the extracurricular formats are a variety of modules: from cooking and drawing to music and dance. For example, girls can make magic wands, stage plays, write literary stories, assemble LEGOs, do yoga and meditation.

For elementary school students, there are additional extension options, where they stay in class until 4:30 p.m., completing additional and analyzing basic tasks.

Enrichment activities take place at lunchtime and after school. Pupils can represent the school in district competitions and county sporting events.

Sports activities include:

• Netball, Football, Cricket, Basketball, Volleyball and Rounders,
• Hockey, Badminton and Tennis,
• Swimming, Gymnastics, Athletics and Trampolining,
• Fitness.

The school offers an Orchestra/Ensemble Club, a Junior Choir Club and a Senior Chamber Choir Club. Junior & Senior Music Theory Clubs are available, as are individual singing and instrument lessons. Concerts and special musical performances take place throughout the academic year.

The Drama department offers LAMDA performance lessons. Younger pupils can join the Infant & Junior Musical Theatre Club. Girls from different year groups collaborate on annual dramatic and musical productions, preparing through additional rehearsals. Art activities include painting, textile design and working with clay.

The parent organization FoSM arranges welcome events for new families, quiz nights and a Summer Fair for the junior and senior school. Parent talks and seminars are offered, and pupils and staff take part in joint events.

• The small size of study groups - from 14 to 16 girls - allows teachers to communicate personally and closely with each of the students, here they develop a culture of involvement of teachers in all aspects of girls' lives,
• The teaching staff employs only the best subject teachers and responsible, experienced administrative staff who provide high quality education and accommodation on campus. Staff turnover is low,
• The last graduating group of girls passed GCSE exams with grades from 7 to 9 in three of the four disciplines,
• In 2026, 71% of GCSE grades were 9–7, 46% were 9–8, and 25% were the highest grade, 9. The proportion awarded grades 9–6 reached 86%,
• All employees teach mentees not to dwell on negative aspects and failures – and instead to believe in themselves, introspection and self-reflection are encouraged,
• Nearly 90% of English GCSE grades in 2026 were 7–9. All grades in Geography, History, Art, Music and Drama were 9–6,
• In 2025, 22% of GCSE grades were 9, 40% were 9–8, and 55% were 9–7,
• In 2024, 21% of GCSE grades were 9, 42% were 9–8, and 65% were 9–7,
• In 2023, 15% of GCSE grades were 9, 36% were 9–8, and 72% were 9–7,
• The school is part of the London 11+ Consortium,
• The most recent ISI inspection confirmed that it meets all required standards,
• The June 2022 ISI Inspection Report rated the quality of pupils’ academic and other achievements as excellent.

Extensive sports grounds and facilities for competitive fixtures are located near the school.

The list of additional expenses for parents of St Margaret's School London students includes:

• Registration fees — a nonrefundable charge including VAT,
• Deposit upon check-in,
• Acceptance Deposit,
• Lunches,
• Tutorials and textbooks,
• Excursions,
• Visiting the common lounge,
• Additional classes – for example, ballet and yoga,
• Student uniform,
• Birthday cupcakes.

An additional deposit applies to parents residing outside the UK. Many clubs are free of charge.

The Infants’ Enrichment Club and Junior Enrichment Club begin at 3:20 p.m. The General Late Room runs until 5:00 p.m., and the Extended Late Room runs until 6:00 p.m. with advance booking.

When admitting students to St Margaret's School London, the teaching staff evaluates the candidates:

• General level of academic performance. It should correspond to her age: for example, potential seventh-graders are expected to perform well in English, mathematics and science.
• Reports from previous places of study and characteristics from teachers and mentors.
• The family situation, how involved the parents are in their daughter's life.

5 standard stages of admission include:

• Pre-registration,
• Sending documents on time,
• Payment of the fee,
• Passing an interview,
• Passing exams and tests (on request).

The main entry points are Reception, Year 3 and Year 7.

• Reception applicants take part in a play-based assessment with a member of the Infant teaching staff and require a reference from their current nursery or school,
• For Year 3, the entrance assessment involves a Mathematics test, a short piece of free writing and an English reading comprehension task. Applicants also have an informal conversation with a member of the Senior Leadership Team. A school reference helps assess their character, attitude toward education and engagement in school life. The assessment visit usually takes around two hours,
• Year 7 applicants take the London 11+ Consortium entrance assessment,
• Entry to Years 1–2, 4–6 and 8–10 is possible when vacancies arise. These places require an entrance assessment, an interview and a reference from the applicant’s current school,
• Year 6 applicants are considered if they show strong potential to thrive in the Senior School,
• Applicants entering Year 10 are advised to choose GCSE disciplines that align with the school’s current curriculum.

St Margaret's School London supports its students both morally and financially through scholarships. Girls can apply for scholarships from the seventh year of study. To do this, they need to go through a competitive selection: the choice of candidates is based on the results of tests in mathematics and English.

The amount of financial support depends on the financial situation of the girls' parents. In some cases, the school may be able to pay for the course in full.

Sometimes scholarship support can be offered to younger students.

Younger pupils may receive support if there are no suitable applicants in Year 7 or above. Recipients of financial assistance undergo the same entrance assessment process as other applicants. They are not required to exceed the minimum entry criteria.

Financial assistance applications are reviewed confidentially. An independent evaluator assesses family income and assets using financial documents such as bank statements and pay stubs. In some cases, the assessment involves a home visit. Some of the funds raised by FoSM contribute toward financial assistance for pupils.

• Guardianship services during the studies
• Student supervision