Head of Teaching and Learning

A message from Alex Hopkins, Head of Prep

St Margaret’s Prep is a co-educational day school for 180 pupils aged 2-11. Pupils can join the Bluebird Nursery from the age of two before moving into our Pre-Prep Department. Throughout Pre-Prep, there is one class per year group and once the children move into the Prep Department, there are two parallel classes. The school shares an impressive 28-acre campus and facilities with St Mary’s School, Calne.

The school broadly follows the 2014 Primary National Curriculum in England; the children are assessed in line with national expectations and the Foundation Stage Profile, and take standardised tests from Y1-Y6, achieving well above the national averages. However, there is much more on offer. In addition to the academic side of life, there is a rich programme of Music, Sport, Drama and Art. Class Teachers deliver a broad curriculum with Computing, Sport, Music, Art and MFL being taught by specialists. We want our pupils to achieve their potential in every aspect and play a full part in the life of the school. Above all, we want happy, independent and confident children.

The facilities offer first-class opportunities to challenge and stimulate the children in their learning. Classes are housed in attractive purpose-built teaching rooms linked to the original Victorian building. The Early Years children benefit from a brand new free-flow outdoor courtyard. There are specialist teaching rooms for Computing, Music, Languages and Art/Design & Technology, whilst The Southwell Hall offers a large space for assemblies, drama and a wide range of extra-curricular activities. In addition, we share a number of facilities with St Mary’s; a dining room, Chapel, Science laboratories, an indoor swimming pool, sports hall, climbing wall and a range of sports courts and playing fields.

Our after-school club ‘Maggots’ provides wrap-around care opening at 7.30am and closing at 6pm. The children enjoy the benefit of fresh air and exercise in an extensive, secure environment which includes fields, playgrounds, wings and other play equipment.

Maintaining a happy, purposeful atmosphere is of paramount importance, as this will allow the pupils the best opportunity to develop into well-rounded, confident children. It is vital that the pupils and the staff at St Margaret’s feel that their lives here are enriched and rewarding.

The children enjoy the benefit of fresh air and exercise in an extensive, secure environment which includes fields, playgrounds, swings and other play equipment.

Education at St Margaret’s is not just about academic rigour, it’s also about respect and understanding for each other and giving our pupils the tools to understand themselves. Throughout their time at school we see our children grow in independence, self-esteem and confidence as they learn key ‘soft skills’. We all work towards ensuring that firm foundations are laid before the children move on to senior school and face the challenges that the workplace and wider world will present in the future.

We are an equal opportunities employer and committed to ensuring all applicants will be treated in a fair and equal manner and in accordance with the law regardless of gender, marital status, race, religion, colour, age, disability or sexual orientation.

Research tells us that applicants (especially those from under-represented groups) can be put off from applying for a role if they do not meet all the criteria. If you think you would be a good match for one of our vacancies and can demonstrate some transferable experience please apply, regardless of whether you tick every box.

Any offer of employment is conditional upon receiving an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) which is considered to be satisfactory. The School applies for an Enhanced Check for Regulated Activity from the DBS (which includes a check of the Children's Barred List) in respect of all positions sitewide, which amount to regulated activity. It is unlawful for the School to employ anyone who is barred from working with children. It is a criminal offence for any person who is barred from working with children to attempt to apply for a position at the School. If you are successful in your application you will be required to complete a DBS Disclosure Application Form. Any information disclosed will be handled in accordance with any guidance and / or code of practice published by the DBS.

The School is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore all convictions, cautions, reprimands and final warnings (including those which would normally be considered "spent" under the Act) must be declared. You are not required to disclose a caution or conviction for an offence committed in the United Kingdom if it has been filtered in accordance with the DBS filtering rules. If you have a criminal record this will not automatically debar you from employment. Instead, each case will be assessed fairly by reference to the School's objective assessment procedure set out in the Recruitment Policy.