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FAQs
Who was E Ivor Hughes?
Ernest Ivor Hughes purchased his first school, Buckingham College in Harrow, in 1952. He held strong beliefs about nurturing an individual’s confidence, together with the academic and personal talents within each child to ensure a successful, well-balanced adult. His dedication to improving educational standards was widely recognised. After his death, his trustees formed a charitable organisation in his name to uphold and develop the beliefs and principles which E. Ivor Hughes had promoted during his lifetime.
How do I know that Peterborough & St Margaret’s is the right school for my child?
Peterborough & St Margaret’s is a small school with a friendly, ‘family’ atmosphere, where the children of all ages mix freely and develop a good relationship with all the staff. Small classes ensure that your child will get the individual attention so important to both support him / her when (s)he has difficulties and challenge him/her to reach his / her full potential. Personal development is as important to us as academic achievements. If you think your child would benefit from this type of education, this is the right school.
Where do the boys go once they have finished in the nursery?
The boys will be able to move to Buckingham College Prep School in Rayners Lane, our ‘brother’ school, subject to fulfilling the entry requirements.
Is there an entrance examination? Will she have to sit another one to transfer from one department to another?
All pupils have to be successful in the entrance examinations/interview before they can be offered a place. In the nursery, boys and girls can enrol after their third birthday. Thereafter, places in the Infant Department are offered to the girls, to begin in the September of the academic year in which they are five. The Head of Department interviews small groups of girls from the previous October onwards. Our main examinations for the Junior and Senior Departments are held in January, normally on a Saturday morning, for entry the following September. Entry can be arranged at other times of the year if vacancies occur.
Your daughter will not have to sit another entrance examination to transfer from one department to the next.
Do you cater for children with special needs?
We monitor the girls’ progress closely and would advise you if we felt that your daughter would benefit from additional curricular support from our specialist teacher. The most common difficulty, experienced by a few girls, is dyslexia. We are unable to provide for girls with behavioural or severe learning difficulties.
Are there bursaries or scholarships?
Means-tested bursaries are available, reviewed annually. Requests should be made in writing to the Bursar. Academic scholarships and music scholarships are available for entry into the Senior Department.
Does she have to have school lunches?
School lunches are compulsory for infants and juniors but seniors have the option of bringing a packed lunch from home. The Year 11 girls have their own kitchen and are allowed to eat lunch in the Year 11 Common Room. School lunches are cooked on the premises and include a daily choice of hot main course, a vegetarian hot main course, a salad or a packed lunch. From time to time, ‘themed’ lunches are arranged. It is strongly recommended that the girls eat a well-balanced diet; packed lunches should include fresh fruit and vegetables.
You don’t have many sporting facilities on site. Are there other venues you use?
Because our site is small, our sporting facilities comprise a gymnasium, an all weather pitch and a lawn used for outdoor sports. Like many schools, we make a short journey to use other facilities. These include the Sir James Altham Swimming Pool in Oxhey, Harrow Leisure Centre, Harrow Weald Tennis Club and the Kodak Sports Centre in Harrow. Sports Day for the Junior Department is also held at the Kodak Sports Centre. The Infant sports afternoon is held at school.
Will my daughter be able to lean a second foreign language?
All girls begin French in the Reception Class. In Year 8, Spanish is introduced.
How many GCSEs do they take?
Most girls take 9 GCSEs, which must include Science, Mathematics and English. A modern foreign language is recommended but not compulsory. We organise an Options Evening in Year 9 to discuss your daughter’s subject choices.
Are there buses to school?
The bus route 258 from South Harrow through Harrow to Watford stops outside the school. The bus route 142 from Brent Cross to Watford stops within easy walking distance. We also run minibuses. Please ask for details.
What about the Sixth Form?
Our aim is to prepare girls in every possible way for Sixth Form and beyond, so that they achieve their personal best academically and have the confidence to take new challenges in their stride. The girls already enjoy many responsibilities and privileges in years 10 and 11 and these experiences will stand them in good stead. If they do not wish to transfer to Buckingham College School, we help them with their applications for other schools and colleges and provide interview practice. The destinations of recent ‘leavers’ are included on a separate sheet.
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