A Joyful Start: Infant School at St Margaret’s Hampstead
Encouraging curiosity and confidence from Reception to Year 2. Discover St Margaret's Infant School in Hampstead, London. Nurturing Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 girls with personalised learning, expert teaching and a joyful start to their independent school journey.
Our Infant School Philosophy
Welcome to the Infant School at St Margaret’s Hampstead
A magical place where the foundations for a lifelong love of learning are joyfully laid. Covering Reception (4-5 years), Year 1 (5-6 years) and Year 2 (6-7 years), our Infant School provides a warm, secure and stimulating environment designed specifically for young girls.
We believe that childhood should be a time of exciting discoveries, and our approach blends structured learning with creative, play-based exploration, ensuring every girl feels happy, confident and eager to come to school each day. Here, in our famously small classes, your daughter will be known, cherished and encouraged to shine brightly.
Our progressive journey: Reception, Year 1 & Year 2
Reception (ages 4-5): discovering the world
In Reception, our approach is inspired by the principles of the early years foundation stage (EYFS), tailored to suit each girl and providing a rich, play-based curriculum that sparks curiosity and ignites imagination. Our spacious, bright classrooms and dedicated outdoor learning areas are designed for exploration and discovery.
Girls develop essential communication, language and physical skills through engaging activities, specialist lessons in Music, French, and PE, and regular outdoor adventures. We focus on nurturing independence, social skills and a smooth, happy transition into school life, ensuring a strong start to their educational journey.
Year 1 (ages 5-6): building foundations
As girls transition into Year 1, our curriculum gently introduces more structured learning while retaining a vibrant, engaging approach. We build upon their Reception experiences, strengthening foundational literacy and numeracy skills through inspiring lessons.
Our expert teachers support critical thinking and problem-solving, encouraging girls to ask questions and explore subjects in depth. The emphasis remains on nurturing individual growth, ensuring each girl feels supported and challenged to achieve her personal best in a joyful environment.
Year 2 (ages 6-7): growing confidence
Year 2 marks a period of significant growth in independence and confidence. Our curriculum broadens, introducing new concepts and encouraging deeper engagement across all subjects. Girls develop stronger academic skills, preparing them for the transition to Junior School.
We continue to prioritise their holistic wellbeing, ensuring they feel secure and empowered to take on new challenges, develop leadership skills and celebrate their achievements within our close-knit community. Specialist teaching continues to enrich their learning experience.
Our nurturing environment & pastoral care
A home away from home: happiness & wellbeing at our core
At St Margaret's Hampstead, we understand that for our youngest pupils, feeling safe, happy and loved is the bedrock of successful learning. Our dedicated Infant School team provides exceptional pastoral care, creating a warm, family-like atmosphere where every girl feels a strong sense of belonging.
With low teacher turnover and a culture of deep involvement, we engage with each girl on a very personal level, ensuring their emotional and physical wellbeing is always prioritised. This nurturing environment allows them to flourish, build resilience and develop strong, positive relationships.
Igniting passions with expert guidance
Our Infant School curriculum is designed to be broad, balanced and incredibly engaging, laying robust foundations for future academic success. While core subjects are central, we enrich learning through specialist teaching from an early age.
Girls benefit from dedicated lessons in Music, Drama, French, and Physical Education, taught by passionate experts in their fields. This early exposure to a diverse range of subjects and teaching styles nurtures a love for discovery and helps each girl identify her unique talents and interests.
Adventures await: learning beyond the classroom
The vibrant life of St Margaret's Hampstead extends far beyond the traditional classroom. Our Infant School girls enjoy a wealth of co-curricular activities, from creative arts and storytelling clubs to exciting outdoor learning sessions in our beautiful Hampstead setting.
We believe in the power of play and exploration, providing ample opportunities for girls to engage with nature, develop physical skills and build teamwork. Every girl is encouraged to 'have a go at everything,' building enthusiasm and confidence in equal measure.
A seamless transition to Junior School
Our Infant School provides a carefully structured and supportive pathway to Junior School. Through a progressive curriculum and close collaboration between our infant and junior staff, we ensure a smooth and confident transition for every girl.
By the end of Year 2, our pupils are well-prepared academically, socially and emotionally, ready to embrace the exciting challenges and opportunities that await them in the next stage of their St Margaret's Hampstead journey.
What Our Infant School Parents Say
“Sending our daughter to St Margaret’s from Reception was the best decision. She absolutely loves coming to school, and we’ve seen her confidence and curiosity blossom”
Begin your daughter’s journey at St Margaret’s Infant School
We invite you to experience the warmth and vibrancy of our Infant School firsthand. Discover how St Margaret's Hampstead, provides the perfect start to your daughter's independent school education.