Alumnae News

Please send us your news, tell us about your interests, activities and achievements, about friends with whom you are still in touch……in fact anything that you think other alumnae would like to read.
Contact your Year Group coordinator (if there is one listed for your year), by sending your details to the school office marking your envelope ‘Alumnae’ or contact Denise Williams on

alumnae@stmargarets-school.co.uk

Miss Bessie Jago 1902 - 1920

Miss Bessie Jago, first Headmistress of St Margaret’s, developed it in 1902 from a small kindergarten for girls and boys originating in Dix’s Field. She bought Wynlaten House ( 147 Magdalen Road) during First World war, increasing student numbers and providing a broad curriculum, girls were encouraged to go on to University.

Miss Winifred Edmunds~ 1920 - 1952

The school flourished and was bought by Miss Edmunds in 1921 and during her time numbers rose even more to about 300 pupils. Buildings were improved and more purchased as well as additional space created e.g. the gym was built in 1928

Miss Margaret Boggis ~ 1953 - 1960

Miss Boggis came to St Margaret’s as a teacher of Classics. She had been educated in Paignton, Cheltenham Ladies College and St Anne’s College Oxford. She became Headmistress in 1952 and moved on after eight years to an appointment in Nairobi, Kenya.

Miss Frances Morford ~ 1960 - 1984

Thus begins another sterling chapter in the School’s history- the arrival of Miss Morford- who remained at St Margaret’s for 24 years until her retirement in 1984. There was a steady building programme, the school became an Associate member of the Woodward Corporation and links began with Exeter School. The number of girls doubled during her leadership and the special St Margaret’s family continued to grow and flourish

Mrs Jacqueline Giddings
1984 - 1994

Mrs Giddings continued the expansion of the school both in pupil numbers, an ever widening curriculum and increased opportunities in extra curricular activities. The Sixth Form grew and an expanding number of subjects at A Level were offered. The Junior school developed and, moved to Westall House and a dedicated music centre was established at Willowdene. New foreign languages were offered for study and exchanges established. In 1984 Mrs Giddings retired from her post in order to be ordained.

Mrs Maureen D’Albertanson
1994 - 2004

Mrs Maureen D’Albertanson joined the school in September 1984 as its sixth Headmistress. She was attracted by its strong Christian foundation and the diversity of its curriculum which offered all pupils such a broad education The next decade saw a major building and refurbishment programme -the creative arts, Music and Drama particularly flourished in the newly built Performing Arts centre in 1997, Princess Anne opened the refurbished Science and Home Economics Departments. Information Technology had a new suite opened by Sir Geoffrey Holland, the new Library, reception areas and a School Chapel to name but a few. The Chapel Choir won National acclaim as did the drama department. performing at the theatre Royal. There were ambitious trips to Everest Base camp, Russia as well as renewed contacts and visits to the Goodwill Children’s Village in Southern India

News ~ 1902 - 1920

News ~ 1920 - 1952

News ~ 1953 - 1960

News ~ 1960 - 1984

News ~ 1984 - 1994

News ~ 1994 - 2004