Our Preschool turns ten

Since then, it has grown significantly, meeting the increasing demand for quality early learning within the caring and inspiring environment of St Margaret’s.

To mark our Preschool's tenth birthday, children, whānau, past and present staff, and even a few superheroes, came together in celebration. Elsa, Wonder Woman and Spiderman joined in the fun alongside some of our very first preschoolers and their families. With games like tug of war, musical statues and pass the parcel, and of course, birthday cake, it was a celebration worthy of ten extraordinary years.

The Preschool offers a warm, nurturing, and enriching environment for our youngest learners. Led by Director Sarah Bradley and a team of five dedicated teachers, including two fully primary-trained educators, the Preschool ensures children receive the highest standard of early education while enjoying a seamless transition into the Junior School years.

The College’s roots in early childhood education stretch right back to its founding. When the Kilburn sisters established St Margaret’s in 1910, they welcomed younger children into the school from the outset. The original kindergarten opened with just two students on Armagh Street, and by 1916, had expanded to include 11 girls and three boys, demonstrating a co-educational approach rare for the time.

Between 1914 and 1941, boys attended the kindergarten, reflecting the school’s inclusive ethos. The original kindergarten eventually closed in 1951, pausing this chapter of the College’s legacy until its revival in 2015.

One of the Preschool’s key strengths is its integration with the wider St Margaret’s College community. Children benefit from access to school facilities and participate in a rich curriculum that extends well beyond traditional early childhood education. From dance and yoga to gym sessions and technology classes, every experience is designed to spark curiosity and lay strong foundations for future learning. The structured transition-to-school programme further supports a confident and connected start to formal education.

Reflecting on the past decade, it’s clear that reestablishing a preschool has not only honoured a key part of St Margaret’s heritage but also ensured that future generations of learners begin their journey in a place where they are truly known and nurtured.

Learn more about the St Margaret's Preschool here.