St Margaret's Infant School
Orchard Street, Gillingham, ME8 9AE
Age range
3 to 7
Gender
Mixed
Pupils
299
Headteacher
Mrs Paula Fewtrell
Type
Primary
Ofsted
Good
Local authority
Medway
Academy
Yes
About St Margaret's Infant School
St Margaret's Infant School is a primary school in Rainham, near Gillingham for children aged 3 to 7, teaching boys and girls. Around 299 pupils are on roll. It is an academy rather than a council-run school, though Medway still coordinates the application process. Mrs Paula Fewtrell leads the school.
Inspection at a glance
At its most recent Ofsted inspection on 14 May 2025, St Margaret's Infant School was judged Good. The full inspection report is linked from this page so you can read the inspectors' own words.
How the school is performing
Overall absence stands at 4.6%, which is attendance of about 95.4% (2024/25). Around 12.2% of pupils are eligible for free school meals. Figures come from the Department for Education's published school performance data and are shown in full further down this page.
Getting a place at St Margaret's Infant School
You apply for a place at St Margaret's Infant School on the primary common application form through Medway, with the national deadline of 15 January. Where there are more applications than places, the school's published oversubscription criteria decide who is offered a place, typically starting with looked-after children and siblings. There is no separate entrance assessment. Always check the current admissions policy on the school's own website before you apply, because criteria can change year to year.
SEND at a glance
St Margaret's Infant School is a mainstream school, supporting pupils with SEND alongside their classmates through the graduated approach of assess, plan, do, review. The school's SEN information report is the authoritative source and is linked in the SEND section below.
Before and after school
For working families the school runs an on-site nursery. Session times, costs and availability are set by the school, so confirm them before you rely on a place.
St Margaret's Infant School contact details and location
You will find St Margaret's Infant School at Orchard Street, Rainham, Gillingham, Kent, ME8 9AE. The school office can be reached on 01634 231327. A map, directions and the school's own website link are on this page.
Ofsted inspection
Overall effectiveness
Last inspection: 14 May 2025
St Margaret's Infant School admissions and catchment area
No entrance test - you apply on the common application form
St Margaret's Infant School does not run its own entrance test. As an academy, its governing trust is the admissions authority and sets the arrangements within the national Admissions Code, while Medway Council coordinates applications and offers. Oversubscription criteria usually cover looked-after children, siblings, distance from the school, and (for faith schools) faith criteria.
Dates and criteria change each year - always confirm with the school and Medway Council. Medway school admissions →
How to apply
1. Apply on the common application form (autumn term before Reception)
Complete the Primary Common Application Form on the Medway Council website by mid-January - for September 2026 entry the window ran from Friday 7 November 2025 to Thursday 15 January 2026, and offers were emailed on Thursday 16 April 2026.
2. National Offer Day (mid-April)
You'll be told your allocated school by email - for 2026 entry KCC emailed offers on Thursday 16 April 2026 after 4pm, with offers visible online from 5pm.
3. Accept and, if needed, appeal
Accept your place by the given date. If you didn't get your preferred school, you have the right to appeal.
4. In-year admissions
Moving mid-year? In-year applications for an academy are usually made direct to the school - check its website for the in-year form, or contact Medway Council if you need help finding a place.
Didn't get a place? You can appeal
If St Margaret's Infant School is not offered on National Offer Day, you can appeal the decision. The appeal is heard by an independent panel and is free to submit.
How to appeal a school offerSt Margaret's Infant School results and attendance
KS2 results
N/A
A-Level results
N/A
Attendance
Free school meals
SEND support at St Margaret's Infant School
SEND setting
Mainstream school
For full details, visit the school's SEND information page.
Wraparound care and nursery at St Margaret's Infant School
Nursery
Yes
Breakfast club
Please check with the school
After-school club
Please check with the school
St Margaret's Infant School term dates: Medway standard term dates for 2026/27
These are Medway Council's standard term dates. Your school may use different dates and INSET days, so check the school's website before making plans.
Autumn 1 · 2026
1 Sep-23 Oct
Autumn 2 · 2026
2 Nov-18 Dec
Spring 1 · 2027
4 Jan-12 Feb
Spring 2 · 2027
22 Feb-25 Mar
Summer 1 · 2027
12 Apr-28 May
Summer 2 · 2027
7 Jun-21 Jul
St Margaret's Infant School: frequently asked questions
How do I apply for a place at St Margaret's Infant School?
Apply through Medway on the primary common application form by 15 January, naming St Margaret's Infant School as one of your preferences. Offers are made in April.
What is St Margaret's Infant School's Ofsted rating?
Ofsted rated St Margaret's Infant School Good at its inspection on 14 May 2025. You can open the full report from the inspection section of this page.
How big is St Margaret's Infant School and what ages does it take?
St Margaret's Infant School has around 299 pupils on roll and covers ages 3 to 7. It is a mixed school taking boys and girls.
What SEND support does St Margaret's Infant School offer?
St Margaret's Infant School is recorded as a mainstream school. The school's SEN information report has the current detail and is linked in the SEND section of this page.
Does St Margaret's Infant School have a nursery or wraparound care?
St Margaret's Infant School offers a nursery. Times, costs and availability are set by the school, so check directly before booking.
What are St Margaret's Infant School's term dates and INSET days?
St Margaret's Infant School follows the standard Medway pattern for 2026/27, set out term by term on this page. INSET days are set by the school itself, so confirm them on the school's own calendar.
Where is St Margaret's Infant School and how do I contact the school?
St Margaret's Infant School is at Orchard Street, Rainham, Gillingham, Kent, ME8 9AE. The office number is 01634 231327. A map and directions are on this page.
About this information. Compiled from published sources including the Department for Education, Ofsted and the school's own website. Last reviewed Summer 2026.
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Get my profile builtSchools near St Margaret's Infant School
The closest schools to ME8 9AE, measured from each school's own location.
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Miers Court Primary School
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Thames View Primary School
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Riverside Primary School
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St Thomas of Canterbury RC Primary School
Gillingham · Primary · 1.2 miles
Twydall Primary School
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