WHAT? WHERE?

St Michael’s School is a non-selective Nursery and Prep School for girls and boys aged 3-11. Known for its academic achievements (it’s a leading feeder for local grammar schools and is rated excellent all round in its latest ISI report), but also for its fun, friendly atmosphere and community-focus.

A former girls’ convent school dating back more than 100 years (its Centenary was celebrated in 2022), it’s set on a hillside in charming Leigh-on-Sea. Edged by the Thames estuary, this is the Essex hot spot Londoners have been relocating to in droves, attracted by the buzzy coffee shops, bars and restaurants along the Broadway and appealing house prices (it’s one of Muddy’s Best Places to Live in the county).

A series of bright white red-roofed buildings standing proud on quiet Hadleigh Road above Old Leigh, the school’s outward appearance belies its Tardis-like interior.

FACILITIES

Given its fairly compact site, St Michael’s has made exceptionally good use of space, with a pre-nursery, nursery, two classrooms per year group, refectory, main hall, zen zone, drama space, music room, and even its own spacious 1930s chapel.

A small, well-stocked library is a bonus, with children (and their parents, post-school) encouraged to spend time there reading, curled up on a bean bag or sat on a mushroom stool.

The science set up is impressive – a light-filled room stocked with hexagon-shaped tables and all the kit – and a design technology room with numerous ovens, hobs and sinks is a great place for kids to learn some life skills alongside the academics (they even have a MasterChef comp). I was particularly impressed with the dramatic, black-painted space for drama set high in the eves, where I spotted children at break time clearly having a brilliant time.

SPORT

It might not have acres of playing fields but St Michael’s sure makes an impact on the local sports scene, taking part in all manner of competitions from dodgeball to tag rugby.

Some activities take place in the two playgrounds and main hall (when I visited an athletics course was being competitively attempted by two sets of enthusiastic teams), while for tag rugby, football, cross country running and other field sports, the children jump on a coach to nearby Belfairs Park.

All pupils get the chance to learn to swim – from Year 2 children are taken off-site to go swimming once a week at a local leisure centre, which is included in the school fees.

THE ARTS

The art department at St Michael’s is exceptional and headed by working artist and teacher Claire Hankey. It’s a light, bright space with walls decorated in inspirational work plus plenty of space to spread out and create – I spotted a table covered in a small army of peg soldiers, which the children had produced inspired by Armistice Day.

Mrs Hankey brings in visiting artists, such as a sculptor for a 3D project which resulted in a local exhibition and went on to be displayed in London’s National Gallery. Quite the coup.

The music department is the beating heart of the school. There’s a main music room, which is well-stocked with instruments, plus various smaller rooms for private lessons, and one-on-one sessions also take place around the school. During my tour I saw various children concentrating hard at cello, drum and piano lessons during their lunch breaks.

Budding musicians can join the school’s two orchestras and choir, but confidence through drama and music are developed early for all pupils at St Michael’s School, thanks to annual whole school productions and informal music concerts, where children mastering an instrument are invited to play for parents in the school hall.

Miss Cook, the school’s Royal Ballet-trained dance teacher, recently led a troop of performers to victory in an ISA dance competition, and the drama department’s equally as driven with lively lessons, club sessions and after school LAMDA training.

LITTLIES

The pre-nursery is a sweet space for up to ten children filled with colourful toys and soft furnishings, while the nursery (which has its own entrance) is an airy, open-plan haven with pictures of the children beaming on the walls, soft star rugs, large windows and access to the playground.

However it’s not all play, nursery-aged children get the chance to dabble in French, music, drama and PE and are very much part of main school life. There’s tech too; think posh new interactive screens and CCTV for children’s safety.

Little kids at St Michael's School in Essex

Lunch is brought from the refectory in darling little trays and enjoyed at the nursery’s communal table, I witnessed them tucking into broccoli, beans and beef burgers with relish (and surprisingly little mess)..

ACADEMICS

Boy on a computer at St Michael's School in Essex

Sets are introduced early at St Michael’s School. It’s a clever solution to bring children up to speed before they leave, as lower sets have an adult-to-child ratio of 1 to 10, meaning pupils who need a boost really benefit from the extra attention they need to succeed.

St Michael’s isn’t an exam-passing factory, however pupils do tend to move on to some of the best state, grammar and independent schools in the area. It’s 11+ results are impressive, hence it’s a feeder for Southend and Westcliff grammar schools, while other pupils head off to selective schools such as New Hall and Brentwood, or excellent nearby comprehensives like King John School.

Learning feels like it’s made easier here, with every child being given a Chromebook and a helping hand from the get go. As a new member of staff told me in passing, every pupil has the chance to be a spotlight child.

There are specialist teachers for music, art, dance, games, science, maths and languages – pupils start off learning French and then move on to Spanish, plus there’s a Japanese club too.

PASTORAL CARE

More than an add on, it’s an integral part of the school, including Worry Boxes (where children can post any concerns they have) and a Rainbow Room. Staffed daily by Lorraine or Trudy (she’s been at the school for more than 33 years and seemed a warm, friendly character when we chatted), it’s a place children can off-load any worries or anxieties they’re experiencing at school or home.

The school’s also created an outside Zen Zone from a pocket of space behind the library, where children can enjoy a bit of quiet time during break. Plus there’s the delightful Woodland Room for further peace and additional SEND learning.

THE HEAD

Headmaster of St Michael's School, James Mobbs

James Mobbs arrived at St Michael’s five years ago from St Christopher’s The Hall School in Kent, where he’d previously been deputy head.

He’s involved in all aspects of school life and isn’t above rolling up his sleeves and helping out with break duty or teaching. A firm believer that school should be about educating the whole child, his implementation of things like the Zen Zone and Worry Boxes show he knows just how important pastoral care is in a modern school. His motto? Happy children learn best, and I don’t think any parent would disagree.

Looking to the future, he’s keen to get the school playground resurfaced and is investigating the possibility of utilising another building adjacent to the school site.

QUIRKS

Maggie, the school’s therapy Cockapoodle, is a firm favourite with pupils, who all get a chance to spend time with her (apparently some even read to her!).

It’s an all-inclusive school, meaning the fee includes, well, pretty much everything from clubs to meals and even a final year trip to France. No hidden costs? How refreshing.

WRAP-AROUND CARE

Children can be dropped off from 7.30am for Early Morning Care (£6 per session) and there’s After School Care (£8 per session) from 4-5pm and Extended After School Care, 5-6pm, for Reception to Year 6 pupils (£10 per session including a light supper). There are also dozens of after-school clubs to choose from, most of which are included in the school fees.

ISI REPORT

The latest inspection took place in 2023, which was excellent all round.

FEES

Pre-School, from £2,819 (without funding) per term; reception, £3,450; Years 1-2, £4,032; Years 3-4, £4,354; Years 5-6, £4,837.

WORD ON THE GROUND

St Michael’s School is loved locally. Many former pupils have sent their own children there, and some have even returned to teach, adding to the community vibe. If you want to check it out for yourself their next Open Morning is on Sat 12 Oct from 10am-12pm.

THE MUDDY VERDICT

Good for: Anyone looking for a small, friendly Prep school that caters for (and nurtures) all types of children, whether academic, artsy, sporty, or all three!

Not for: If your idea of the perfect Prep is a red brick mansion set in a hundred acres of leafy grounds, it might not appeal.

St Michael’s School, 198 Hadleigh Road, Leigh on Sea, Essex SS9 2LP

St Michael’s School, Leigh-on-Sea

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