Margaret’s, Singapore’s oldest girls school, was established in 1842 by Mrs Maria Dyer of the London Missionary Society. It was originally named the Chinese Girls’ School. Orphan girls who were mui tsai (girls sold to servitude) were given an education in English and were taught home-making skills and the Christian faith at the school. In 1861, the school moved from North Bridge Road to 134 Sophia Road. In 1900, it came under the auspices of the Church of England Zenana Missionary Society and was known as CEZMS School. After World War II, the name was changed to St. Margaret’s School. In 1960, the secondary school moved to 111 Farrer Road, while the primary school remained at Sophia Road. Today, St. Margaret’s vision of character-building prevails. As an established, dynamic school, she continues to stimulate minds and nurture lives to produce women of Charity, Patience and Devotion.
