With its humble beginnings in a shophouse along North Bridge Road in 1842, St Margaret's School was founded by Mrs Maria Dyer, a missionary from London. Like Methodist Girls' School, St Margaret's called Mount Sophia home from 1861 to 1959 where it was a full school serving students from primary one to secondary four, complete with boarding house. Originally named the Chinese Girls School, it was renamed in 1900 by the Church of England Zenanah Missionary Society (CEZMS) as the CEZMS School. During WWII, the school building was severely damaged and after the war, the Bishop of Singapore renamed the school St. Margaret's School after Queen Margaret of Scotland. In 1960, the secondary section separated from its junior section and St Margaret's Secondary School moved to its current location at Farrer Road.
Marker Text: In 1824, Mrs Dyer of the London Missionary Society established Singapore’s first girls school, the Chinese Girls’ School. Located at North Bridge Road, the home and school for orphan girls, especially for “Mui Tsai” victims, taught home-making skills, the Christian faith and English elementary education. In 1861, the school moved to 134 Sophia Road, It took the name CEZMS school in 1900 when it came under the management of Church of England Zenana Missionary Society. The name, St Margaret’s School, was only adopted after World War II. In 1960, the secondary section of the school moved to Farrer Road while the primary section remained in the building until it was finally demolished in 1984.