Ages 
This is a school unwaveringly committed to girls-only education. Girls are confident, sensibly discursive, have views and voice them. We sensed this everywhere. We also sensed a driven desire to achieve, coupled with a perception on their part that anything was possible.
Why read our school review?
Unlike other websites, schools can't pay to be included in The Good Schools Guide. This means our review of this school is independent, critical and fair, and written with parents' best interests at heart.
Unlock to accessSpark your child’s love of reading with FREE gifts
Get three months of First News digital for free and £5 off Scholastic books when you read our school reviews.
Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 427 ·
- Sixth form numbers
- 87 ·
- Religion
- None
- Fees
- £24,468 pa
- Local authority
- Royal Borough of Greenwich Council
- Linked schools
Headteacher
Head
Natalie Argile
Since February 2023, Natalie Argile, who hails from Glasgow. Studied chemistry (BSc and master’s) at Newcastle, then taught in Kent. Describing herself as ‘a people person’, she says she was ‘pulled towards teaching from the age of nine and a half’.
Entrance
Entry at 11+ following test and interview. Around 80 per cent of the cohort come from sister junior school on the other side of the heath; the remaining 40 per cent from other local prep and primary schools. A small number (typically about four or
- Open days
- October, November and March
Exit
Around 30 per cent leave after GSCEs, mainly to local co-ed or ‘just for a change’, although numbers staying are growing. ‘Probably because the new facilities are so great,’ according to one parent. ‘The head’s very aspirational about the sixth
Latest results
In 2025, 76 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 40 per cent A*/A at A level (84 per cent A*-B).
A level - Average points score (2024)
What is this?
These figures tell you the average grade and average points that pupils achieved in their academic qualifications. A maximum of 60 points are available for a grade A* at A level.
Teaching & learning
Large, state-of-the-art classrooms with moderate class sizes, averaging about 23. No setting except in maths from year 8 and in science from year 10 (split by those taking double or triple science – around 35 per cent take the latter). Languages
- Qualifications taken in 2024
- A level
- EPQ
- GCSE
Learning support & SEN
School endeavours to be ’very inclusive’ and, by all accounts, succeeds, with minimal setting and discreet invitation to the stretch classes in maths and English. Personalised support also available for the 23 per cent on the SEN register, mostly
Arts & extracurricular
Music central, quite literally, to school life, with fresh, modern rooms in a new development in the heart of the school. More than 60 per cent learn an instrument and girls are offered five free taster lessons to allow them to experience different
Sport
The school has its own sports hall, dance studio (in former chapel), fitness centre, Astro and playground although most sport takes place in the school’s own more extensive sports ground about a mile away, at Kidbrooke Grove. Chief winter sports are
Ethos & heritage
Started in 1880 and opened by Princess Louise, one of Queen Victoria’s daughters. Became one of the largest of the GDST schools. Evacuated during the war, it returned to Blackheath but outgrew its premises (now the junior school) and moved to its
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
‘I love it here,’ reflected a new year 12 girl. ‘I thought it was going to be really difficult changing school but everybody’s so nice – really normal.’ Echoed in normal, sensible and smart uniform, featuring striped shirts, adaptable to accommodate
Mobile phone policy
A clear mobile phone policy is a really important part of modern schooling. This school has provided us with their policy.
Mobile phone policy
Provided by the school and not part of our review At junior school, any phones or devices must be handed in to the school office at registration and at senior school smart phones and other mobile devices must be switched off and are locked away in individual student Yondr pouches during morning registration. Students are not permitted to use their phones for the duration of the day – phones can be accessed again when leaving school.
Pupils & parents
Girls we met were curious, polite, open-minded and balanced. School has always been very local, but a few girls come from further afield, some from Kent. Most walk, cycle or scoot their way in. Parents, most of whom are dual income professionals
Money matters
Fees more moderate than comparable London girls’ senior schools. All entrants are automatically considered for an academic scholarship on entry into year 7, and there are subject-specific scholarships in art, drama, music and sports, worth up to 50
- Fee information
- £24,468 pa
The last word
This is a school unwaveringly committed to girls-only education. Girls are confident, sensibly discursive, have views and voice them. We sensed this everywhere. We also sensed a driven desire to achieve, coupled with a perception on their part that
