Ages 
‘Fearless’ teaching and learning, encouraging girls to step out of their comfort zone and be ‘10 per cent braver’, is reaping academic rewards. It is a useful life lesson too, but not at the expense of school being fun. Girls throw themselves into all aspects of school life, and teacher commitment goes way beyond the classroom. ‘I’ll sing the school’s praises from the rooftops,’ says parent. ‘A grown-up place with a warm core’, says another.
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 641 ·
- Sixth form numbers
- 138 ·
- Religion
- None
- Fees
- £31,662 pa
- Local authority
- London Borough of Haringey
- Linked schools
Headteacher
Headmistress
Lindsey Hughes
Since 2020, Lindsey Hughes, previously deputy head of Lady Eleanor Holles. Educated at Cheltenham Ladies’ College and president elect (2025-2026) of the Girls’ Schools Association, it may not be a surprise that she is a fervent believer in the power
Entrance
Main point of entry at 11+ (four or five forms, 100-120 girls), after entrance exam and interview. All girls interviewed regardless of performance in exam as ‘everyone can have an off day’. Reference from primary school also important. Entrance from
- Open days
- Throughout the year, check school website
Exit
Some girls leave after GCSE, tempted by co-ed or state sixth forms (Woodhouse, Camden School for Girls, LaSWAP). Those who decide to stay on for sixth form ‘have no regrets’, appreciating the individual attention, valued relationships with ‘even more
Latest results
In 2025, 81 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 66 per cent A*/A at A level (94 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
‘Fearless Learning’ is the mantra, encouraging girls to give it a go, to learn from their mistakes, to be proactive. ‘Conabor’ (I shall try) is the school motto.Teachers too are encouraged to be fearless, sharing research and excellent practice at
- Qualifications taken in 2024
- A level
- EPQ
- GCSE
Learning support & SEN
SENCo, along with two specialist support teachers, assists with any special need, from mild dyslexia to profound deafness. Parents told us how learning support team ‘takes an interest’, ‘follows through’, ‘checks in with girls regularly’; if a parent
Arts & extracurricular
The bright, light-filled stairwell is a gallery of large-scale, impressive artwork – a taste of what is to come when you step into the art room with a view on the top floor. ‘Likeable, warm, encouraging’ head of art gives girls the freedom to explore
Sport
Head is on a mission to cast aside the historic notion that Channing is not a sporty school. There is still a way to go, but a boosted PE department, additions to the ChanVan fleet, more fixtures (including the first ever U18 football match) and new
Ethos & heritage
The only Unitarian school in the UK, founded in 1885 by Miss Emily and Miss Matilda Sharpe, and the Reverend Robert Spears, to educate the daughters of Unitarian ministers. Close links with Rosslyn Hill Unitarian chapel in Hampstead, and a deep
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
‘Building relationships rather than creating conflict’ is the way girls are encouraged to think and talk about their actions rather than being disciplined for them; previous rules around tied-back hair and skirt length abandoned in favour of
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 Channing School has implemented a new mobile phone policy, requiring students to lock their phones in Yondr pouches upon arrival and keep them inaccessible until the end of the school day. This change aims to combat the addictive nature of mobile phones, improve student concentration and enhance overall wellbeing by fostering engagement with school activities and peers. The cost of the pouch is £25 for the first year and £15 for subsequent years, and contact between students and parents will be facilitated through the school office if needed.
Pupils & parents
Parent body ‘very local’, most living within a four-mile radius. Girls are encouraged to use public transport (excellent bus routes) or to walk to school. Parents described as ‘an international bunch, from everywhere’, reflecting the ever-changing
Money matters
Music scholarships, applied for separately (grade 5 with merit minimum), include free tuition on one instrument and up to 50 per cent off fees. Sixth form art, music and academic scholarships (the latter after an exam in critical thinking, logic and
- Fee information
- £31,662 pa
The last word
‘Fearless’ teaching and learning, encouraging girls to step out of their comfort zone and be ‘10 per cent braver’, is reaping academic rewards. It is a useful life lesson too, but not at the expense of school being fun. Girls throw themselves into
