Ages 
An impressive school providing a stimulating academic education with outstanding teaching and results delivered in a holistic environment which supports wellbeing and reinforces pupils’ obligation to the world around them.
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 1,321 ·
- Sixth form numbers
- 394 ·
- Religion
- Christian
- Fees
- £31,575 pa
- Local authority
- London Borough of Haringey
- Linked schools
Headteacher
Head
Mr Adam S Pettitt
Since 2006, Adam Pettitt, MA. Originally from Hailsham, East Sussex, Mr Pettitt attended a local comprehensive and sixth-form college before reading modern and mediaeval languages (French and German) at Oxford. Immediately on graduation, he started
Entrance
Heavily oversubscribed at all entry points. Just over 100 move up from the junior school at 11+ and are joined by 85 – selected from about 800 who take the assessment – new additions. The assessment consists of two rounds - first one involves maths,
- Open days
- September, October
Exit
About 10 per cent leave after GCSEs, generally for the state sector. Post A level, about 80 per cent to Russell Group universities, with 26 to Oxbridge in 2025. Bristol, Edinburgh and Durham among other popular options. Strong support for university
Latest results
In 2025, 95 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 80 per cent A*/A at A level (92 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
The school aims to be a place for ‘learning and scholarship’, and a carefully considered and rigorous curriculum offered throughout. Very broad subject choice from the outset, with 15 subjects taken up to year 9, narrowed to 10 at GCSE to keep the
- Qualifications taken in 2024
- A level
- EPQ
- GCSE
Learning support & SEN
Highgate is an academically selective school only accepting those it feels confident can benefit from and enjoy the education it provides and, inevitably, special-needs support reflects this perspective. All year 7 pupils screened, and head of
Arts & extracurricular
Art and design particularly well served in a dedicated block, a former boarding house now converted to classrooms, workshops and gallery space, with facilities for every aspect of the design process. Big take-up of art and design at both GCSE and A
Sport
Few London schools have Highgate’s expanse of playing fields, a legacy of its boarding-school past, and these are supplemented by a large sports centre with refurbished indoor pool, large gym, strength and conditioning room, squash and fives courts.
Ethos & heritage
Founded as the Free Grammar School of Sir Roger Cholmeley, Knight In 1565 – former pupils are known as Old Cholmeleians – the name was changed to Highgate School in the late 19th century, and the senior school retains the Victorian red-brick ‘public
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
The head is propelled by a sharply focused moral and educational philosophy that informs the school’s pastoral care and approach to mental health. ‘When I am talking to prospective parents, I stress the importance of living a childhood, being a
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 Mobile phone use is prohibited during the school day for pupils in years 7 – 11, and no phones should be visible at any time. For pupils in years 12-13, devices can be used in the sixth form common rooms and, for essential educational reasons, in the library. Other personal electronic devices, such as smart watches, fall under the same rules as mobile phones.
Pupils & parents
Most pupils live locally – in Highgate, Muswell Hill, Crouch End, Hampstead, Islington, etc – but the school’s growing reputation has broadened the catchment to central London and beyond. Parents are largely professionals (lots of lawyers),
Money matters
A generous bursary pot allows for several fully funded places per year for entrants at 11+ and 16+. Music awards available at 11+ and 16+. Fees have risen recently due to inflation and may need to rise further, but the school is well placed to
- Fee information
- £31,575 pa
The last word
An impressive school providing a stimulating academic education with outstanding teaching and results delivered in a holistic environment which supports wellbeing and reinforces pupils’ obligation to the world around them.
