North London Collegiate School

Since 2023, Vicky Bingham, MA (Oxon), PGCE (Cantab). Mrs Bingham was educated at the European School in Brussels, taking the bilingual European Baccalaureate, before reading classics at Keble College, Oxford (where she was vice-president of the

At 11+, 70-75 new arrivals (a high proportion from the state sector), who join the 40 or so moving up from the junior school. The school sets its own papers in English and maths, with selected candidates invited for interview. ‘We’re looking for

About 10 per cent leave post GCSE. Those who remain do exceptionally well, with the large majority of 2025’s UK applicants proceeding to Russell Group universities. Medics in abundance (15 in 2025), with about 10 per cent going on to training in the

In 2025, 99 per cent 9-7 at I/GCSE; 86 per cent A*/A at A level (96 per cent A*-B).

From its earliest years, public exams have been an important feature of a North London education. (The school’s founder fought for girls to be able to sit exams at time when many thought them too fragile!) There was an awkward moment during the

Pupils here are, of course, all academically able, but the school is vigilant about spotting and addressing learning difficulties as high-performing students can mask problems when younger. Once a need is identified, an effective plan is put in

A fundamental strand of a North London education is helping girls ‘develop fulfilling lives’ – ‘It’s depressing when the sole purpose of education is just to prepare you for work,’ says the head. ‘It’s to prepare you for life’ – and the

North London has traditionally been a solidly, but not overwhelmingly, sporty school, but the head – concerned that too many girls drop games in adolescence – has shifted the dial. ‘We’re now aiming to be in the top five girls’ schools for sport in

The school has an attentive approach to pastoral care, with each form allocated two tutors. (‘Having a second is really beneficial, and we think carefully about how they’re paired.’) Younger pupils are given talks about emotional regulation;

A clear mobile phone policy is a really important part of modern schooling. This school has provided us with their policy.

The parent body is made up largely of affluent, business and professional families, though there are also those making considerable sacrifices to ensure their daughters get the best. The head believes there is a relatively good socio-economic mix,

The school has always prided itself on being affordable and commendably managed to contain the post-VAT fee increase to 12 per cent. Means-tested bursaries, funded by income from North London’s international partner schools in Dubai, Singapore, Kobe

A high-flying school for super bright, confident, high-achieving and indefatigable girls ready to throw themselves into everything and make the most of the opportunities school – and life – have to offer.