Northampton High School GDST

Since July 2022, Dr May Lee, previously director of sixth form and outreach at Queen’s Gate School, London. Grew up in Hong Kong, read geography at King’s College London and has a PhD in urban rivers and engineering. Independent girls’ schools are

Over 95 (often 100) per cent of girls move up from the junior school, joined by up to 50 girls from local preps and state schools. All take Atom Learning assessments in English, maths, VR and NVR – as do the few that join in year 9, as well as the

Around 60 per cent retention at year 11, the rest leaving due to relocation, for mixed state sixth forms (often for financial reasons) or to board. The odd one takes a more vocational direction, eg equestrian. Virtually all sixth formers to

In 2025, 58 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 40 per cent A*/A at A level (72 per cent A*-B).

Robust but not pressurised, say parents, with tons of support including revision and drop-in clubs. Flexible too: ‘My daughter changed her mind about one of her A level options last minute and both departments were so accommodating. Two weeks later,

Our tour guides proudly pointed out the colourful umbrellas hanging from the vast school reception, part of the Umbrella Project that raises awareness around neurodiversity; it’s clearly doing the trick. Around 19 per cent on the SEN register, so the

The GCSE artwork on display was evidence that the head of art is keeping her promise of encouraging self-expression. ‘Women’s rights are human rights,’ proclaimed one thought-provoking piece that questioned if, for example, make-up is a mask and

Undoubtedly a strength, and that goes for the elite end too. As for whether the school is a comfortable place for the less sporty, the jury is out. ‘I was surprised by just how much of a sporty school it is, and I think you’d feel the pressure from

Wellbeing HQ is the big news here. Shared between juniors and seniors, this calming space has it all – beanbags, mindfulness colouring books and Lego, plus private rooms where girls can book in a chat with the famous Mrs G, the wellbeing

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

Girls are chatty, smart and sophisticated. It was almost a relief to see one older group get a serious case of the giggles. A fleet of minibuses brings them in from as far afield as Leicestershire, Warwickshire, Bedfordshire and Oxfordshire. Parents

Up to 10 per cent of girls are on means-tested bursaries of up to 100 per cent, offered through the GDST from year 7. Two HSBC scholarships of full fees to girls from the state sector. Scholarships for ‘flair spirit and reach’ – no fee remittance,

A small, polished and spacious school known for its academics and sports, but that offers so much more. With plenty of girls spending their whole school life on one site, there’s a real feeling of community and a journey of learning. These girls,