Pipers Corner School

Since 2007, Helen Ness-Gifford. Studied English at the University of Exeter followed by PGCE from Cambridge. Taught English then became head of year at St Albans High School for Girls, followed by head of English for 12 years at Queenswood

Full to bursting with waiting lists in most year groups. Small pre-prep with first come first served entry at 4+. Intake swells in year 3 with girls in the most part from state primaries. In year 6, numbers double from 20 to 40 and goes to two form

Automatic entry from year 6 into seniors. Around 40 per cent depart after GCSEs – mostly to boarding schools, co-ed or local grammars. Vast majority of sixth formers to university, 80 per cent to Russell Group such as Manchester, Birmingham and

In 2024, 50 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 33 per cent A*/A (75 per cent A*-B) at A level. In 2023, 50 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 48 per cent A*/A (82 per cent A*-B) at A level.

Pre-prep is housed in a homey purpose-built space with plenty of time in the garden. Inside, classrooms are colourful and cosy with a tiny 8-14 per year at capacity. A sense of fun and adventure underpins the play-based learning while specialist

Students with additional needs are offered places if they can meet school’s ability profile and their needs can be catered for within a mainstream setting and classroom. Led by a chartered educational psychologist, the department supports students

The fabulous and sleek arts centre, built in 2016, is a creative hive and could easily serve a city. One parent told us, ‘Our daughter loves drama and the facilities, teaching and productions here are renowned.’ Here are several flexible teaching/

Key sports are netball, hockey and swimming. A 25-metre swimming pool (check out the bee mural by New York artist, Matt Willey which runs along an exterior wall) means everyone swims weekly, more often for the keen beans. Juniors have success at

Responding to the increase in need for mental health support since Covid, there is designated wellbeing hub staffed by a head of wellbeing. The room itself has a scandic vibe with neutral walls, green plants, calming classical music, mental health

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

Parents mostly well-heeled though about half are now dual income. Some flashy cars at pick up but certainly not all. While no formal PTA, plenty of fundraising socials and opportunities to mix with other parents, particularly lower down the school.

Year 7 scholarships in academics, art, drama, music and PE – worth up to 50 per cent of the fees. Means tested bursaries (which can be in addition to scholarships) available up to 100 per cent. Some scholarships also available in sixth form.

A tucked away treasure! Pipers Corner is a traditional girls’ all-through school with acres of land and astounding facilities. Abundant learning opportunities and adept teaching provide fertile ground for curious young minds to take root and flourish