Ages 
A stimulating, largely local north London school that nurtures sassy girls who are not afraid to be themselves and stand up for what they believe. For the feisty, not the faint-hearted. A place where it is cool to be clever but where everyone is also encouraged to give their best to everything that matters and true to the adage that the more you put in the more you will get out.
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Unlike other websites, schools can't pay to be included in The Good Schools Guide. This means our review of this school is independent, critical and fair, and written with parents' best interests at heart.
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 700 ·
- Sixth form numbers
- 170 ·
- Religion
- None
- Fees
- £27,410 pa
- Local authority
- London Borough of Camden
- Linked schools
Headteacher
Head
Mrs Anna Paul
Since September 2023, Anna Paul. Previously senior deputy head at Godolphin & Latymer, where she was responsible for overseeing pastoral care. She studied English literature at Durham University and then did a PGCE at Cambridge. An English teacher by
Entrance
Selective, competitive entry at all points. At 11+ more than 600 girls apply for 55 places to join the 46 or so who have moved up (without having to take an exam) from the junior school. Increasing numbers join from local state primary schools. ‘We
- Open days
- See website
Exit
Fewer people leaving post-GCSEs; sixth formers say the experience is sufficiently different to keep them where they are. Leavers’ choices usually include UCS, Westminster and state sixth forms (Marylebone and Camden popular).
After sixth form,
Latest results
In 2024, 94 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 75 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
Parents we spoke to confessed to being initially drawn to the school by its academic reputation, known to be one of the more aspirational choices in the area; they want measurable results for their daughters and they are not disappointed. Like many
- Qualifications taken in 2024
- A level
- EPQ
- GCSE
Learning support & SEN
A student here with any learning need will also need to have initiative. Assistance from the ‘head of academic support and mentoring’ can range from low level – using a laptop, for example, and implementing strategies in the classroom, checking in
Arts & extracurricular
Parents highlight music immediately as being ‘phenomenal’. The music school bursts with instruments of every description (we were particularly struck by the shiny percussion section, xylophone and African drums) and a cacophony of sound. Most girls
Sport
Sport has developed by leaps and bounds in recent years. South Hampstead is now speeding down the inside track and starting to give fellow GDST rivals a run for their money. When we visited the school had beaten the giantesses of the London
Ethos & heritage
Founded in 1876, South Hampstead High School was the ninth school to be established as part of the Girls’ Day School Trust and Anna Paul is its 13th headmistress in a long and formidable line of women.
Since we last visited, the site has had a
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
Pastoral care is overseen by the formidable and imposing senior deputy head whose awe-inspiring presence is undiminished by her utterly adorable, tiny cavapoo, Maple (integral to the strategy), who scurries along behind her long stride. ‘Discipline
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 In the senior school, pupils in Years 7 - 11 are strictly forbidden from using their phones during the school day; devices are confiscated for the remainder of the day if seen. Sixth formers are permitted to use their phones in the Sixth Form building only and are encouraged to do so responsibly. We also provide comprehensive education on online safety and healthy phone use for all pupils.
Pupils & parents
They can be summarised in three words: edgy, bright and highbrow. Notable alumnae say it all and include Rabbi Julia Neuberger, Fay Weldon, Helena Bonham Carter, Lynne Featherstone MP, Suzy Klein, Olivia Williams, Naomi Alderman and a plethora of
Money matters
Academic and music scholarships, plus means-tested bursaries of up to 100 per cent, available at 11+ and 16+. Art and drama scholarships also available at 16+ and sport scholarships at 11+. One in five of the intake into year 7 for September 2022 are
- Fee information
- £27,410 pa
The last word
A stimulating, largely local north London school that nurtures sassy girls who are not afraid to be themselves and stand up for what they believe. For the feisty, not the faint-hearted. A place where it is cool to be clever but where everyone is also
