St Albans High School for Girls

Since April 2025, Ann Massey, previously deputy head of Eltham College since 2017. Before that, she spent 16 years at James Allen’s Girls’ School as a history and politics teacher, assistant head of section, SENCo and head of lower school. Grew up in

There are 130 places in year 7 (no year 9 entry for girls coming from co-ed preps). Heavily oversubscribed (around three applicants for every place) and highly academically selective, with number of applications increasing every year and high

Majority stay after GCSEs, with those that leave seeking co-ed (steady trickle to St Albans School each year), boarding or just a change of scene. All to higher ed at 18, with nine to Oxbridge in 2025 and five medics/dentists/vets. School says focus

In 2025, 85 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 72 per cent A*/A at A level (92 per cent A*-B).

We identified school mantra as ‘challenge for all’ and ambition is found in spades in all departments, underpinned by head leading the charge in ‘encouraging rather than pushing’ pupils. Although the sixth formers we met described a ‘balanced

School doesn’t claim to offer outstanding SEN provision and parents we spoke to thought there was definitely ‘work to do’ in this area, although head says assessment is ‘more scientific than it used to be’ and there is now a full time SENCo on staff.

Firing on all cylinders across the board. All aspects of school life held together by collective enthusiasm and a positive, ‘can-do’ attitude. We love an inspirational art department – especially one with an artist in residence – and STAHS didn’t

Despite urban location – games pitches are a 10-minute walk from school – there’s plenty on offer and school focused on ‘every student participating’. There’s Competitive (note capital C) netball (with A-E teams so everyone who wants to play, can)

Increased focus on placing mental wellbeing and happiness at the heart of the school, but with a thoroughly common-sensical approach under new head and recently appointed mental health and wellness lead: ‘We aim to normalise the ups and downs of

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

Students come mainly from dual income, hard-working families, many City workers and from the professions. Despite school moving in the same circles as Habs, NLCS et al, the majority of parents do not, with most still living relatively locally. A

Generous bursary pot with means tested support of up to 100 per cent available. Bursaries available in years 7 and 12, with around 10 to 15 per cent of cohort receiving some level of support, majority of these on 75 per cent or more. Academic, drama,

Now firmly established as a contender in the London academic day school scene, we were relieved to see that the school has taken back the pastoral reins without lifting foot from academic throttle.