St Helen and St Katharine

Since September 2025 Mrs Sarah Rollings, previously headmistress of Heathfield School, Ascot. She holds a first class degree from Brunel University in secondary education with geography and PE as well as a master’s in educational leadership and

First intake is into year 5 (16 places); eight more in year 6. Main intake is at 11+ (70 places) and then 13+ with a further 16 spots. At every point, taster day, interview, written assessment and reference from current school. Sixth form applicants

Majority stay for sixth form, particularly now that gorgeous new sixth form centre offers a sense of growing up; a few heads inevitably turned by co-ed or boarding. Durham, Exeter, Edinburgh, Birmingham, UCL, King’s College London, Nottingham and St

In 2025, 92 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 64 per cent A*/A at A level (87 per cent A*-B).

Academic life here is pacey; bright-eyed students thrive on high expectations. ‘There are some who are quiet about how great they are, and some who are less quiet, but they’re all great,’ says one parent. The youngest – known as ‘Helkittens’, bless

Up to 15 per cent of students have diagnosed SEN, supported through one-to-ones or small group sessions. Joined-up advice around eg which universities would suit a student with additional needs; ‘all her teachers have been brilliant, not just the

More than 300 music lessons run each week. Beyond that, all the choirs, orchestras and ensembles that you’d hope for with lots of opportunities to perform or (you guessed it) compete: U14s recently reached final of Pro Corda national chamber music

Transformed in the last ten years, and now right up there when it comes to prowess on the girls’ school scene. Lacrosse, netball, cricket for everybody until year 9, at which stage students choose from a wide range of activities. Netball and tennis

Arriving at the school’s main building, a pretty, Edwardian affair, we were struck by the happy bustle of breaktime, students thronging the corridors, hooting with laughter, discussing the morning’s events, eating cookies. With just under 100 in a

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

‘Hardworking good eggs’ is how teachers describe students; indeed they are cheerful, sparky, aware of their privilege and making the best of it. Parents are professionals, mostly dual income, not swish. Not especially multicultural, either (not

Fees historically low in the area and remain relatively reasonable. Scholarships carry ‘modest’ financial value. Means-tested bursaries (up to 100 per cent) available from year 7. Transformational bursaries available in sixth form to those applying

Helkats have a hunger about them, and not just for those legendary cookies. This is a place that bustles with energy and opportunity, nurturing both independence and a sense of belonging, keeping busy students on their toes yet firmly grounded. ‘I’m