Ages 
A small, warm and kind school where children reach their potential in a wonderful setting. Emphasis is on a family feel and making full use of its space, both inside and out. New dynamic leadership and a move towards co-ed are proof it’s not complacent but you can rest assured it will never join the north London pressure cookers – ‘They focus on the journey itself, not just the destination,’ said a parent.
Why read our school review?
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.
Unlock to accessSpark your child’s love of reading with FREE gifts
Get three months of First News digital for free and £5 off Scholastic books when you read our school reviews.
Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 496 ·
- Sixth form numbers
- 73 ·
- Offers boarding
- Yes ·
- Religion
- None
- Fees
- Day £26,622; Boarding £43,575 - £50,631 pa
- Local authority
- Hertfordshire County Council
- Area guides
- Linked schools
Headteacher
Head
Mrs Lara Péchard
Since 2020, Lara Péchard BA MA PGCE. Studied the IB at Anglo European School, Ingatestone. Degree in modern history and politics with economics and an MA in US history, both from Southampton (Erasmus scholar in second year, studying history at the
Entrance
Half of the year 7s come up from juniors (automatic entry unless school thinks they won’t cope); the rest are external applicants. Online CEM test and an interview in the autumn term of year 6. Smaller cohort joins in year 9, and school is ‘happy to
- Open days
- September and June
Exit
About half decamp after GCSEs, mainly for the excellent local state grammars or for co-ed (school hopes that will change now that they’re co-ed too). Vast majority of year 13s to university, around 80 per cent to Russell Group. King’s College London,
Latest results
In 2025, 43 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 37 per cent A*/A at A level (65 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
Relationships with teachers are the magic ingredient. ‘Small and nurturing rather than pushy and hothouse,’ summed up a parent. ‘A lovely school – the children like their teachers and like their lessons,’ said another. Pupils talk about their
- Qualifications taken in 2024
- A level
- EPQ
- GCSE
Learning support & SEN
The SENCo (shared by junior and senior school) and her assistants are praised by parents for really getting to grips with pupils’ diagnoses and recommendations, then training up and guiding the teaching staff, as well as sharing relevant data. ‘All
Arts & extracurricular
Floor-to-ceiling windows were being fitted onto the new music block on the day of our visit – this bright contemporary space will have a performance area, music classrooms and practice pods with all the mod cons. Singing is big here, with multiple
Sport
On the up, thanks to a new director of sport who has grand plans to redevelop the 60 acres of playing fields as cricket and rugby grow across the school. Watch out too for the rise of water polo alongside the existing busy schedule of swimming galas
Boarders
Around 10 per cent board – vast majority are full boarders, with less than a handful weekly, though school is looking to change that (and flexi was on hold due to Covid). Most are international – from China, Hong Kong, Japan, Nigeria, Italy and
Ethos & heritage
Founded in 1749 as a charitable foundation to help orphans, making it one of the oldest independent girls’ schools in the country. In 1895, it swapped its St John’s Wood plot for one in more rural Bushey, commissioning Alfred Waterhouse – one of the
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
This is a small school where teachers know every child – and if that’s not as good a start as you can get pastorally, we don’t know what is. ‘They understand their needs – nothing really gets missed,’ said a parent. Form tutors and heads of year keep
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 Mobile phones may be brought to school by pupils from year 7 upwards but use for any purpose including listening to music during the school day (8am to 6pm) including at break, lunch, supervised study is strictly forbidden. Phones, smart iWatches and ear pods should be stored in a Yondr pouch during school hours.
Pupils & parents
Families fall within a radius of about 10 miles – as far as St Albans in the north, Potters Bar to the east and Harrow to the south. More than ever come from Watford. Many are first-time buyers of independent education and majority are professionals
Money matters
All entrants are assessed for academic scholarships on the basis of performance in the entrance exam. Scholarships also available in music, art, sport, STEM and drama. Fee remittance up to £1,000 a term. Means-tested bursaries also on offer.
- Fee information
- Day £26,622; Boarding £43,575 - £50,631 pa
The last word
A small, warm and kind school where children reach their potential in a wonderful setting. Emphasis is on a family feel and making full use of its space, both inside and out. New dynamic leadership and a move towards co-ed are proof it’s not
