Sydenham High School

Since 2022, Antonia Geldeard. Educated at Halstead Prep and Burgess Hill Girls, she read English literature at Trinity College, Cambridge. After two years in TV journalism, working on factual programmes at Yorkshire TV, she was offered a high-flying

The school describes itself as ‘not narrowly selective – we recognise a range of talents’ – and the ability range is probably wider than some other local independent schools. Entrance exams are held in January, with prep pupils and external

Around 55 per cent stay on for the sixth form but the school has recently seen increased interest both internally and externally, partly due to the eagerly anticipated new sixth form centre (due to open in 2026). At 18, the vast majority head to

In 2025, 67 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 51 per cent A*/A at A level (77 per cent A*-B).

Parents say the school’s academics ‘are going from strength to strength’, with impressive value-added scores at GCSE and A level. Several told us that the head has upped the ante, encouraging girls to achieve their potential without being unduly

Girls needing additional support are identified by baseline testing in the first term of year 7. Senior school learning support team comprises an experienced SENDCO, a learning support teacher and a dyslexia specialist. A total of 151 pupils are on

Thirty per cent of pupils have instrumental lessons and there’s a host of ensembles to join – senior orchestra, senior and chamber choirs, a string ensemble, rock bands, even a ukelele society. Regular lunchtime recitals plus three termly music

Sport for all, not just the elite. Parents told us that everyone gets the chance to play in matches and that the ‘school covers most bases’. Main sports are netball, hockey, swimming, athletics, cricket, badminton, rowing, football (very popular

Pupils told us that because it’s a small school ‘everyone knows everyone’. They know exactly who to turn to when they need support and feel that staff really listen to them. ‘You know every teacher and they know you,’ said one. ‘It isn’t too big so

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

Pupils come from all directions, some very local, others travelling up to an hour – ‘we are very ethnically representative of south east London,’ says the head. The school runs a network of minibuses from Balham, Beckenham, Bromley, Camberwell,

Following the government’s decision to introduce 20 per cent VAT on school fees from January 2025, the GDST announced that fees would rise by 12 per cent, with its schools, Sydenham included, absorbing the remaining eight per cent. Academic, art,

With an inspiring head at the helm, expert teaching and a warm, nurturing atmosphere, Sydenham High School is powering ahead at full steam. Academic results are on the up and these energetic, sparky girls are encouraged to be go-getting and ambitious