Founded in 1565, the senior school buildings are in Highgate Village. The junior and pre-prep schools are surrounded by extensive grounds and playing fields adjacent to Hampstead Heath and the whole environment is very agreeable. The oldest buildings are Victorian. In recent years there has been expansion and modernisation and it is now extremely well equipped. Founded as a boys' school, girls were admitted to the sixth form and junior school in 2004 and at age 11 in 2006 - so co-educational at all levels from 2010. The staff:pupil ratio is 1:10. It is well known for good teaching and high academic attainment. Much emphasis is put on pupils' enthusiasm for learning, self-confidence and independence of thought; examination results are very good. Pupils are widely involved in the whole school community. Music and drama are particularly strong (a new dance and movement studio was recently opened). A very wide range of activities and games is available and high standards are achieved.
Pupils: Total age range 3-18; 1360 day pupils (945 boys, 415 girls). Senior department 12-18, 800 pupils. Entrance: Main entry ages 3, 7, 11, 13 and 16. Common Entrance, interview and own exam used; for sixth-form entry, GCSE grade A expected for sixth-form subjects. No special skills or religious requirements but school has a C of E tradition. Almost 100% of new entrants at 11 from state schools. 60% senior intake from own junior school (enquiries to Highgate Junior School, 3 Bishopswood Road, London N6 4PL, tel 020 8340 9193, email jsoffice@highgateschool.org.uk).
Approx 22 pa scholarships, value up to 50% of fees: 17 academic, 5 music (10 at 11, 10 at 13). Several bursaries for those who could not afford full fees. Main extras are individual music lessons.
Mostly professional people; wide social and ethnic mix.
Head Master: Adam Pettitt, in post from 2006. Educated at Oxford University (French and German). Previously Deputy Head at Norwich School and Assistant Master at Eton, Abingdon and Oundle. Teaching staff: 110 full time, 14 part time.
GCSE: 128 pupils in Year 11, all gaining at least grade C in 9+ subjects. A-levels: 133 in upper sixth, passing on average 3.2 subjects.
Virtually all sixth form leavers go on to a degree course (30% after a gap year), 13% to Oxbridge. 14% take courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 23% in science and engineering, 5% in law, 54% in humanities and social sciences, 4% in art and design.
GCSE, AS and A-levels. 18 GCSE subjects, 22 at AS/A-level. Sixth form: All sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level (wide range), 3 at A-level (often a wide range). Key skills broadly integrated into curriculum; not formally assessed. Vocational: Work experience available. Languages: French, German, Russian and Spanish offered at GCSE and A-level. Regular exchanges (France, Spain and Germany). ICT: Incorporated across the curriculum, eg simulated experiments in science, language skills and design work in art and technology. Years 9 and 10 work towards the ECDL. Approx 200 computers for pupil use.
Music: High proportion of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. 25+ musical groups including orchestras, wind band, chamber groups, choirs, dance band, jazz band, rock groups. Orchestra has played at the Proms; pupils appear at Covent Garden, English National Opera etc. Drama: Many pupils are involved in school productions at all levels. Art and design: On average, 45 take GCSE, 20 A-level; design, pottery, photography, computer graphics also offered. New art and DT centre.
Sport: Options include football, fives, cross-country, cricket, athletics, swimming, rugby, basketball, water polo, fencing, golf, hockey, netball, sailing, squash, tennis, dance, aerobics, canoeing, lifesaving, weight training. BAGA, RLSS exams may be taken. National representatives at athletics, cross-country running, fencing; county representatives at many sports. Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Community service is optional. Urban survival award. Up to 30 clubs, eg automobile, chess, debating, film, model engineering, bee keeping, origami, reptiles.
Uniform: School uniform worn to Year 11; dress code in sixth form. Houses and prefects: House system. Senior prefects, prefects and head of school appointed by the Head Master and senior staff. Sixth-form and Lower School councils. Religion: Church of England. Chapel once a week; separate assemblies for those of other faiths; daily assemblies for younger pupils. Social: Exchanges with schools in France, Spain and Germany. Annual trips to eg France, Greece, Russia. Pupils allowed to bring own car, bike or motorbike to school. All meals self-service.
Pupils failing to produce homework once might expect a warning and the homework to be done at the first opportunity; those caught smoking cannabis on the premises could expect expulsion.
is run by the Foundation Office, c/o the school.
John Betjeman (poet); Gerard Hoffnung (cartoonist and musician); Anthony Crosland (politician); Sir Martin Gilbert (historian); Anthony Green RA (artist); Sir Clive Sinclair (inventor); Sir John Tavener (composer); Charles Clarke (politician); Johnny Borrell (singer, Razorlight).
|
