Founded in 1898 as a co-educational school. It is situated on a single urban site, on the edge of Hampstead Garden Suburb, surrounded by 6 acres of woodland gardens. A nearby site, Ivy Wood, has been purchased to extend the facilities. From the beginning it has been strictly secular, with no religious affiliations. It is not easily categorised, being neither a traditional school nor a progressive one, in the sense that classes have never been optional. Pupils and teachers are on first-name terms and relations between them are kept as relaxed as possible. It is kept deliberately small, believing children need to feel at ease in their environment, and enjoys a very good staff:pupil ratio of about 1:8. A sound academic education is provided and examination results are very good. Music and drama are particularly strong; there is a large GCSE drama contingent and many pupils are involved in both drama and art. The school makes no apology for giving children as much freedom as is compatible with a sound education. Alumni include some distinguished musicians and actors.
Pupils: Total age range 4-18; 603 day pupils (302 boys, 301 girls). Junior department 4-11, 309 pupils (144 boys, 165 girls). Senior department 11-18, 294 pupils (158 boys, 136 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 4 and 16 (a few at 11). Diagnostic tests, 2 day visit and interview used; for sixth form entry, 5 GCSEs at grade B.
Some means-tested bursaries (usually 50%-100% of fees) available for entrants at age 11 and 16 and for existing pupils whose families have experienced unexpected change in financial circumstances. Parents expected to buy textbooks.
Head: Dawn Moore, appointed 2003. Educated in Warwickshire and at University College London and Kings College London (biology and education). Previously a teacher at the school. Teaching staff: 71 full time, 9 part time. Annual turnover 5%.
GCSE: 46 pupils in Year 11, 96% gaining at least grade C in 8+ subjects. A-levels: 37 in upper sixth, 8% passing in 4+ subjects, 65% in 3 subjects, with an average final point score of 313.
90% of sixth form leavers go on to a degree course (47% after a gap year), 7% to Oxbridge. 10% take courses in science and engineering, 67% in humanities and social sciences, 11% in art and design, 10% in music, 3% in other subjects.
GCSE, AS and A-levels. 20 exam subjects (including technology, photography, computing, theatre studies, music technology and philosophy). Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level; own enrichment course taught (not examined). 25% take a mixture of science and arts A-levels. Languages: French (taught from age 5) and Spanish offered to GCSE and A-level. ICT: Taught across the curriculum. 180 computers for pupil use (8 hours a day), all networked and with email and internet access.
75% of pupils learn musical instruments or take singing lessons. Many musical groups including a large jazz group, baroque strings, a choir, various ensembles, and a number of rock and jazz groups. Drama: Drama offered. 32% of pupils take GCSE; A-level offered in both theatre studies and media studies. Art and design: 70% of pupils take GCSE art. Ceramics also offered.
Sport: Football, basketball, hockey, tennis, cricket, rounders, judo available; also cross-country, volleyball, gymnastics, circuit-training, step aerobics, body conditioning and badminton. From age 14, choices include golf, handball, squash, rugby and weight-training. GCSE PE offered. Activities: Clubs and activities include dance, computing, CDT, art and craft, French, sixth form magazine, sports clubs.
Uniform: No school uniform. Houses and prefects: No competitive houses. No prefects but School Six, elected by school from among lower sixth. Pupil's council (to allow the school to speak to School Six). Religion: Secular school. No compulsory religious worship. Social: Trips to France, Spain, Cuba, Namibia and China through international links; art trips; ski trips. Pupils allowed to bring own car or bike to school. Meals self-service.
Punishment is not a feature of the school, though very disruptive students are sent immediately to the deputies or head. Civilised, relaxed behaviour is encouraged. Sanctions will be invoked where drugs are involved.
is run by Peter Palliser, c/o the school.
Anthony Pleeth, Janet Craxton, Pamela Moisewitch, Solomon (musicians); Maggie Norden (radio); Zoe Wanamaker, Stacey Tendeter, Catherine Harrison (actresses); Mamoun Hassan (films); Professor Richard Gregory (psychology); Gaby Roslin (TV presenter).
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