Founded in 1850 by Miss Frances Buss, the first woman to use the title Headmistress. In 1929 it bought Canons, a magnificent 18th century house that was formerly home to the Duke of Chandos. This now houses the sixth form and pupils enjoy roaming its lovely terraces and gardens. Within the 30 acre site, many new developments have created excellent facilities including a library, sports centre, indoor swimming pool, music school and a new performing arts centre. It is an energetic, purposeful school. Academic standards are very high and the examination results obtained are outstanding. A high proportion of sixth formers go on to Oxbridge. The International Baccalaureate is offered in the sixth form, alongside traditional AS and A-levels courses. The school has a strong musical tradition (500 girls learn an instrument), and many opportunities for drama. A range of sports, games and extra-curricular activities are offered, including the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme.
Pupils: Total age range 4-18; 1078 day girls. Junior school 4-11, 313 girls. Senior school 11-18, 765 girls. Entrance: Main entry ages 4, 7, 11 and 16. London Girls' Schools' Consortium entrance exam used; for sixth-form entry, tests and interviews. No special skills or religious requirements.
Approx 9 pa scholarships awarded at age 11, value up to 50% fees: 6 academic and 3 music. Approx 10 bursaries to each year group, value up to 100% of fees. Parents not expected to buy textbooks.
Headmistress: Mrs Bernice McCabe, appointed in 1997. Educated at Clifton High School and Bristol University (English). Previously Headmistress at Chelmsford County High and Deputy Head at Heathland School, Hounslow. Teaching staff: 95 full time, 37 part time.
GCSE: 106 pupils in Year 11 all gained at least grade B in 8+ subjects (80+% with straight A* grades). A-levels/IB: 120 in Year 13. 90 take A-levels (many taking extra AS-levels), 34% passing in 4 subjects, 66% in 3 subjects (80+% with straight A grades), with an average final point score of 452 ). 30 take the IB, all passing the Diploma, with an average IB score of 41 points.
All sixth form leavers typically go on to a degree course (40% after a gap year), 45% to Oxbridge. 25% take courses in medicine, 6% in science and engineering, 6% in law, 31% in humanities, 18% in social sciences, 8% in art and design, 8% in vocational subjects such as nursing, business studies, architecture, education.
GCSE, AS/A-levels, IB Diploma. 24 AS-level subjects, 20 A-level. Sixth form: All take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level, or follow the IB syllabus; general studies is taught but not examined. 30% take science A-levels; 30% arts and humanities; 40% both. Key skills may be integrated into sixth-form courses. Vocational: Work experience available. Special provision: Lift for wheelchair access. Some special needs help for juniors. Languages: French, German and Spanish offered at GCSE, AS and A-level; also Russian and Greek at GCSE and A-level, Italian AS-level. Regular exchanges (to France, Germany, Spain). Membership of Young Europeans. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum eg much research using CDs and internet, WP, DTP etc. 140 computers for pupil use (9 hours a day), most networked and with email and internet access.
Music: Over 30% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Many musical groups including 2 orchestras, concert band, 2 choirs, chamber groups. Finalists in National Chamber Music Competition; 4 major concerts in school each year. Drama and dance: Both offered. 3 major productions a year. Art and design: On average, 30+ take GCSE, 18 A-level. Design, pottery, photography also offered. Murals by pupils at National Audit Office and at the Royal Society.
Sport: Lacrosse, tennis, netball, swimming, athletics compulsory. Optional: badminton, trampolining, cross-country. RLSS examinations may be taken. English Schools cross-country selection. Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Over 15 clubs (many run by sixth form), including debating, chess, polyglot, Jewish, science, Young Enterprise, Peace Group, charity, drama.
Uniform: School uniform worn except in the sixth form. Houses and prefects: Senior student committee elected by sixth form. Religion: Non-denominational. Religious worship of many faiths catered for. Social: Debates, drama, lectures and symposia with other schools. Exchanges with schools in France, Germany and Spain, skiing trips, visits to France, Russia, Italy, Greece, etc. Outdoor education week for year 9 each summer. Pupils allowed to bring own bike to school. Meals self-service.
Codes of practice made clear to the student body. Strong pastoral care.
Old North Londoners Association (ONLA) run by Alumnae Officer, Amanda Lovejoy (email alovejoy@nlcs.org.uk or tel 020 8951 6475)
Anna Popplewell, Rachel Weisz, Eleanor Bron (actresses); Anna Wintour (editor of US Vogue); Stevie Smith (poet); Stella Gibbons, Barbara Amiel, Katherine McMahon (writers); Marie Stopes (founder of the eponymous healthcare organisation); Susie Orbach (professor and writer on women's health); Esther Rantzen (journalist and presenter).
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