Founded in Gower Street in 1830 as part of University College London, it moved to purpose-built accommodation in Hampstead in 1907. The school is set in pleasant grounds in a very agreeable residential area, 5 minutes' walk from Hampstead Heath; 27 acres of the school's own playing field are within walking distance. There have been extensive additions to the original handsome buildings and the school has recently completed a major building and redevelopment programme, giving excellent facilities, including a 25-metre swimming pool, remodelled sixth-form centre and new facilities for modern languages, art and design and technology. The main aims of the school's philosophy and policy are the pursuit of academic excellence, a respect for and encouragement of independent thought and individual judgement, a broad curriculum and the lack of any religious barriers. A large staff permits a staff:pupil ratio of about 1:10 in the senior department. Academic attainments are high and examination results excellent. A high proportion of sixth formers go on to Oxbridge each year. The school is very strong in music and drama and provides an excellent range of activities. It also has a distinguished record in games.
Pupils: Total age range 7-18; 918 day pupils. Junior department, 7-11, 130 boys. Senior department 11-18, 829 pupils (765 boys, 64 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 7, 8, 11, 13 and 16. Own exam used; for sixth form entry, at least 6 GCSEs at grade B (grade A in sixth-form subjects). No religious requirements; academic competence and an ability to contribute to the wider life of the school looked for. State school entry, 80% of new intake at 11, 10% at 16.
Means-tested bursaries for applicants of sufficient academic standing but without the financial resources; currently some 75 pupils helped (annual bursary fund is the equivalent of 48 full fees and being increased). Music awards of 10%-25% of fees (may be supplemented if necessary to 100% of fees). Those whose performance in the admissions tests is exemplary may be given prizes (generous book tokens, with book plates inscribed to commemorate the achievement; books presented at a private occasion for the pupil and his/her family).
Headmaster: Kenneth Durham, appointed in 1996. Educated at St John's, Leatherhead, and Oxford University (PPE). Previously Director of Studies at King's College School and Head of Economics at St Albans. Teaching staff: 70 full time (senior department), 10 part time (music). Annual turnover 2%. Average age mid-30s.
GCSE: 111 pupils in Year 11, most gaining at least grade C in 10 subjects. A-levels: 104 in Year 13: 29% passed in 4+ subjects; 69% in 3 subjects. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 357.
99% of sixth form leavers go on to a degree course (50% after a gap year), 24% to Oxbridge. 4% take courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 19% in science and engineering, 72% in humanities and social sciences, 5% in creative subjects such as art, design, music and drama.
GCSE, AS and A-levels. 20 GCSE subjects, 24 at AS/A-level. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3-4 at A-level. 24% take science A-levels; 55% arts/humanities; 21% both. Key skills being piloted in some departments. Vocational: Work experience available. Languages: French, Spanish and German offered to GCSE and A-level. Regular exchanges (to France, Germany and Spain). ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. 70 computers for pupil use (access all day), all networked and with email and internet access.
Music: Over 50% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Many musical groups including joint full choir and chamber choir with South Hampstead High, orchestras, wind band, numerous classical ensembles, several pop bands. Drama: Drama offered and GCSE and A-level may be taken. Some pupils are involved in school and house/other productions. Recent productions include Medea, Bugsy Malone, His Dark Materials and A Midsummer Night's Dream. Art and design: On average, 35 take GCSE, 10 A-level. Design, sculpture, photography also offered.
Sport: Rugby, cricket compulsory for school team players. Optional: hockey, football, cross-country, tennis, badminton, squash, fives, sailing, golf, volleyball, swimming, athletics. Activities: Community service and Duke of Edinburgh's Award optional. Annual senior citizens concert (old-time entertainment for some 300 senior citizens in borough). Regular charity fundraising involves whole school. Over 30 clubs, including art and design, chess, magic, film, fencing, computing, football appreciation, debating, snooker and pool, science, computer, dance squad.
Uniform: School uniform worn except in the sixth form. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses ('demes'). Captain of monitors, appointed by the Headmaster; heads of demes but no prefects/monitors. Religion: Non-denominational. No compulsory worship. Social: Plays, sixth-form conferences etc in close co-operation with South Hampstead High. Organised trips abroad (China, South Africa, Europe) including regular sports and music tours. Pupils allowed to bring own bike to school. Meals self-service. School tuck shop.
Pupils failing to produce homework once might expect a warning; those caught in possession of drugs on the premises must anticipate expulsion.
The Old Gowers Club, contact through the school Development Office or at oldgowers@ucs.org.uk
Chris Bonnington (mountaineer); Roger Bannister (first four-minute mile); Stephen Spender (poet); Julian Lloyd-Webber (cellist); Thom Gunn (poet); Alex Garland (writer).
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