“A high-flying school for super bright, confident, high-achieving and indefatigable girls ready to throw themselves into everything and make the most of the opportunities school –and life – have to offer.” Good Schools Guide 2025
‘What I want for my daughters,’ said one [parent], ‘is to be able to think independently, have strong friendships, and be a good member of society.’ Another commented, ‘What I like about the school is that it does not produce a cookie-cutter outcome. The girls are confident, but not arrogant, interesting and interested.’ Pupils are, indeed, all of the above – and immensely energetic.
The Head
Entrance
Exit
Latest results
Learning support & SEN
Arts & Extracurriculars
Sports
Ethos & Heritage
Pastoral Care, inclusivity and discipline
Parents & Pupils
Money Matters
Since September 2023, Vicky Bingham, MA (Oxon), PGCE (Cantab). Mrs Bingham was educated at the European School in Brussels, taking the bilingual European Baccalaureate, before reading classics at Keble College, Oxford (where she was vice-president of the Union), followed by a PGCE from Cambridge. Began teaching at Guildford High, proceeding to St Catherine’s Bramley as head of classics, then returning to Guildford as deputy head. In 2017, she was appointed head of South Hampstead High School, steering it triumphantly through Covid to win Independent Girls’ School of the Year in 2022.
A firm believer in single-sex education (‘I’ve always taught in girls’ schools and believe girls learn in a more collaborative way’) and the importance of maintaining and expanding opportunities for women in the workplace. ‘Progress for women is fragile, and in times of uncertainty traditional roles tend to reassert themselves.’
Smartly stylish (in a tailored green suit and Vivienne Westwood necklace on our visit), she is incisive, energetic and forward looking. Her leadership style, however, is anything but intimidating – she kindly rescued us from wandering outside her office and proffered a soothing chocolate bar. She has a clear idea of her objectives – ‘to help our students become leaders of the future’ – and an equally clear grasp of what school leadership entails. Alongside significant updates to the curriculum and teaching, she has streamlined home–school communication and keeps parents in the loop through a lively blog.
Perhaps most importantly, she is willing to both listen and act. ‘She doesn’t just fob you off and assume everything is perfect,’ said one mother. ‘She says I’ll look into it and then does.’ ‘She’s very impressive,’ said another. ‘She’s both very intelligent and very straightforward. She has good ideas and follows them through.’ She’s also very ‘present’, getting to know new arrivals through teaching year 7, and pitching up regularly at Saturday sports matches. ‘Amazingly, she seems to know both my daughters by name even though she doesn’t teach them,’ commented one parent. With a teenage daughter of her own, she also understands the landscape from a personal perspective.
THE HEAD
Vicky Bingham
At 11+, 70-75 new arrivals (a high proportion from the state sector), who join the 40 or so moving up from the junior school. The school sets its own papers in English and maths, with selected candidates invited for interview. ‘We’re looking for girls with enough academic energy to cope with the pace, thrive and be happy,’ says the head. ‘We want girls who have interesting things to say and sparkly ideas, who are excited by the co-curricular programme, and seem kind and friendly.’ Occasional vacancies in years 8, 9 and 10. About 20 extra places in the sixth form, selected by exams in A level or IB HL subjects, plus interview.
ENTRANCE
Details for open events for all entry points can be found and booked through our website.
EXIT
About 10 per cent leave post GCSE. Those who remain do exceptionally well, with 98 per cent of 2024’s UK applicants proceeding to Russell Group universities (with UCL, Oxford, Imperial, Bristol and Cambridge the most popular destinations). Medics in abundance, with about 10 per cent going on to training in the UK and abroad. Oxbridge numbers (with places across the subject range, from Russian and land economy to medicine, maths and engineering) are traditionally high, and have risen again this year (27 offers in 2025). Generally, a handful to leading US universities, with specialist support available.
LATEST RESULTS
In 2024, 96 per cent 9-7 at I/GCSE; 85 per cent A*/A at A level (96 per cent A*-B). IB average point score 41. In 2023, 99 per cent 9-7 at I/GCSE; 77 per cent A*/A at A level (94 per cent A*-B). IB average point score 42.
TEACHING & LEARNING
From its earliest years public exams have been an important feature of a North London education (The school’s founder fought for girls to be able to sit exams at time when many thought them too fragile!) There was an awkward moment during the Covid-related period of ‘selfassessed’ grades when the school was investigated (and exonerated) about some outcomes, but Mrs Bingham’s arrival has ensured ambiguity is a thing of the past. ‘What was chiefly needed was for the school to go back into fifth gear with a commitment to excellence and relentless focus on classroom teaching.’ In 2024, GCSE and A Level were near the pinnacle of the league tables, and results for the IB – taken by about a quarter of the sixth form – were second best in the country.
For the head, ‘the quality of teaching is paramount’ As well as teaching herself, she observes lessons, and is piloting an AI lesson-observation tool to help staff identify ‘whether all the girls in the class have spoken and there’s a good balance of open and closed questions’. Lessons are carefully planned and taught well by teachers passionate about their subjects ‘Any tutor can help you get a 9 in an exam ’ said one mother, ‘but North London has the sort of teacher who, if you see a classics book 20 years after you ’ ve left school, you still want to pick it up ’ Teachers ensure, too, no one gets left behind ‘My daughter has received a lot of one-to-one support for her weaker subjects,’ said one year 7 parent. ‘She used to dread maths, but since she’s had a few lunchtime sessions, she really likes it.’
In the first three years girls study a broad curriculum, which includes drama, art and design, and engineering and technology The range of languages on offer is exceptional. Latin and French start in year 7, Spanish, German and Mandarin added in year 8, with ancient Greek, Italian and Russian available from year 10. Post GCSE the school offers both A Levels and the International Baccalaureate diploma (IB), one of the few London schools to do so. The IB is both broad ranging and demanding and – to facilitate a similar breadth – all A-level pupils start with four subjects, with the vast majority also doing the EPQ
Parents consider the workload manageable, and when it’s not, girls are happy to let teachers know. ‘My daughters have a good relationship with their teachers, and feel they can go back to school d ‘ ’ d l k ’
From its foundation North London Collegiate has been in the vanguard of espousing careers for women, and the launch of the Ideas Hub, an architecturally glistening new building is intended to provide an l d b f h f d h d
Pupilshere are, of course, all academically able, but the school is vigilant about spotting and addressing learning difficulties as highperforming students can mask problems when younger. Once a need is identified, an effective plan is put in place, with teachers receiving external training for development disorders and learning to run a ‘neurodiverse classroom’. If required, additional help is offered one-to-one or in small groups. A significant number of pupils here speak another language at home, and while fluency in English is required to pass the entrance exams, as academic work becomes more complex EAL support will be provided if it is thought necessary.
A fundamental strand of a North London education is helping girls ‘develop fulfilling lives’ – ‘It’s depressing when the sole purpose of education is just to prepare you for work,’ says the head. ‘It’s to prepare you for life’ – and the extracurricular programme is about as holistic as it comes. (‘Amazing,’ commented one parent.)
Music is an undoubted strength, with a purpose-built music department and about 500 individual lessons taught weekly by visiting specialists. Plenty of opportunities to put skills into practice, too, with choirs, orchestras and ensembles mounting up to 70 concerts annually, external experts working regularly with students, and music tours to Europe and the US. A number of current pupils also play for the National Youth Orchestra, and one we spoke to was studying at the Royal College of Music on weekends. Drama is offered as a curriculum subject throughout and pupils participate enthusiastically in school productions, drama clubs and workshops, often writing, directing and performing their own works.
This is a school of joiner-inners, and there are myriads of things to join, with nearly 100 clubs (from sign language to theatre tech) run at lunchtime or after school. (‘My daughter does something every lunch hour, sometimes two activities,’ said one parent.) DofE is popular, as are Model United Nations and debating. The development of leadership skills is a central theme, and six formers also run the 50-or-so senior societies ranging from anthropology to pure sciences, inviting eminent external speakers to give talks (up to 250 a year).
Students also create their own magazines and publications about everything from law and languages to science and economics. Good use of resources outside the gates too, with numerous UK trips to theatre, concerts, and galleries, and over 30 overseas adventures (classicists to Sicily, historians to Berlin, netball to Dubai). ‘Outdoor education’ is close to the head’s heart – she herself is a keen walker and has built contact with Forest Schools and introduced Outward Bound. Every student is also involved in charitable work.
ARTS & EXTRACURRICULARS
SPORTS
North London has traditionally been a solidly, but not overwhelmingly, sporty school, but the head – concerned that too many girls drop games in adolescence – has shifted the dial. ‘We’re now aiming to be in the top five girls’ schools for sport in the country,’ says the head of sport. An energetic new sports strategy includes specialist coaches in lacrosse (a GB player), netball (an England player), and tennis, and the introduction of cricket as a summer sport. The school offers sports scholarships and the recently introduced ‘elite athlete’ programme covers strength and conditioning coaching, nutrition advice, and the flexibility to train and compete at elite level.
Parents have noted the difference. ‘There are a lot more one-toone team sessions and after-school matches,’ said one, ‘and Mrs Bingham is there at every netball match. It feels like sport is important and celebrated.’ Sports facilities are excellent, with an indoor pool, fitness suite, dance studio, sports centre and (literally) acres of courts and pitches. While a high proportion of girls are happy to go, fight, win – 86 per cent or so are on a team – plenty of alternatives too, for those who prefer fitness to mud, sweat and tears, from Zumba to self-defence. ‘Not everyone can enjoy a team sport, but we want everyone involved in physical activity.’
ETHOS& HERITAGE
Founded in 1850 in Camden Town by the formidable Miss (Frances Mary) Buss, one of the most influential pioneers of academic education for girls. (She also established Camden School for Girls, with which North London continues to share Founder’s Day). The school bought its 30-acre site in 1929, originally to use as a sports ground, but relocated here fully in 1940. A neoclassical villa of 1760 remains its principal ornament, and the ample leafy grounds, once part of the estate of the first Duke of Chandos, give the feel of a country boarding school Numerous additions of varying dates provide outstanding facilities for most activities, and the head is currently updating the interiors with the assistance of the Bartlett School of Architecture to create classrooms that maximise effectiveness.
The school is organised through a house system, formerly called after illustrious past pupils, now rebranded with the names of women astronauts and space programmes involving women, further underlining future-looking aspirations
Cocooned in its leafy grounds within a leafy suburb, the school itself can feel a bit like outer space but it is accessible to central London and large swathes of the home counties by means of its 27-route coach network. Public-transport access requires more effort, but most older girls use it, availing themselves of the free shuttle bus to Edgware and Stanmore stations or the 10-minute walk to Canon’s Park.
NLCS is a Christian foundation, and hymns are still sung on Founder’s Day, but Christianity is no longer even primus inter pares ‘We are careful to be inclusive,’ said a member of staff. ‘We avoid hymns with Jesus in them and the carol concert is given by the Christian society.’ Today all faiths have equal opportunities. (The Muslim Society, for example, invites families in during Ramadan, and the Jewish Society has its own WhatsApp group). ‘My daughter has lots of friends from different backgrounds, cultures and religions,’ said one mother ‘and they’re very respectful of each other.’
For outsiders, a game of word association often pairs NLCS with ‘hothouse’, but current families deny the descriptor It doesn’t feel pushy,’ said one mother. ‘It feels caring – challenging in a good way, but not pressured ’ Nonetheless, winning , best’, ‘ambitious’ and ‘coming top’ are very much part of the school’s vocabulary. It’s definitely competitive,’ said a parent volunteer, ‘but the pupils I worked with all seemed to enjoy it. They really lean in and don’t seem to be at all stressed.’ Possibly, however not the ideal environment for a girl who does not relish competition Girls are taught ‘to work smart, not hard’ as one parent put it, and selfdiscipline, strong organisational skills, and energy are characteristics that serve you well here
One sixth former – involved on numerous fronts – was asked how she managed to squeeze it all in I’m good at managing my time,’ was the succinct reply. While a mother, whose daughter had a similarly jam-packed schedule, commented ‘She always comes home sets a timer for ten minutes, and then does her homework straight away, even on a Friday ’
Younger girls wear a brown and blue uniform and have recently been permitted to abandon their blazers (yippee!); sixth formers, free to choose, tend to adopt the generational uniform of sweat pants and jeans.
PASTORAL CARE, INCLUSIVITY &DISCIPLINE
The school has an attentive approach to pastoral care, with each form allocated two tutors. (‘Having a second is really beneficial, and we think carefully about how they’re paired.’)
Younger pupils are given talks about emotional regulation; exam-years students have relaxation sessions inserted into their revision timetable. Pupils can also register any concerns incognito through Whisper Anonymous, and can consult the counsellors based at the school’s dedicated wellbeing building. ‘My daughter, who is quite anxious, always has someone to air her frustrations to,’ said one mother, ‘and if she’s worried about something, they will refer her to the right person. ’
The thoughtful PSHE programme is well adapted to age and stage. Younger girls’ friendship issues are addressed through the Girls on Board programme which helps them to analyse friendship dynamics to mediate and diffuse tensions. All year groups are encouraged to reflect thoughtfully on contentious external issues and, where appropriate, outside agencies are introduced to educate when passions run high. In the wake of the conflict in the Middle East, for example, an anti-discrimination interfaith project was invited to conduct workshops.
The ethical and effective use of AI – ‘the genie which has been let out of the bottle’ – is instilled from year 9 through the school’s own AI Driving Licence.
The school also listens carefully to families’ concerns. ‘Student voice’, too, helps drives PSHE topics, and currently what girls want to discuss is ‘financial literacy’ (no doubt, something of a respite). These may be questioning girls, but they’re rarely disruptive. When we asked our guides about punishment, they looked bemused, then responded hesitantly, ‘Oh yes, we can get flags for forgetting your homework three times –I’ve heard of that!’
NLCS does not have a natural ‘brother’ school, but it does share activities – music, a symposium –with high-flying boys’ schools like Eton and Queen Elizabeth’s Barnet. The head is introducing more contact – for example, launching a year 8 disco and a sixth form ceilidh with Harrow School. Parents, however, are not overly concerned about the social distancing. ‘I’m very happy that my daughter can be innocent for a little longer.’
PARENTS & PUPILS
The parent body is made up largely of affluent, business and professional families, though there are also those making considerable sacrifices to ensure their daughters get the best. The head believes there is a relatively good socio-economic mix, and though about 10 per cent of pupils here are on bursaries, all things are, of course, relative. What isn’t in doubt is the rich ethnic mix – a goodly proportion from South Asia and South East Asia – with 50 or so languages spoken at home. Families generally have high expectations and can, according to one parent, ‘occasionally be too involved’, but, while they hope their daughters will have their pick of professional options, they also value the holistic opportunities.
‘What I want for my daughters,’ said one, ‘is to be able to think independently, have strong friendships, and be a good member of society.’ Another commented, ‘What I like about the school is that it does not produce a cookie-cutter outcome. The girls are confident, but not arrogant, interesting and interested.’ Pupils are, indeed, all of the above – and immensely energetic.
MONEY MATTERS
The school has always prided itself on being affordable and commendably managed to contain the post-VAT fee increase to 12 per cent. Means-tested bursaries, funded by income from North London’s international partner schools in Dubai, Singapore, Kobe and Jeju, underwrite bursaries of up to 100 per cent, and the school also offers academic, sports and music scholarships.
