welcome to North London Collegiate School
I am delighted that your daughter will be joining us, and hope that she is excited about being part of our wonderful school. As she embarks on her educational journey at North London Collegiate School, I am looking forward to building a long, happy and fruitful relationship between you and us.
This handbook will provide you with some of the key information about school life; we hope you find it helpful. Please keep it at hand for future reference. I look forward to meeting and working with you, as we guide your daughter through her formative educational years.
Mr Richard Queripel Head of Junior School
north london collegiate school
From the very start of their journey at North London Collegiate School, girls are introduced to Frances Mary Buss, the visionary founder who, in 1850, opened the school’s doors to 35 girls, believing that women deserved the same educational opportunities as men.
Originally based in Camden Town, the school moved to its current site, Canons, in 1929. Over the years, NLCS has expanded with new facilities, including the Drawing School, Music School, Octagon Library, Sports Complex, Junior School, and the Performing Arts Centre.
The Cedar Space Wellbeing Centre and the Ideas Hub, which fosters creativity and interdisciplinary learning, are among the latest additions to enhance both academic and personal growth.
The Junior School moved to its own dedicated site in 1988, followed by the First School for younger girls in 1993.
COMMUNITY: we look out for others and for our school
CURIOSITY: we strive to ask questions and be engaged in our learning difference
COMMITMENT: we work hard, and we keep going
who’s who
KATE IVORY
Deputy Head Academic
KATIE BARTRAM
Deputy Head Pastoral
LISA WEISGARD Lower School Phase Leader
JO COOKE First School Phase Leader
the junior school
The Junior School is divided into two departments: the First School which covers The Early Years and Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1, and the Lower School which covers Key Stage 2 of the National Curriculum.
Physical Education
girls have 3 PE lessons per week: First
Autumn
Swimming, Netball, Gym and Dance
Music
Spring
Swimming, Football, Gym and Dance
Summer
Swimming, Athletics, Tennis and Cricket
It is expected that girls will pass from the First School to the Lower School and from the Lower to the Senior School.
The Lower School curriculum
The Lower School curriculum in Years 3–6 follows much of the National Curriculum, while allowing us the flexibility to teach beyond it. All girls study Maths, English, Science, Geography, History, Design and Technology, Computing, Art, Religious Studies, Drama, Music, PE and PSHE (Personal, Social and Health Education). They also learn a range of Modern Foreign Languages, including German, Mandarin, French and WOLLOW (World of Languages, Languages of the World), giving them an excellent foundation in language learning.
Music in the Junior School is vibrant, inclusive and supports every pupil’s musical development. Pupils can take part in choirs, orchestras and a range of ensembles, as well as perform in concerts, solo showcases and breakfast busking. They also collaborate with visiting musicians and organisations such as the VOCESS Foundation and the Royal Academy of Music. All pupils have twice‑weekly music lessons, whole‑school singing and a choir session. Weekly instrumental lessons are available with our team of 28 visiting specialists, and many pupils choose to take ABRSM or Trinity exams, with some progressing to advanced levels by Year 6.
Drama
Drama in the Junior School helps everyone grow in confidence and learn performance skills. Each year, girls take part in a production. Auditions are held so the Director can find the best role for each pupil, thinking about things like acting ability, commitment and stage confidence. Roles are chosen to help pupils use their strengths and also try new challenges.
Productions are team‑based, and every role is important, no matter how many lines it has. Pupils are encouraged to support one another and work together. Drama gives everyone regular chances to perform, learn new skills and enjoy being part of a creative team.
the school day
The school day consists of eight lessons, each around 35 minutes, with double lessons for subjects like Art, Design Technology, History, Geography, and Science. Initially, girls are taught by their Form Teacher but later by subject specialists, including some from the Senior School.
Timetable
Girls start arriving. Coats and bags are left in the designated cloakroom and girls get their things ready for the morning. All girls should be in school by 8.30am.
Lower School Assembly, Form Time or Singing Together.
Period 1
Period 2
Short Break
Girls are free to play in the grounds. Girls can bring in a small healthy snack.
Period 3
Period 4
Lunch
The Junior School have school lunch in the Dining Hall. Once lunch is finished students go back to their classrooms.
5
After school clubs
Girls in Years 3 to 6 may choose from a range of clubs, including gym, netball, cricket, Mandarin, dance and debating between 3.30pm and 4pm. There are also later clubs including cookery for Years 5 and 6 that end at 5pm.
Home time
Parents collecting their daughters should do so between 3.25pm and 3.30pm at the front of the Junior School. Girls are not allowed to walk to the Loop Road or elsewhere on site to meet parents until Year 5, and only then with written parental consent.
Girls in Year 3 and above who travel home by coach should go independently to their coach stop on the Loop Road.
Girls waiting for the 4.15pm coach, an older sister in the Senior School, or for a later collection may join a club or wait in the late room until 4pm. After 4pm, any girl who has not been collected will go to After School Care.
Please record regular collection arrangements, and any changes to them, in the homework diary, and also email the class email address to inform staff.
Breakfast club & after school care
We offer a Breakfast Club each morning from 7.30am. Healthy breakfasts and activities are provided. Breakfast Club can be booked on the Evolve app.
Our After School Care runs from 3.20pm to 5.30pm in the Art Room. Girls have a light supper and there is a full programme of activities. A supervised homework room is available for older girls. After School Care bookings should be made at least a day in advance on the Evolve app.
For late bookings, please email AfterSchoolClub@nlcs.org.uk and junioroffice@nlcs.org.uk
There is a charge for both of these services.
Homework
Homework is set most evenings and takes 20–40 minutes, depending on the year group. In Years 3 and 4, homework is set from Monday to Thursday, and in Years 5 and 6, some weekend homework is also included.
All tasks should be written clearly in the homework diary, which must be brought to and from school each day. Please send any messages for staff by email, not in the diary.
Homework is explained in class, but girls may still need help finding information. A quiet, comfortable place to work is recommended, and we encourage parents to “ top and tail” homework by checking in at the start and again at the end.
pastoral support
The happiness and wellbeing of the girls is our top priority, and all staff play a part in pastoral care. We aim to create a safe, supportive environment where every girl feels comfortable and able to learn.
Your daughter’s Form Teacher is the first point of contact for any concerns. The Head of Junior School , Deputy Head Pastoral , Lower School Phase Leader, the Medical Team, and the School Counsellors also support girls as needed. Parents can also access Tooled Up Education for additional guidance and resources.
Across the School, pupils follow a structured PSHE and RSE programme to build self‑esteem, develop social skills and healthy relationships, and learn about age‑appropriate health topics.
Girls take part in circle time, where they can talk about shared issues, listen to others and practise positive communication. It helps them build confidence, develop social skills and support one another.
In the First and Lower Schools, we follow our Golden Rules to help everyone feel safe, happy and ready to learn. They remind us how to treat each other kindly and make our classrooms positive places:
1. We are gentle
2. We are kind and helpful
3. We listen
4. We are honest
5. We work hard
6. We look after property
Meet our Lower School Learning Friends
In the Junior School, students are introduced to a number of ‘Learning Habits’. Over time, they are taught to be resilient, show good judgement, and stay focused.
These skills help them become reflective, skilful thinkers. As they progress, the habits become embedded and support them through the Senior School and beyond.
• Works productively with others.
• Pools talents and build collective solutions.
• Knows when to seek help and when to support others.
• Knows when it is right to speak up and when it is right to compromise.
• Shows a readiness to be open minded.
• Welcomes new ideas and viewpoint.
• Adjusts her beliefs and changes her mind in the light of new evidence.
• Is an independent thinker.
• Thinks ahead and works things out for herself.
• Organises herself well.
• Doesn’t rely on others to be told what to do.
Rufus
Resilient Reindeer
• Shows strength and a sense of humour to deal with mistakes and failures.
• Recognises that everyone stumbles but that successful people deal better with it.
• Uses difficulties as learning experiences and opportunities for a new direction.
• Is investigative.
• Is observant.
• Shows an eagerness to ask questions.
• Explores beyond what is merely required.
• Likes to notice and discover new things.
• Shows a willingness to listen to others.
• Values and tries to understand their points of view.
• Understands the feelings of others.
Fraser Focused Fox
• Is careful, accurate and thorough.
• Pays close attention to detail.
• Tries to avoid needless mistakes.
• Controls his behaviour and maintains direction when short term temptations conflict with his long term goals.
Gertrude Good Judgement Goose
• Shows the ability to ‘stop and think’.
• Shows a desire to avoid gullibility.
• Assesses options carefully and thinks about them before deciding who and what to believe.
• Is able to visualise.
• Is creative with his thoughts.
• Generates new ideas to solve tricky problems.
• Shows the courage to stand by his ideas when needed.
• Reviews what has been learnt and organises key ideas and themes.
• Evaluates different methods and approaches.
• Likes to analyse successes and failures with a view to improve.
• Shows grit and determination when situations are challenging.
• Recognises the importance of the intellectual struggle.
• Shows discipline to re draft and improve rather than settling for a first attempt.
• Has the courage to take a chance rather than take the easy option.
• Tries new challenges and pushes himself to develop new skill.
• Does this even when success is not guaranteed.
• Shows a belief in in her own developing skills.
• Balances assertiveness with humility.
• Manages a range of situations with composure.
• Communicates with fluency, clarity, expression and persuasiveness.
Clara Collaborative Cow
Izzy Initiative Iguana
Clive Curious Cat
Oliver Originality Orangutan
Eddie Empathy Elephant
Percy Persistent Penguin
Florence Flexibility of Mind Flamingo
Rosie Reflective Rabbit
Roger Risk-taking Rattlesnake
Serena Self-assurance Swan
Health & medical
Parents should ensure their daughter receives pre-school booster immunizations and health checks before starting school. They must complete health and medical information on the parent portal, including allergies and dietary needs. Relevant staff may be informed of medical conditions, and any changes should be updated on the portal and reported to medical@nlcs.org.uk.
Medical centre staff are available throughout the day for the treatment of illness and accidents and to support pupils in different ways. We are supported by a team of first aiders, including paediatric first aid.
The parent portal also asks for you to consent for your daughter to receive over the counter medications by Medical Centre Staff. We only administer paracetamol, ibuprofen and antihistamine in both tablet and liquid form.
Parents of girls in the junior school will be contacted before any medication is given. We also have witch hazel gel and Anthisan antihistamine cream.
If your child needs medication at school, please email medical@nlcs.org.uk with the administration time, dosage, and reason. Medication must be in date, in its original container, and clearly labelled with your child’s name.
For children needing an auto injector (Epi Pen) or an inhaler, two named spares should be provided to medical centre staff or carried in their bag if competent to do so. They will store these safely and remind parents about expiry dates and replacements, which is the parents’ responsibility.
DIONNE THOMAS School Nurse
If your daughter takes the coach to school, she must carry her emergency medication. Staff will communicate with parents individually, and it’s the parents’ responsibility to ensure the medication is available.
If your child is unwell during the night or first thing in the morning, do not send your child to school if they are unwell, especially after vomiting or diarrhoea; they should stay home for 48 hours.
LORNA
SOARES-SMITH
Health Care
If head lice are detected, contact the school immediately. The school will notify the year group to check and treat hair without disclosing names.
For more information on First Aid or health issues, refer to the First Aid Policy and the Administration of Medicines and Supporting Pupils with Medical Conditions Policy on the school website. Medical Centre staff are available during the day for any concerns.
in touch keeping
Class email
Each class has their own email address which is accessed by the class teacher and the teaching assistant. This will enable you to share information such as changes to pick up arrangements, homework and anything to do with the day to day running of the classroom. The class email should not be used for changes to coach travel arrangements.
Communications from school
All school communications are sent via School Post on Wednesdays. You’ll also receive updates through the Schoolbase Parent Portal app, which includes a Notice Board for urgent messages and lets you update your contact details directly. Information about school trips is managed through a separate platform, Evolve. You’ll receive login details and a guide when your daughter starts school. The Junior School Office is always happy to help with any queries.
The School’s website is the main source of news about the school: www.nlcs.org.uk .
The website reflects a real flavour of the fun and opportunities enjoyed at the school. Parents can also follow the Junior School on Instagram @nlcsjuniorschool for regular updates and photos of school life.
Parents’ evenings and reports
Parents’ Evenings are held each year in the Autumn and Spring terms when you will have the opportunity to discuss your daughter’s progress with the Form Teacher. Individual appointments are made and strict time keeping is essential. For this reason, any matter requiring extended discussion should be dealt with on another occasion by appointment.
During the course of the evening, the Head of Junior School, Deputy Heads and Non Form Teachers are available to speak to parents.
You are of course most welcome to speak to the Lower School Phase Leader or the Deputy Head on an informal basis at the end of the day. If you do wish to make a longer appointment with the Form Teacher, please send in a note or write a message in the homework diary.
Appointments with the Head of Junior School or the Deputies are made by contacting the Junior School Office.
Reports are written at the end of the Summer term. Assessment is ongoing throughout the year and staff may contact you at any time to update you on your daughter’s progress.
travelling to school
Coach & minibus services
To help reduce our carbon footprint, we strongly encourage students to use the school coach services, local TfL transport, or active travel options such as walking or cycling. Local roads can get very congested, and on site drop off space is limited.
Pupils in the Lower School may travel to and from school by coach. All coaches are fitted with seat belts, and girls are expected to remain seated and behave appropriately throughout.
Each pupil is issued a travel card to scan on boarding and leaving, enabling journey tracking via the Zeelo platform.
For more information please see the ‘Travelling to School’ section on our website: www.nlcs.org.uk/admissions/travelling-to-school
If you have any further questions, please contact the Operations Team: 020 8951 6490 travellingtoschool@nlcs.org.uk
Access by car
We recognise you might not want your daughter to use the coach, in which case we recommend that parents consider car sharing. To assist parents, we suggest using the HomeRun App.
This enables parents to connect with other families in their area, so that their daughters can safely travel to and from school together, whether by school bus, train, cycling or walking or by car sharing.
Access to the School site is controlled by the School Marshalls from 7am to 7pm (Canons Drive) and 7am to 8pm (Dalkeith Grove), or later if there is a school event.
Parents may drop off students via the Loop Road (Dalkeith Grove entrance) beside the Sports Centre or park on Dalkeith Grove in marked zones, using the pedestrian gate by No. 25. Please be considerate of our neighbours and avoid blocking driveways.
The pedestrian gate codes are updated periodically and shared ahead of the Autumn term.
At the end of the school day, parents can only wait or park in the designated areas on the Loop Road between 3pm and 3.35pm to pick up their daughters. Year 5 and Year 6 girls may walk unaccompanied to the Loop Road, but younger girls must be collected from the Junior School.
Please ensure that you leave the school grounds promptly. There is no access for cars on the Loop Road between 3.45pm - 4.25pm, while our school coaches are departing with students from both the Junior and Senior School.
If entering via Canons Drive, please turn right before the second barrier and drop your daughter by the steps opposite the tennis courts. From there, she may access the School via the terraces. You can then follow the loop road to exit back onto Canons Drive. To protect the grounds, we kindly ask that you do not pull onto the grass verges, as this causes significant damage.
Parking is also permitted on Canons Drive. We ask that you park on the school side only and avoid blocking neighbours’ driveways. This helps ensure access remains clear for emergency and delivery vehicles.
Security and access to school buildings
At North London we have a beautiful open site where your daughters, when they are older, can roam around freely and enjoy the extensive grounds. To ensure student safety, all school buildings and gates are accessed via coded pass entry. All Lower School students will be issued with wrist bands that they can
use to gain access to the Sports Centre and Indoor Teaching Space (ITS) for PE, as well as the Music School, the Dining Hall and the Junior School buildings. These must be worn to school every day. If they are lost please contact Junior School Reception to arrange a replacement.
For those parents who wish to drop off or collect their daughters, the doors to the Junior School Reception open at 8.15am.
At all other times, we ask that you sign in at the Main School Reception. For special events, we will provide specific guidance on which entrance to use for direct access.
Visiting the School
Parents who are visiting the school to meet a teacher or go to an event should either report to the Junior School Reception, or go directly to the area where the event is taking place, as instructed on the relevant invitation. School Marshalls will always be available to help direct you.
After 4pm, girls will be based in the Junior School Art Room and should be collected from the external door. All girls must be collected by 5.30pm.
Please note we do not allow any dogs, other than registered assistance dogs, to be brought to the site for hygiene and safety reasons.
For events out of hours, the Marshalls will be able to show you where to park, although we do encourage parents to use alternative means of transport as much as possible as parking is always limited.
important information
Contact details
At the beginning of the year you will be asked to provide your contact numbers should we need to get hold of you during the day, and any other contact numbers for emergencies.
Please let us know the details and the phone numbers of anyone who is looking after your child while you are away from home for a period of time.
The emergency contact number in the event of a serious incident involving your daughter occurring at a time when the school is not open is 07721 022807.
Absence from school
Please write to or email the Form Teacher in advance if your daughter will be absent for any reason, for example, a religious holiday or a dental or hospital appointment.
If your daughter is going to be absent from School due to illness, please telephone or email the Junior School Reception and your form teacher using the class email after 8am and before 9am on the first day of absence. A quick call on each day of absence is also required. If your daughter has a contagious illness, please inform the School so we can inform other parents.
Please make every effort to avoid taking your daughter out of school for holidays.
Projects are started at the beginning of term and many important events are held at the end of term for which the girls have worked hard and which they anticipate with pleasure.
In the case of unavoidable absence in term time, permission should be sought in writing in advance from the Head of the Junior School. We are not able to authorise term time holidays.
If you need to collect your daughter during the school day go to the Junior School Reception so that your daughter can be brought to you and the register marked appropriately.
Lunch
Girls enjoy lunch together in the Dining Hall, where a variety of hot, cold, and vegetarian options are offered, along with sandwiches, fresh fruit, and a selection of desserts.
We cater for special dietary requirements and are a nut free school. In the Lower School, girls are asked to bring a named, healthy snack from home for their morning break.
Samples menus are avlaiable on the school website.
Canonaid
The Junior School has a chosen charity each term. The school council work on fundraising activities to support it such a cake sales, own clothes days and much more.
Money in School
Money should be brought into school only for a specific purpose, such as Canonaid, Book Clubs, money for outings and cake sales. However small a sum, it should be kept in a girl’s zipped pocket. It must never be left in the cloakroom or in a desk.
During Games lessons the purse and any other valuables, such as a wristwatch, should be handed to a member of staff for safe keeping.
Mobile phones
We appreciate that many of you want to give your daughter a mobile phone to help with coach collection. Students in the Junior School are not permitted to bring a smartphone to school. However, they may bring a simple “brick‑style” mobile phone if needed.
We ask that phones be handed to the Form Teacher and switched off at the start of the school day.
Apple Watches and other smartwatches are not permitted in the Junior School.
Please note that mobile phones are brought to school at the pupil’s own risk.
parents’ guild
Events and Trips
The Parents’ Guild organises social events, fundraises for additional resources, and supports school activities. Run primarily by parents with support from staff, all parents are automatic members. The Guild is chaired by the Headmistress, with two parent vice chairs.
Junior School parents assist in the library, at School Open Mornings, and on assessment and interview days. The Guild runs ‘pop up’ shops, along with Good As New Uniform and Stationery shops. They also organise the Christmas and Summer Fairs. Parents are invited to the Annual General Meeting, where the Headmistress reviews the school year. The Parents’ Guild has its own section on the school website: www.nlcs.org.uk / about/parents-guild and a Facebook page: NLCS Parents’ Guild.
For those interested in getting involved, please contact one of the vice chairs or leave a message with the Junior School Reception.
Trips
Outings are regularly organised to support various aspects of the curriculum. Girls normally wear school uniform unless this is not appropriate. A packed lunch should be brought from home. This must be “nut free” Full details will be given before each outing and you will be asked to complete an online permission slip.
Events
There are many varied events during the school year. The following occur annually in the Lower School.
Autumn Term
Welcome Evenings
Book Week/Curriculum Focus Week
Harvest Festival
Winter Concert
Christmas Fair
Parents’ Evenings
Christmas Party Spring Term
Evenings
Day
school uniform & equipment
School uniform
The School stockist is Uniform4Kids, the nearest stockist to school is Stanmore Pullen of 48 Church Road, Stanmore, telephone 020 8954 3850 where all items can be obtained. There are also shops in Temple Fortune and Northwood or you can order online.
All items must be clearly marked with your daughter’s name.
All long hair must be securely tied back using brown or black hair scrunchies or slides.
Blue and white scrunchies are acceptable with summer dresses.
No jewellery may be worn except for religious symbols. Small plain studs may be worn in pierced ears.
Items of personal value and toys should not be brought to school unless specifically requested by the teacher. Please name all items clearly.
Stanmore Pullen visit school each Friday during term time. They will deliver to school any item that you wish to order by telephone beforehand, or via their website www.uniform4kids.com
Lower School uniform
All uniform must be regulation unless specified.
Winter
Brown tunic
Girls in Year 5 and 6 only may wear a skirt.
Brown skirt
Pleated skirt may be worn in Year 5 and 6 only.
Trousers (optional)
Dark brown cord trousers.
Blouse
Blue long sleeved, open neck.
Summer
Summer dress
Regulation blue front Velcro fastening name on the front in large letters. Loop in neck by which it may be hung on your daughter’s peg.
Trousers (optional)
Brown school coat with school logo.
Jumper
Brown V neck.
Coat
Brown coat with school logo.
Hats and scarves
Brown and blue knitted hats and scarves.
Hairbands
All hair bands and hair ties must be brown, black or blue.
Socks or tights
Plain brown.
Shoes
Brown or black lace up, Velcro or buckled shoes, with low heels. No slip on or backless shoes. No boots.
Art apron - all year round
Shorts (optional)
Brown tailored.
Shirt
Blue short sleeved open neck.
Cardigan
Light blue with summer dress.
Socks White.
Shoes
Brown or black lace up, Velcro or buckled shoes, with low heels. (No slip on or backless shoes. Boots are not to be worn). Brown bar sandals may be worn during the Summer term.
PE clothing and equipment
All PE uniform must be regulation unless specified – a full list is available from uniform4kids.
Stanmore Pullen have arranged with a local printer for names to be printed on PE bags and T shirts. This will take between 10 14 days and there will be an extra charge.
Kit holdall
Navy blue with logo.
Midlayer Navy blue.
Polo shirt Sky blue.
Skirt
Navy blue with school logo.
Shorts Navy blue.
Tracksuit trousers or training Pants Navy blue.
Socks
White games socks and football socks.
Trainers
Predominantly white with non marking soles.
Football boots and shin pads
Leotard Black.
Waterproof bag
Pale blue and brown and named.
Swimming costume
Navy NLCS.
Swimming cap
Any colour is acceptable.
Towel
Any colour is acceptable.
Colour team T-shirt
Girls will be notified which team they will be in.
Optional items
• Base layer leggings.
• Base layer top.
• Tennis racquet Year 5 and above, for summer term only.
All PE equipment must be clearly named.
Hair must be tied back; no jewellery, watches, or religious symbols. Gym and Dance are in bare feet.
Girls can join a growing number of squad teams competing against other schools in sports including netball, swimming, cricket, athletics, badminton and gymnastics, alongside extra curricular clubs such as running, dance and football.
Colour team competitions run throughout the year, and annual highlights include Sports Day (open to parents) and a swimming gala.
Equipment
Exercise and text books are provided by the School but girls are asked to supply the following:
Pencil case, containing:
Pencils
Rubber
15cm ruler
A second small pencil case of choice, containing: Packet of coloured pencils
Scissors
Glue stick
A4 Homework folder
Pencil cases and all contents must be clearly named.
Please check and replenish pencil cases weekly. Stationery is available from the Parents’ Guild online shop. nlcs.org.uk/about/parents-guild
In addition, from Year 4:
A fountain pen with a medium nib. We recommend Parker Vector and Lamy pens as these are relatively inexpensive and easy to use. Washable blue ink cartridges.
An erasable blue roller ball type pen may also be used when the girls are learning to write in ink.
In addition, from Year 5:
180 degree protractor
Set squares
Pair of compasses
30cm ruler
Electronic Equipment
Calculator
Small dictionary and thesaurus suitable for desk (It would also be helpful to have editions of these at home for girls to use for homework).
If girls bring in Kindles or personal hand held devices, they do so at their own risk.
Lost property
Please name all possessions and check regularly that labels haven’t worn off. Lost property is held in year group classrooms or Junior School Reception, and unclaimed items are donated to the Parents’ Guild for resale.
further information
School policies
The following information is available for all parents on the School website:
The aims of the School
The School’s policy to safeguard and promote the welfare of our pupils
The School’s policy and arrangements for admissions
The School’s policy regarding relationships and sex education
The School’s policy to promote good behaviour (including sanctions and arrangements for discipline and exclusions)
The School’s policy to prevent bullying
Particulars of education and welfare provision for students with EHC plans and English as an additional language
The School’s curriculum policy
Details of the School’s academic performance in recent public examinations
The School’s concerns and complaints procedure
The School’s health and safety policy
The School’s first aid policy
All of these documents are posted on the School website at: www.nlcs.org.uk/about-nlcs/school-policies/nlcs-school-policies, along with the most recent ISI inspection report and the most recent Evaluation Report (annual review).
Contact details
School telephone number: 020 8952 0912
Junior School telephone number: 020 8952 1276
Registered School address: North London Collegiate School, Dalkeith Grove, Stanmore, HA7 4SQ
The Designated Safeguarding Lead for the whole school is the Senior School Deputy Head Pastoral (Mrs Nicky Dawson) and the Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads in the Junior School are Mr Queripel (Head of Junior School) and Mrs Bartram (Deputy Head, Pastoral).
What if...
....You have to take your daughter to the dentist/doctor/hospital?
Please email the Form Teacher. Report to the Junior School Reception and sign your daughter in or out of school.
....Your daughter is too ill to come to school?
Please email the Form Teacher or ring the Junior School Reception 020 8952 1276 (after 8am) to notify of absence and if the illness is prolonged.
....Your daughter forgets her wristband?
Your daughter can access the school buildings via the Junior School Reception.
....Your daughter has lost her wristband?
She must report this to the Junior School Reception. They will arrange a replacement. A charge of £10 will be made if she loses a second or subsequent wristband.
....You need to see the Form Teacher, the Deputy Head (Pastoral) or the Head of the Junior School?
Please email the teacher or telephone the PA to the Head of the Junior School to make an appointment.
....You are unavoidably delayed / do not arrive to collect your child?
Please ring the Junior School to warn us so your daughter does not become anxious or upset. If the delay is expected to be more than a few minutes, your daughter will be taken to After School Care, which will incur a charge. After School Care can be contacted via email at afterschoolclub@nlcs.org.uk or on 07827 919155 during hours of service (3pm to 5.30pm).
....You need to change your normal coach arrangements for a one off occasion?
Please make these changes in the zeelo app and email: travellingtoschool@nlcs.org.uk with the detail, copying in the junioroffice@nlcs.org.uk, the class e-mail address and Form Teacher, no later than 12:00 on the day .
....I need to contact school in an emergency out of school hours?
The emergency contact number, in the event of a serious incident involving your daughter occurring at a time when the school is not open is: 07721 022807
key contact information
These pages are designed to help parents navigate communication with the School efficiently and effectively.
Urgent matters
Reporting absences
Call 020 8952 1276 or email junioroffice@nlcs.org.uk
Medical issues or injuries
Pupils will be cared for by the medical centre or a trained first aider. If collection is needed, the medical centre will contact you.
If you need to contact the nurse email medical@nlcs.org.uk Practitioners: Dionne Thomas or Lorna Soares Smith.
If your daughter needs to miss some school to attend a medical appointment, please let your form teacher and the Junior School Office know.
In urgent situations involving ambulances or hospitalisation, parents will be informed immediately.
If you need to get an urgent message to your daughter during the school day, please contact Junior School Office.
Non-urgent matters
Please contact your form teacher. They can refer queries to the appropriate colleague, or contact the junior school office for help identifying the right person.
Homework diary
For Recording homework only. Use email or phone for all other communication.
Key contacts
General office emails: junioroffice@nlcs.org.uk
Staff emails: Format is InitialSurname@nlcs.org.uk (e.g. JSmith@nlcs.org.uk)
Staff directory to help identifying the right person: www.nlcs.org.uk/about/staff-governors
Specific matters
Serious pastoral or curriculum concerns: Katie Bartram, Deputy Head Pastoral, or Kate Ivory, Deputy Head Academic
Learning Support: Lisa Weisgard, Learning Support Advisor
Music: Chao Cox, Director of Junior School Music
Sport: Amy Rose, Director of Junior School Sport
Clubs: Nikhil Glazelle, Extra curricular Coordinator
Drama: Rachel Rushbrook, Director of Junior School Drama
Unresolved or strategic issues: Richard Queripel, Head of Junior School
Response time & channels
Response times: Queries are typically addressed within two term time days. Messages sent during holidays may not be answered until term resumes.
Complaints: Follow the process outlined in the complaints procedure on the school website.
Communication channels
We use the following to keep parents informed:
Annual events: Curriculum/welcome evenings, parents’ evening & parents’ guild agm.
Specific events: Parent pastoral or academic talks (often online).
Escalation
Email etiquette: Staff do not send emails between 7pm and 7am. Parents may use the “Delay delivery” function if emailing outside these hours.
Urgent queries: Contact the school office.
Regular updates: Weekly letters, digital newsletters, and social media updates (instagram, linkedin, facebook).
Progress reports: End of year.
For significant strategic, cultural or ethos matters and serious unresolved issues, contact the Headmistress, Mrs. Bingham, via her PA: headmistress@nlcs.org.uk
term dates
Autumn Term 2026
Tuesday 1 September
Wednesday 2 September
Thursday 3 September
Friday 4 September
Monday 19 October - Friday 30 October
Friday 13 November
Thursday 3 December
Friday 11 December
Spring Term 2027
Monday 4 January
Tuesday 5 January
Thursday 7 January
Monday 15 February - Friday 19 February
Thursday 25 March
Summer Term 2027
Monday 19 April
Monday 3 May
Friday 28 May
Monday 31 May - Friday 4 June
Wednesday 16 June
Friday 9 July
Staff INSET Day
Staff INSET Day
Pupil orientation day
Autumn Term begins
Autumn half term holiday
7+ entrance examination (holiday for Y3 Y6)
11+ entrance examination (holiday for Y7 Y13)
Autumn Term ends for First, Lower, and Senior School*
Staff INSET Day
Spring Term begins for Senior and Lower Schools
Spring Term begins for First School
Spring half term holiday
Spring Term ends for First, Lower, and Senior School*
DOVERCOURTGARDENS
Summer Term begins
May Day Bank Holiday
Staff INSET Day
Summer half term holiday
Staff INSET Day
Summer Term ends for First, Lower and Senior School*
*First School to finish at 11.30am (coaches depart at 11.45am); Lower and Senior School to finish at 12.15pm (coaches depart at 12.30pm).
Junior School: 020 8952 1276
Senior School: 020 8952 0912
email: o ce@nlcs.org.uk
website: www.nlcs.org.uk
Dalkeith Grove, Stanmore, HA7 4SQ