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
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.
Aims of the school
At NLCS, we empower young women to become dynamic catalysts for change. Every remarkable journey begins with a single step, and hers starts here with us. Our dedication goes beyond academic excellence; we cultivate deep thinkers who approach the world with curiosity, critical analysis, and intellectual rigour.
We foster leadership, confidence, and independent thought, establishing a solid foundation for each girl to thrive. We inspire our students to challenge norms, embrace their individuality, and make their mark on the world.
An NLCS girl is fearless, compassionate, and purpose-driven, poised to shape the future with integrity and vision. She has the freedom to
pursue her dreams. Within our vibrant and supportive community, we equip every student to confront global challenges with courage, ensuring she is prepared for the future she imagines.
Together, we’re setting the stage for her to make waves.
the junior school
Physical Education
Girls have 3 PE lessons per week. They will have swimming lessons throughout the year. In the winter and spring the PE curriculum includes games and movement lessons and in the summer the girls do athletics and field games.
Autumn
Swimming / Games / Gym and Dance / Cross-Country
Music
Spring
Swimming / Games / Gym and Dance / Cross-Country
Summer
Swimming / Athletics / Short Tennis / Striking and Fielding games
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.
First school
Reception Age 4-5
Year 1 Age 5-6
Year 2 Age 6-7
Lower
school
Year 3 Age 7-8
Year 4 Age 8-9
Year 5 Age 9-10
Year 6 Age 10-11
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
In Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 the curriculum follows much of the National Curriculum but we have the freedom to teach beyond its constraints. 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).
In addition to these subjects the girls learn a variety of Modern Foreign Languages, including German, Mandarin and French. This gives the girls an excellent grounding in how languages work. The girls can continue to learn more about these languages by joining an after-school language club.
Music in the Junior School is vibrant, inclusive and nurtures every student’s development, offering a variety of musical styles from classical to world music. Pupils are encouraged to join choirs, orchestras, and ensembles, with a particular focus on choral music. Canons Choir competes nationally and has won prestigious titles.
Performance opportunities include concerts, solo showcases, and breakfast busking. Pupils collaborate with renowned musicians and organisations like the VOCESS Foundation and the Royal Academy of Music. Every pupil has twice-weekly music lessons, school-wide singing, and a choir session. We offer 150 instrumental lessons weekly, taught by 28 visiting specialists. Many pupils take ABRSM and Trinity exams, with some achieving Grade 8 by Year 6 and performing with the National Children’s Orchestra.
Drama
Drama in the Junior School is designed to build each girl’s confidence and performance skills, whatever her starting point.
Casting reflects this aim and typically involves an audition. The Director considers a range of factors: preferred roles, acting ability, line learning, commitment, projection, and stage confidence. Pupils are cast with both their strengths and areas for growth in mind. Those less confident are supported with manageable challenges that still offer a sense of achievement. All casting decisions are made by the Director, sometimes with input from the Junior School Director of Music, and are approved by the Form Teacher.
Productions are collaborative and ensemble-based, much like an orchestra. Roles vary in their challenges, emotional depth, comic timing, physical movement, or stage time, and are not defined by line counts. Every role is valued, and girls are encouraged to support each other and recognise the importance of every contribution.
Annual participation in productions is a highlight of school life, and we encourage every girl to embrace the rich opportunities offered throughout the Junior School and beyond.
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.
Period 5
Long break
6
Home time
Parents who are collecting their daughters should do so between 3.25pm and 3.30pm in front of the Junior School. Girls are not allowed to walk to the Loop Road or anywhere else in the school grounds to meet parents until they are in Year 5.
Girls who are in Year 3 and above and are travelling home by coach make their way independently to their coach stop on the Loop Road.
Girls who are waiting for the 4.15pm coach, an older sister in the Senior School, or for their parents to collect them, may take part in the clubs programme or wait in the designated late room until 4pm. After 4pm, if a child is not collected, they will be taken to After School Care. This service will be charged.
Please ensure regular collection arrangements and any changes to usual rotas are noted in the homework diary and an email sent to Form Teachers
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.
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.
Wednesday Thursday Friday lunch
Monday Tuesday
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.
A sample menu is shown here.
Soup
Squash, chilli & coconut soup
Homemade bread
Seeds and toppings
Main
Turkish chicken shawarma in Khobez
Main
Tijuana pork burrito
Vegetarian Main
Roasted vegetable burrito
Vegan Main
Oyster mushroom shawarma in Khobez
Sides & extras
Spiced wedges
Herb tabbouleh
Chilli roasted broccoli
Cumin carrots
Mint yogurt
Chilli sauce
Jacket potato
5 bean chilli
Cheddar cheese
Baked Beans
Dessert of the Day
Red velvet cake
Soup
Carrot & lentil Soup
Homemade bread
Seeds and toppings
Main
Beef chilli con carne
Main
Teriyaki shredded chicken, pepper & spring onion
Vegetarian Main
Roasted vegetable chilli
Vegan Main
Roasted tomato & pepper pasta
Sides & extras
Steamed rice
Garlic green beans
Turmeric roasted cauliflower
Tortilla chips
Guacamole
Sour cream
Tomato salsa
Jacket potato
Grated cheddar
Coleslaw
Baked beans
Dessert of the Day
NLCS pear & chocolate
Crumble with custard
Soup
Spiced cauliflower Soup
Homemade bread
Seeds and toppings
Main
Slow roasted pulled pork
Main
Crispy fish wrap with homemade tartare sauce
Vegetarian Main
Butternut & red onion
stuffed field mushroom
Vegan Main
Crispy plant-based fishless wrap with homemade tartare sauce
Sides & extras
Roast potatoes
Roast vegetable medley
Homemade Yorkshire pudding
Sage & onion stuffing
Jacket potato
Tuna & sweetcorn
Cheddar cheese
Baked Beans
Dessert of the Day
Lemon love cake with custard
Soup
Vegetable Soup
Homemade bread
Seeds and toppings
Main
3 cheese Mac & cheese with a selection of toppers
Main
Chicken & leek pie
Vegetarian Main
Tempura vegetables & sweet chilli sauce
Vegan Main
Mac & no cheese with a selection of toppers
Sides & extras
Garlic & lemon new potatoes
Herby carrots
Sweetcorn
Mixed leaf salad
Jacket potato
Beef chilli
Chickpea balti
Baked beans
Dessert of the Day
Sticky toffee pudding with custard
Soup
Broccoli and herb Soup
Homemade bread
Seeds and toppings
Main
Battered Fish of the day or Breaded fish fingers
Main
Pork hotdogs
Vegetarian Main
Stir fried rice noodles with crispy plant-based hoi sin chicken
Vegan Main
Plant-based hotdog
Sides & extras
Chip shop chips
Mushy peas
Garden peas
Curry sauce
Tartare sauce
Jacket potato
BBQ pulled pork
Cheddar cheese
Baked Beans
Dessert of the Day
Chocolate beetroot brownie
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.
pastoral care
The happiness and general welfare of the girls is of prime importance to us and all members of staff are involved in pastoral care. We encourage a safe and supportive learning environment in which everyone can feel comfortable.
Your daughter’s Form Teacher is the first person for girls and parents to contact if there is a concern, and the Head of Junior School, Deputy Head (Pastoral), First School Phase Leader, the School Medical Team and the School Counsellors are closely involved in providing support.
Throughout the School there is a structured programme of Personal Social and Health Education (PSHE) and Relationships and Sex Education (RSE). This aims to build self-esteem, develop personal skills and inter-personal relationships and raise awareness about important health-related issues, including sex education, drugs and alcohol, at an appropriate level for each age group.
Girls have regular sessions of circle time which establishes a forum in which girls can discuss issues of common interest and help one another. As part of the pastoral programme, it helps to enhance self-esteem, develops social skills and initiates collective responsibility.
Each girl has a PAT (Personal Appointment Time) with her Form Teacher. At these meetings the girls reflect on their learning and progress and consider future targets. The girls continue this self evaluation in their profile books.
Golden rules
Throughout the First and Lower Schools we have an agreed set of “Golden Rules” which all girls and members of staff aim to adhere to. These encourage positive behaviour and they provide life skills.
The rules are as follows:
We are gentle
We are kind and helpful
We listen
We are honest
We work hard
We look after property
The girls are rewarded for keeping the Golden Rules in different ways as they move up through the Junior School. During their Golden Time they are allowed to pursue their own chosen activity or an extra special whole class activity which the Form Teachers organise.
Girls are rewarded positively for good behaviour and are also made aware of the fact that actions have consequences. If necessary, sanctions are imposed as appropriate.
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.
Clive Curious Cat
• Is investigative.
• Is observant.
• Shows an eagerness to ask questions.
• Explores beyond what is merely required.
• Likes to notice and discover new things.
Florence Flexibility of Mind Flamingo
• 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.
Eddie Empathy Elephant
• 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.
Oliver Originality Orangutan
• 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.
Roger Risk-taking Rattlesnake
• 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.
Percy Persistent Penguin
• 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.
Serena Self-assurance Swan
• 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
Rosie Reflective Rabbit
Health & medical
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.
Parents are encouraged to ensure their daughter has had their pre-school booster immunisations and health check before commencing school. Parents will be required to fill out health and medical information (including any allergies and dietary requirements) on the Parent Portal for the School. Other staff within the school may be informed of your child’s medical conditions where necessary. The Medical Centre should be kept informed of any change in your daughter’s medical condition that may impact her while she is in our care. This should be updated on the Parent Portal. Please also email medical@nlcs.org.uk to alert the team to these changes.
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. We also have Witch Hazel gel and Anthisan antihistamine cream. Parents of girls in the Junior School will be contacted before any medication is given.
If you require your child to be given medication (prescribed or otherwise) during school time, please email us at medical@nlcs.org.uk stating time of administration, dosage and reason for medication. Any medication sent into school must be in date and in the original container in which it was dispensed, clearly labelled with your daughter’s name.
If your child requires an auto-injector (EpiPen), two named spare auto-injectors should be given to Medical Centre staff. Similarly, if your child is asthmatic a spare, named inhaler should be given to the Medical Centre. Medical Centre staff will safely store these and contact parents to remind them of the expiry date of emergency medication and when they will need to be replaced. It is parents’ responsibility to ensure replacements are provided.
If your daughter takes the coach to or from school, they will need to carry their emergency medication in their school bag; staff will liaise with parents individually. It is parents’ responsibility to ensure that your daughter has their emergency medication with them.
If your child is unwell during the night or first thing in the morning, please do not send them to school. Pupils should stay at home for 48 hours after any vomiting or diarrhoea.
If your child gets head lice, please contact the school immediately. We will inform the whole year group of a case without names so parents can check their daughter’s hair and treat at the same time to prevent recurrence.
If you would like further information on First Aid or other health related issues, please see the First Aid policy on the school’s website. Medical centre staff are usually available during the day to discuss any queries you may have so please do make contact if you have any concerns or worries.
in touch keeping
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 North London Collegiate throughout the whole school. Parents can 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.
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 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.
Homework
Homework is set most evenings and ranges from 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the year group. In Years 3 and 4, tasks are set Monday to Thursday; in Years 5 and 6, weekend homework is also included.
Homework should be clearly recorded in the homework diary which must be brought to and from school everyday.
Messages for staff should be sent via email rather than being written in the homework diary.
Homework is carefully prepared in class but girls may seek guidance and help with finding out information. Please don’t hesitate to let us know if your daughter has difficulty with the work set, or cannot complete it within the given time. A quiet, comfortable workspace is recommended.
Some tasks may require access to apps or websites. Pupils use Microsoft Teams, and each girl has her own login to view or submit homework when required.
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. However, 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
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
Autumn Term
Curriculum Evenings
Book Week/Curriculum Focus Week
Harvest Festival
Year 3 Production
Winter Concert
Christmas Fair
Parents’ Evenings
Christmas Party
Spring Term
Parents’ Evenings Year 4 Production
Instrumentalists Concert
Poetry Recitation competition
Exhibition Saturday
Founder’s Day with Year 5 Founder’s Day Play
in the Lower School.
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 girls must have brown or black shoes.
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.
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.
Trainers
Predominantly white with non-marking soles.
All PE equipment must be clearly named.
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.
• Football socks.
• Tennis racquet - Year 5 and above, for summer term only.
Hair must be tied back and no religious symbols, jewellery or watches should be worn during PE. Gym and Dance are carried out in bare feet.
During the year, various sporting events take place, including a Sports Day, to which parents are invited, and a swimming gala.
There are many squad teams (increasing as the girls go higher up the School) which compete against other schools in sports such as netball, swimming, cross-country, cricket, athletics, badminton and gymnastics.
Many recreational sports clubs are offered as part of the extra-curricular clubs programme such as running club, dance, gymnastics, and football. Colour team competitions, like the colour team cross country run, are scheduled throughout the year in both lesson times and long break times.
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.
Parents should check the pencil cases weekly to sharpen pencils and renew supplies.
Items of stationery are available from our Parents’ Guild online stationery 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 everything that comes to school and check regularly whether names have rubbed off your daughter’s possessions. Lost Property cupboards are located in the year group classrooms or with Junior School Reception.
Items that are not claimed after a reasonable amount of time are given 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
Parents who wish to contact the Headmistress (Mrs Vicky Bingham) or the Chair of Governors (Mrs Gaby Gower) may do so at this address or junioroffice@nlcs.org.uk
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 write a note in the message book or 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 email: travellingtoschool@nlcs.org.uk with the detail, copying in the junioroffice@nlcs.org.uk and Form Teacher, by 12.30pm.
....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: Harriet Woods 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
Special educational needs: Senco, Lisa Weisgard
Music: Chao Cox
Sport: Gemma Caplan
Clubs: Philip Rosenthal or Alex Wilkes
Drama: Rachel Rushbrook
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 2025
Pupil orientation day Autumn Term begins
7+ entrance examination (holiday for Y3-Y6)
11+ entrance examination (holiday for Y7-Y13)
Autumn Term ends for First School*
Autumn Term ends for Lower and Senior School*
Spring Term 2026
Spring Term begins for Senior and Lower Schools
Spring Term begins for First School Spring half term holiday
Spring Term ends for First School*
Spring Term ends for Lower, and Senior School*
Summer Term 2026
Term begins
Day Bank Holiday Staff Marking Day
Summer half term holiday Staff INSET Day
Summer Term ends for First School* and Lower School**
Summer Term ends for Senior School*
Staff INSET Day for Junior School Staff
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