STUDENT HANDBOOK Y7
WELCOME FROM THE HEADMISTRESS
Welcome to Year 7 and to the Senior School at North London Collegiate School
We are delighted to welcome you on your Senior School journey and to see where it might take you. Along the way, we hope you will find subjects you love, make great friends, and try lots of new activities. When students leave us in Year 13, they often feel very emotional because of how special their time here at Canons has been. At NLCS, we love learning and having fun while we do it. We want you to feel inspired and
ready for whatever the future holds. We believe in helping you grow, not just in your studies, but also as a kind and thoughtful person. We are here to support you and your family throughout your time with us. Thank you for joining NLCS. I hope you enjoy your Year 7 adventure and all the exciting experiences that await you.
Mrs Bingham Headmistress
WELCOME FROM MRS DEMETRIOU
HEAD OF MIDDLE SCHOOL
As
Head of Middle School, I am especially looking forward to welcoming you to our vibrant and warm school community here at NLCS
My priority is to ensure you feel happy, secure, and confident within our school community, and I am committed to encouraging you to embrace all that is on offer. We have a strong support system in place for you as you make the transition to Senior School. Your tutor will be
your key person at school and will remain your main source of support throughout Year 7 and beyond. The Year 10 buddies will also play a key role in making you feel welcome, for example they will be in the Year 7 classrooms on your first day, ensuring you feel welcome and helping with any questions (such as how to get to your first lesson!). I am sure that the upcoming academic year will be both a challenging and exciting one for you all, filled with opportunities to learn and grow, both academically and personally. I very much look forward to meeting you and helping to ensure that the next stage of your school journey is both successful and rewarding.
Mrs Demetriou Head of Middle School
WHAT MAKES NLCS DIFFERENT?
At NLCS, we believe in working hard, thinking big, and looking out for each other.
We care just as much about how you’re doing in your lessons as we do in helping you grow in confidence, stretch your thinking, and find your voice. We can’t wait to see all the things you’ll do here.
OUR VISION
INTELLECTUAL TRADITION
An ambitious academic education rooted in joyful scholarship and excellence
INTREPID INNOVATION
A future-facing approach inspired by our heritage and empowered by modernity
INVESTMENT IN THE INDIVIDUAL
A commitment to character, wellbeing and belonging for life
IMPACT AND INFLUENCE
Deep connections to our wider communities, and a drive to shape the world around us
HISTORY OF THE SCHOOL
North London Collegiate School was founded in 1850 by
Frances Mary Buss.
She was a pioneering Victorian who believed girls deserved the same educational opportunities as boys. She opened the school with just 35 pupils. Photographs of some early students and teachers can still be seen in the Old House. Originally based in Camden Town, the school moved to its current Canons site in 1929 under Headmistress Miss Drummond and has since grown and evolved significantly.
WHO’S WHO
MRS BINGHAM
Headmistress
MRS DEMETRIOU Head of Middle School (Years 7–9)
MS SANTOS Assistant Head of Middle School (Transitions)
YOUR FORM TUTOR
Your first port of call for anything day-to-day
YOUR YEAR 10 BUDDY
A friendly face from your House to help you settle in
SCHOOL DAY
8.15am – 8.35am Arrive and tap in
8.40am – 9.15am Period 1
9.15am – 9.50am Period 2
9.50am – 10.25am Form Time or Assembly
10.25am – 10.45am Break
10.45am – 11.20am Period 3
11.20am – 11.55am Period 4
11.55am – 12.30pm Period 5
12.30pm – 1.40pm Lunch and Clubs
1.40pm – 2.15pm Period 6
2.15pm – 2.50pm Period 7
2.50pm – 3.25pm Period 8
3.25pm – 4.00pm Period 9
Most lessons are 35 minutes. Some subjects run as doubles (like Art or Science).
WHAT TO BRING
UNIFORM
• Brown skirt or trousers
• Blue blouse (short or long sleeve)
• Brown jumper with blue trim
• Dark brown or black shoes (not trainers)
• Brown tights or socks
• Plain dark coat
PE KIT
• Sky blue PE shirt
• Navy skort or shorts
• Navy tracksuit and midlayer
• Blue socks (Lacrosse), white socks (Netball)
• Trainers, lacrosse boots, stick, mouthguard
• Swimming costume, towel, swimming hat, bag
• Tennis racket (summer term)
EQUIPMENT
• Pencil case: pens, pencils, ruler, eraser, sharpener
• Colouring pencils, glue stick, scissors
• Geometry set, calculator (Casio FX-991CW)
• Art supplies: A size 4 soft brush - sable or nylon with a good point, 2B pencils and a soft rubber
PADLOCK
• You’ll need a combination padlock for your locker
Breakfast
Break
Lunch
Served from 7.30am in the Performing Arts Centre
Snacks from the Dining Hall (fruit, smoothies, pastries)
Hot meals with vegetarian options, salad bar, desserts. Express bar offers lighter food such as sandwiches
If you have dietary requirements, let the catering team know. Questions? Email: catering@nlcs.org.uk
CLUBS, MUSIC & ENRICHMENT
THERE ARE CLUBS FOR EVERY INTEREST. HERE’S A SELECTION:
• Art Club
• Netball Club
• Lacrosse Club
• Drama Club
• Mad Hatter’s Society (books and film)
• Miniglot Society (languages and culture)
• Young Historians
• Science Club
LIBRARY
The McLauchlan Library is a centre for independent learning, recreational reading, and research skill development. With over 35,000 resources, it offers a calm, stimulating environment at the heart of the school, supporting both curricular and independent study.
OPENING HOURS
The library is open from 8.15am to 5.30pm Monday–Thursday, and until 4.15pm on Fridays. You are welcome before and after school, as well as during break and lunchtime.
RESOURCES
A wide range of fiction, non-fiction, journals (print and digital), DVDs, and online resources support both coursework and reading for pleasure. An eBook platform (ePlatform) offers 24/7 access to selected titles.
Books are issued for 14 days, with email reminders for overdues. Items can be renewed
You’ll also find lunchtime concerts, debate practice, sports squads, chess club and more — just keep an eye on the noticeboards.
MUSIC
We offer choirs, ensembles, solo performance opportunities and instrumental/singing lessons. Timetables are shared via email and noticeboards. If you miss a lesson due to music, you must let your teacher know in advance.
in person or by email. There are no fines, but lost or damaged books will be charged at the replacement cost.
Library computers provide access to the catalogue, email, and internet. Please follow school IT guidelines. Staff are skilled in the research process and offer tailored support for in-depth projects or personal enrichment.
ACTIVITIES
The library hosts regular events such as author visits and book groups. Students may also volunteer as Library Monitors, helping with displays, events, and visitors.
BOOK CLUB
The Mad Hatters Book Club is led by Year 12 students and open to Years 7–9. Weekly sessions include creative activities like themed discussions and book-related projects.
CONTACT
Email: nlcslib@nlcs.org.uk
We look forward to welcoming you!
PE & SPORT
You’ll have three double PE lessons each week. In the winter, this includes: netball, lacrosse, gymnastics, swimming and dance. In the summer: cricket, tennis, athletics and more swimming.
You can wear your PE kit to school on days when you have Netball or Lacrosse.
Lacrosse is new for most students and is taught in double periods through the Autumn and Spring terms. Everyone joins the main squad and teams are selected for matches. Goggles and mouthguards are essential.
We expect everyone to join in, but if you’re unwell or injured, bring a note from home for your teacher.
THE HOUSE SYSTEM
Space exploration captures the spirit we want our houses to embody – we want the house system to inspire you all to push boundaries, demonstrate courage, embrace a spirit of adventure – trying out things that may be different or new and to take a leap into the unknown. Importantly, by adopting an unusual twist on the Buss ship and our history, we want our house system to spark creativity and to bring the whole school community together in shared adventure and fun.
HOUSE NAMES: MINERVA
Named after the Roman goddess of wisdom and science, and connected to ESA’s groundbreaking Project Minerva which introduced the first European female astronaut class. Minerva represents academic excellence, strategic thinking, and the power of knowledge to break barriers.
KALPANA
Named after Kalpana Chawla, the first Indianborn woman in space and accomplished aerospace engineer. She is inspiring for her groundbreaking achievements, academic excellence, and dedication to discovery.
ARTEMIS
Named after NASA's groundbreaking programme to land the first woman on the Moon and the Greek goddess of the Moon. Artemis symbolises a commitment to future achievements and the expanding horizons.
ENDEAVOUR
The Space Shuttle that saw Eileen Collins become the first female pilot in 1995. Endeavour embodies the spirit of discovery and represents how determination can overcome traditional boundaries.
JEMISON
Named in honour of Mae Jemison, the first African American woman in space and a physician, engineer, and educator. Her achievements in science, medicine, and education embody an ambitious, holistic and wide-ranging approach to life.
PASTORAL SUPPORT
You’re
not expected to figure it all out on your own. Your form tutor is your first stop if something is confusing or worrying you. They’ll see you every day and will help you settle in.
You’ll also have a Year 10 buddy — someone from your House who’s there to help you find your feet in the first few weeks.
You’ll have a weekly PSHE lesson, where you’ll explore topics like friendships, wellbeing, staying safe, and the kind of person you want to be.
Need more support? The Cedar Space is a quiet room for reflection, mindfulness and support. There are trained staff and drop-in sessions throughout the year.
WHAT IF…?
YOU ARRIVE LATE?
Tap your ID at the gate and go straight to your lesson. Let your teacher know you’ve arrived.
YOU HAVE AN APPOINTMENT?
Ask your parent or guardian to email absence@nlcs.org. uk. You must tap out when you leave the school site.
YOU FEEL UNWELL?
Speak to your teacher or visit the Medical Centre. The nurse will contact home if needed.
YOU’VE LOST SOMETHING?
Check Reception for valuables or the lost property cupboard near the sports lockers for uniform or kit.
YOU MISS THE COACH HOME?
Go to Reception if it’s before 5.30pm and ask them to phone home. If it’s after 5.30pm go to the Sport’s Centre and ask them to phone home.
YOU NEED HELP?
Just ask. Your tutor, buddy, teachers, and support staff are all here to help.
FROM US TO YOU: STUDENT TIPS
Welcome to NLCS! As current members of Year 7, we felt it was our duty to include some information about life here at Canons. This advice comes straight from previous Year 7 students:
Don’t panic if you get Everyonelost. doesfirst.at
Label everything. Seriously.
Always carry your ID card.
Bring a snack
Stand up when a teachertheintowalks room.
Walk on the right hand side of the stairs
Take part in a club. You’ll meet people and enjoy it. Be kind, include others, and look after your space. Make use of your buddies. They will be very kind and will help you out if you have a problem.
And finally.....good news! You don’t have any homework for the first two weeks. Have a great holiday – see you in September!
KEY DATES
AUTUMN 2025
Monday 1 September
Tuesday 2 September
Wednesday 3 September
Thursday 4 September
Monday 20 October – Friday 31 October
Friday 14 November
Thursday 4 December
Thursday 11 December
Friday 12 December
*Term ends at lunchtime
SPRING 2026
Monday 5 January
Tuesday 6 January
Wednesday 7 January
Monday 16 February – Friday 20 February
Thursday 26 March
Friday 27 March
*Term ends at lunchtime
SUMMER 2026
Monday 20 April
Monday 4 May
Friday 22 May
Monday 25 May – Friday 29 May
Friday 19 June
Tuesday 7 July
Wednesday 8 July
Wednesday 8 July
*Term ends at lunchtime
*Term ends in the afternoon
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 School*
Autumn Term ends for 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 School*
Spring Term ends for Lower, and Senior School*
Summer Term begins
May 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
Term dates and key events are published on the NLCS website and shared regularly via parent communications. If you have questions about anything in this handbook, your form tutor will be happy to explain more in September.
WE CAN’T WAIT TO WELCOME YOU.
Senior School: 020 8952 0912
email: office@nlcs.org.uk
website: www.nlcs.org.uk
North London Collegiate School, Dalkeith Grove, Stanmore, HA7 4SQ