South Hampstead High School

South Hampstead High School is an all-girls independent school situated in Hampstead, north-west London. "The Good Schools Guide" described the school as "the only high-achieving, girls' independent in the area." [http://www.goodschoolsguide.co.uk/school/south-hampstead-high-school.html]

History

Founded in 1876, it was the ninth school established by the Girls' Day School Trust. It is a selective, academic day school for girls. Although on two sites, the Senior school and Junior school are run as a single unit. There are about 160 girls in the sixth form, which has its own building, Oakwood House.

Academics

Pupils enjoy the challenge and pace of the school's academic subjects and participate enthusiastically in a large number of clubs, societies and extra-curricular opportunities. Music and drama are outstanding. The school encourages individuality in its pupils, and it is known for its remarkable friendly, liberal and accepting attitude and the high academic standards that it maintains.

All girls participate in charity events; the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme and Young Enterprise Scheme are very strong. There are frequent opportunities to participate in events undertaken jointly with boys at University College School, Hampstead. South Hampstead is linked with local boys' school University College School.

The school participates in the GDST's Scholarships and Bursaries Scheme; it is a multi-cultural community, reflecting its wide catchment area.

Girls at SHHS are encouraged to be confident and be able to use their initiative to prepare them for the rapidly changing world in with they will seek their careers. The aim of the school is to help each girl to discover her own particular strengths and talents and develop them to their full potential.

The Arts

The school choirs are regular prize winners at the Eisteddfod. There is an extensive programme of European exchanges and work experience. There are a number of excellent theatre productions each year, many directed by the girls.

Athletics

Sport has a high profile. A four acre sports site offers facilities for netball, hockey, athletics, tennis, squash and rounders.

Basic information

Age range: 11 - 18

Day pupils: 903 girls

Annual day fees: £7,632 - £9,810

TOTAL PUPILS: 903 girls

Including 6th form/FE: 159 girls

Staff numbers: 45 full time - 24 part time

Method of entry: School exam or test, Interview

Professional affiliations: GSA, GDST

Religious affiliation: Non-denominational

cholarships

*6th Form
*Academic
*Financial need
*Music
*Other bursaries
*Other scholarships
*Senior school entry

Academic Results

The Times top schools for GCSE 2006 - "Ranked 16th"

Pass rate = 100% A-C(89.37% A*-A grades)

The Times ranking of all schools at A Level 2006 - "Ranked 99th"

Pass rate = 99.2% (93% A-B grades), 20 courses are offered for A-levels

chool Motto

*"Mehr Licht" - More Light (German)—the reputed last words of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Notable Alumnae

* Flora Twort, English painter
* Joanna MacGregor, Classical & contemporary pianist
* Antonia Forest, British children's author
* Helena Bonham Carter, Actress
* Olivia Williams, Actress
* Jane Green, Author
* Georgia Slowe, Actress
* Naomi Alderman, Author
* E. C. R. Lorac, Crime writer
* Julia Neuberger, Rabbi
* Lynsey de Paul, Singer/Songwriter/Pianist/Actress
* Fay Weldon, Author
* Lynne Featherstone, Liberal Democrat MP
* Angela Lansbury, Actress.
* Daisy Lowe, Model

External links

* [http://www.gdst.net/shhs/home.html South Hampstead High School Website]
* [http://www.goodschoolsguide.co.uk/school/south-hampstead-high-school.html Profile at the Good Schools Guide]