DirectoryHaringeyAll ThroughHighgate School
All Through school

Highgate School

Highgate is a top independent co-educational school in London welcoming pupils aged 4 to 18 across Pre-Prep, Junior, Senior and Sixth Form.

HaringeyAll ThroughCo Ed, becoming co-educationalAges 4–18Day1,321 pupils
Day fees
£32,787
How competitive entry is
School Exam + Group AssessmentCompetitive entry
Pupils
1,321
Founded
1565
Next deadline
Assessment: 1 Nov 2026
Verified 1 month agosource
Houseroom Index 2026
82.9/100· ranked #14 of UK independents
78% data confidence·v2026.4.0·+5 vs Parent Power
How is this calculated? →
Pillar breakdown
Academic outcomes88
Destinations & outcomes90
Future-readiness55
Pastoral & wellbeing82
Pupil flourishing65
Value-add80
Access & breadth90
Parent sentiment70
External consensus95

Get your personalised Fit Score — tell us about your child to see how well this school matches your priorities.

Our take

Independent girls all-through school in Haringey for ages 3–19, day or boarding. Selective entry, Christian ethos.

Best for
Who thrives here
  • Families wanting one school across the whole journey (ages 3–19) rather than separate prep + senior.
  • Parents who want a single-sex environment for their daughter.
  • Families weighing day vs boarding — both are offered.
  • Families who value a Christian ethos in school life.
  • Children who can demonstrate strong academics at entry assessment — this is a selective school.
Watch-outs
Know before applying
  • Selective entry — assume some form of assessment at the relevant entry point. Plan tutoring or familiarisation early if needed.
  • The Christian ethos shapes assemblies, holidays and pastoral life. Comfortable for committed families; worth thinking about for those of other or no faith.
  • SEND provision isn't documented in our profile. If your child has an EHCP or specific learning needs, ask admissions about case-by-case capacity before applying.
  • Single-sex (girls). Comfortable for some children, less so for others — worth a visit on a normal teaching day rather than only an open-day showcase.
AI-generated guidance

About the head

Altiora in Votis

Adam Pettitt has been Head of Highgate since 2006 — among the longest-serving heads at any major London independent. Educated at Cambridge, he led the school through its full transition to co-education in 2004 and the Sunday Times Independent School of the Decade award (2021).

High-calibre and academically minded teaching with a focus on scholarship and independence for all, rather than on exam outcomes.

scholarshipindependenceintellectual curiosityexceptional pastoral care

Distinctive features

Sunday Times Independent School of the Decade 2021

Co-educational since 2004 after 400+ years as a boys' school

460-year history (founded 1565 by Sir Roger Cholmeley)

Bursary programme covering up to 100% of fees

Twelve houses

one of the most house-rich systems in London

Mill Hill site with extensive sports facilities and a Junior School pre-prep

Activities & co-curricular

sport

OC (Cholmeleian) sports teamsSportSports teamsSports TeamsTeams

music

Ensembles and castsJazz ensembles (perform at Pizza Express Jazz Club, Soho)Music ensemblesMusic Ensembles

drama

ArtsDramaDrama casts and productions

academic club

DebatingDebating societiesGeography A Level Iceland tripGeography Iceland TripGeography trip to IcelandMasaryk Society

service

Charitable partnershipsCharitable PartnershipsCharitable Partnerships ProgrammeCombined Cadet Force (CCF)Community action groupsCommunity action groups / volunteering / fundraisingCommunity Days (Year 9)Community Days (Year 9) and Environment Day (Year 10)Community Engagement ProjectsDuke of Edinburgh AwardDuke of Edinburgh's AwardEnvironment DayEnvironment Day (Year 10)Volunteering and fundraisingVolunteering / Community ServiceYear 10 Environment DayYear 9 Community Days

other

Careers and EmployabilityClubs and SocietiesForest School

Facilities

sports

Sports FacilitiesSports grounds (Bishopswood Road)Sports grounds (overlooked by Bishopswood Road building)

arts

Art StudiosDrama StudioMusic Facilities

boarding

Boarding Accommodation

academic

Bishopswood Road building (Pre-Prep and Junior School)Chapel QuadLibraryMills Centre (art, design, engineering and technology)North Road site (Senior School main teaching)Science Laboratories

wellbeing

ChapelDining Hall

Latest exam results

Outcomes2025 A-LEVELS
80
A*-A

2025 A-level: ; 31 Oxbridge places, 43 Oxbridge offers

80%
A-level A*–A
96%
GCSE 9–7
16%
Oxbridge offer rate
85%
Russell Group rate

Data from 2025 results

Where leavers go

16%
to Oxbridge (2025)
81%
to Russell Group
20252024202320222021
Cohort192190190190190
Oxbridge31213029
Russell Group156150
Medicine4
Top universities (2025)
Edinburgh21
Bristol19
Cambridge16
Durham15
Oxford14
King's College London12
Manchester12
UCL11

Recent coverage

2025 results saw 80% of A-Levels graded A*-A, 31 pupils gained Oxbridge places and 43 Oxbridge offers — placing the school in the UK top 20.

Sunday Times: Independent School of the Decade 2021
Good Schools Guide review of Highgate School
Tatler Schools Guide profile

Notable alumni

John Betjeman (Poet Laureate)T.S. Eliot (Nobel Prize, literature)Gerard Manley Hopkins (poet)Phil Tufnell (England cricketer)Tom Hooper (Oscar-winning director)Freddie Highmore (actor)Sir John Tavener (composer)Sir Clive Sinclair (inventor)
Recommended next step

Open-day dates not yet published

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Fit for your child

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Application timeline

5 of 8 admissions stages have confirmed dates. Save this school to be notified when dates are published.

Open dayNot published
Not published
Registration opensConfirmed
7 Sept 2026
Registration closesConfirmed
25 Sept 2026
Bursary deadlineNot published
Not published
AssessmentConfirmed
1 Nov 2026
InterviewNot published
Not published
OffersConfirmed
31 Jan 2027
Acceptance deadlineConfirmed
7 Feb 2027
Registration windows
YearOpensClosesReply byStatus
2027-287 Sept 202625 Sept 20267 Feb 2027Tbc

Open events

Open Evening
Tue, 15 Sept 2026
10:00 am
Sixth Form Open Evening
Sixth Form Evening
Tue, 15 Sept 2026
7:00 pm
Sixth Form Open Evening
Open Day
Sat, 26 Sept 2026
9:30 am|Highgate School
Junior School (7+) Open Day
Open Day
Sat, 3 Oct 2026
9:30 am|Highgate School
Senior School (11+) Open Day
Open Day
Sat, 3 Oct 2026
10:00 am
Deadline
Wed, 4 Nov 2026
12:00 pm
11+ Application Deadline

Private tours and additional visits available by arrangement — contact admissions to arrange.

Talks & tasters

Tue, 15 Sept 2026Sixth Form Open EveningOpen Evening
Tue, 15 Sept 2026Sixth Form Open EveningSixth Form Evening

Fees

£32,787per year · Day · 2026-27 · est. (3 x term)
VAT-inclusive estimate £32,787VAT status TBCYear 7-13 projection £258,961
vs London avg (£24,000)37% above
Also budget for · Registration fee, deposit, uniform, lunches, trips, music tuition, exam fees. These vary by school — check with admissions for the full cost breakdown.

Bursaries & Scholarships

Max award
100%
Means-tested
Yes
Scholarships
6
medium confidence data
Scholarships by category & award sizeView full bursary & scholarship guide

Excerpts

For me it would come down to the following three factors: Congratulations - these are great offers.

Academic reputation — parent discussion
Academic reputation — parent discussion

I like City’s kind, grounded, non-flash atmosphere. And that it is unashamedly academic. Which school would give the best all round academic education? The best broad general knowledge? Congratulations - these are great offers. Nothing to separate these two schools in terms of...

Pastoral care — parent discussion

My nerdy and slightly geeky girl is very happy in Highgate, there's a diverse range of personalities in each class. She is certainly not a minority there. The school is very good on the emotional well-being and pastoral care.

House system

NorthgateSouthgateWestgateEastgateQueensgateKingsgateMidgateFargateHeathgateThe LodgeSchool HouseGrindal

Wellbeing

Pastoral care is central to daily life at Highgate, with a dedicated team supporting each young person's wellbeing and personal development throughout their journey. The Deputy Head (Pastoral) oversees the on-going wellbeing of pupils, ensuring a nurturing environment where students can thrive academically and emotionally. Our approach provides personalised support alongside broader enrichment and wellbeing activities, particularly in Sixth Form, to equip students for leading universities and beyond.

Inspection

Isi 24 Sept 2024

One inspection report on file. Worth reading before booking a visit — covers safeguarding, leadership and overall standard.

Standards met
Read full ISI report →

Term dates 2025-26

spring6 Jan 202627 Mar 2026Half-term 16 Feb 2026–20 Feb 2026
summer20 Apr 20268 Jul 2026Half-term 25 May 2026–29 May 2026
spring4 Jan 202719 Feb 2027Half-term 5 Jan 2027
summer19 Apr 20279 Jul 2027Half-term 31 May 2027–4 Jun 2027
autumn31 Aug 202711 Dec 2026Half-term 1 Sept 2026

INSET: 5 Jan 2026 · 22 May 2026

Where pupils go 2026 · 2244 offers

Opening August 2026
2026 offers
and boarding pupils aged 2–18.
218 offers
Designed for students across Asia,
0 offers
the programme combines rigorous
0 offers
academic study with holistic
0 offers
development, preparing students
0 offers
for top UK schools and universities
0 offers
while exploring Chinese language,
0 offers
culture and history. This is a unique
0 offers
opportunity to experience the
0 offers
excellence and ethos of Highgate
0 offers
and pastoral ethos, the school will also
0 offers
Reflecting Highgate’s three-school
0 offers
be deeply connected to Thai culture
0 offers
structure, it will initially open with
0 offers
globally minded young people.
0 offers
Partnership Opportunities
0 offers
About the Team
0 offers
Our international team is dedicated
0 offers
academic excellence, strong pastoral care,
0 offers

Feeder schools

Policies & documents

Schools like Highgate School

Ranked by semantic similarity across curriculum, ethos, intake and admissions style. Most parents shortlist 4–6 schools before applying.

96%

Highgate Junior School

Haringey · Junior · Ages 7–11
£28,929 – £40,311
70%

Blackheath High Junior School

Lewisham · Junior · Ages 3–11
£4,766 – £25,920
70%

Notting Hill & Ealing High School

Ealing · All Through · Ages 3–18
£15,252 – £29,424
69%

South Hampstead High School

Camden · All Through · Ages 4–18
£24,558 – £30,060
68%

Croydon High School

Croydon · All Through · Ages 3–18
£12,747 – £25,548
68%

St Helen's School

Hillingdon · All Through · Ages 3–18
£22,107 – £29,277

Questions parents ask

Common questions about Highgate School, answered from this school’s structured profile data. Always confirm specifics with admissions before applying.

What kind of child is Highgate School best for?+

Independent girls all-through school in Haringey for ages 3–19, day or boarding. Selective entry, Christian ethos.

How does admissions work?+

Admissions are selective — expect an entrance assessment at the relevant entry point. Plan tutoring or familiarisation early. See the admissions timeline above for confirmed dates.

Are fees published?+

Yes — see the Fees table further down the page. Add extras (uniform, trips, lunches, music tuition, registration fees) on top of the base figure before budgeting.

Does the school support SEND?+

Some SEND provision is documented in our profile, but specific conditions supported aren't itemised. Contact admissions for details before applying.

Are there open days?+

8 upcoming open days or tours — see the admissions timeline. Booking is usually required.

How do I contact admissions?+

email at senioradmissions@highgateschool.org.uk or phone on +44 20 8340 3600. Reference your child's age and intended entry year in the first message.

What similar schools should I compare?+

We've ranked 6 schools by semantic similarity to Highgate School — see the "Schools like Highgate School" grid below. Most parents shortlist 4–6 schools before applying.

Enrichment last updated 26 May 2026. Sources include the school’s official site, Wikipedia, Good Schools Guide, Tatler, and Sunday Times Parent Power.

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