North London Collegiate School
North London Collegiate School is a leading independent girls' school known for academic excellence and a broad range of opportunities.
Key facts
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About North London Collegiate School
NLCS has been named The Sunday Times Independent Secondary School of the Year 2026 and ranked the number one independent girls’ school in the UK. It offers education from Junior School through Sixth Form, nurturing independent thinkers with exceptional academic foundations alongside leadership, arts, sport, and intellectual life opportunities. The school admits girls at 4+, 7+, 11+, and 16+ with occasional places available in selected year groups.
Houseroom EditorialOur take
Our take
Independent girls all-through school in Harrow for ages 3–18. Selective entry.
- Families wanting one school across the whole journey (ages 3–18) rather than separate prep + senior.
- Parents who want a single-sex environment for their daughter.
- Children who can demonstrate strong academics at entry assessment — this is a selective school.
- Internationally-mobile families wanting IB or American-style qualifications rather than only A-levels.
- Selective entry — assume some form of assessment at the relevant entry point. Plan tutoring or familiarisation early if needed.
- 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.
AdmissionsApplication timeline
Application timeline
- Oct7Open dayNextJunior School In Action
Not yet published: registration opens, registration closes, bursary deadline, assessment, interview, offers, acceptance deadline.
UpcomingOpen events
Open events
Private tours by arrangement with admissions.
Fees & costFees
Fees
Questions about North London Collegiate School?
Quick answers about North London Collegiate School
Answered only from North London Collegiate School's verified details on Houseroom, with sources. For anything else, ask admissions.
Financial supportBursaries & Scholarships
Bursaries & Scholarships
What sets it apartDistinctive features
Distinctive features
UK's oldest academic girls' school, founded 1850 by Frances Mary Buss
International Baccalaureate World School since 2003
Ideas Hub innovation centre
Sixth-form uniform optional
Associate schools in South Korea, Dubai, Vietnam, Singapore and Japan
Set in the 17th-century Canons Park estate
Beyond the classroomActivities & co-curricular
Activities & co-curricular
sport
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music
drama
academic club
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service
other
On campusFacilities
Facilities
sports
arts
academic
wellbeing
OutcomesLatest exam results
Latest exam results
DestinationsWhere leavers go
Where leavers go
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cohort | 110 | 134 | 124 | 129 | 127 |
| Oxbridge | 24 | 19 | 17 | 21 | 20 |
| Russell Group | 83 | 94 | 95 | 85 | 89 |
| US Ivy | 3 | 2 | 1 | 5 | 1 |
| Medicine | 15 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 5 |
CurriculumQualifications offered
Qualifications offered
In the newsRecent coverage
Recent coverage
- Sunday Times Parent Power Guide 2026: Independent Secondary School of the Year
- Sunday Times Parent Power Guide 2026: Independent Secondary School of the Year in London
AlumniNotable alumni
Notable alumni
Registration closes 9 Oct 2026 (16+)
Add it to your plan and book a visit before you apply.
Is North London Collegiate School right for your child?
Score it on travel, academics, support and budget.
Check fit for my childCommunityHouse system
House system
Pastoral careWellbeing
Wellbeing
Pastoral care is delivered through form tutors and house structures with a strong emphasis on emotional resilience, balanced expectations and proactive mental-health support, reinforced by the Ideas Hub culture of curiosity over competition.
RegulationInspection
Inspection
ISI inspection, 16 Apr 2024
2 reports on file.
- Isi1 Apr 2024Excellent
CalendarTerm dates 2026/27
Term dates 2026/27
PathwaysFeeder schools
Feeder schools
Also considerSchools like North London Collegiate School
Schools like North London Collegiate School
FAQQuestions parents ask
Questions parents ask
What kind of child is North London Collegiate School best for?+
North London Collegiate School suits: Families wanting one school across the whole journey (ages 3–18) rather than separate prep + senior; Parents who want a single-sex environment for their daughter; Children who can demonstrate strong academics at entry assessment — this is a selective school; Internationally-mobile families wanting IB or American-style qualifications rather than only A-levels.
How much are the fees at North London Collegiate School?+
Day fees at North London Collegiate School are £8,925 to £10,365 a term in 2026-27 (£26,775 to £31,095 a year). Extras such as lunches, uniform and trips are on top.
When is the next open day at North London Collegiate School?+
The next visit at North London Collegiate School is on 7 October 2026. Booking is usually required.
How does admissions work?+
North London Collegiate School is selective. Expect an entrance assessment at each entry point.
Does North London Collegiate School support SEND?+
North London Collegiate School offers some SEND support. Ask admissions which needs it can meet.
What ages does North London Collegiate School take?+
North London Collegiate School takes pupils from age 3 to 18.
Is North London Collegiate School a day or boarding school?+
North London Collegiate School is a day school.
Is North London Collegiate School co-educational or single-sex?+
North London Collegiate School is a girls' school.
Where is North London Collegiate School?+
North London Collegiate School is in Harrow, HA8 7RJ.
How do I contact admissions at North London Collegiate School?+
Contact North London Collegiate School by email at office@nlcs.org.uk or phone on 02089520912.