North London Collegiate School
North London Collegiate School is a leading independent girls' school known for academic excellence and a broad range of opportunities.
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Our take
Independent girls all-through school in Harrow for ages 4–18. Selective entry.
- Families wanting one school across the whole journey (ages 4–18) 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.
About the head
“In Spe Laboramus”
Single-sex education empowers girls to realise their full potential, free to challenge, lead, and thrive.
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
Activities & co-curricular
sport
music
drama
academic club
service
other
Facilities
sports
arts
academic
wellbeing
Latest exam results
Class of 2025 achieved , and , with IB candidates ranked second in the world
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 |
Recent coverage
In August 2025 NLCS celebrated its 175th-anniversary cohort with 54.3% A* and 86.1% A*-A at A-level, and its IB candidates achieved the second-best outcome worldwide; in 2026 it was named Sunday Times Independent Secondary School of the Year.
Notable alumni
Open-day dates not yet published
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How well does North London Collegiate match?
Tell us your child's age, location, needs and entry point. We'll score commute, academics, support, budget and culture against schools in Harrow.
Check fit for my childApplication timeline
No admissions stage dates confirmed yet. Save this school to be notified when dates are published.
| Year | Opens | Closes | Reply by | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-27 | 1 Sept 2025 | 31 Mar 2026 | TBC | Closed |
Open events
Private tours and additional visits available by arrangement — contact admissions to arrange.
Talks & tasters
| Tue, 30 Jun 2026 | Junior School In Action | Open Morning |
| Wed, 1 Jul 2026 | Senior School In Action | Open Morning |
| Wed, 16 Sept 2026 | Into The Sixth Form Evening | Sixth Form Evening |
| Sat, 19 Sept 2026 | Junior School Open Morning | Open Morning |
Fees
Bursaries & Scholarships
Excerpts
“The school has an attentive approach to pastoral care, with each form allocated two tutors.”
Pastoral care, inclusivity & disciplineThe school has an attentive approach to pastoral care, with each form allocated two tutors. (‘Having a second is really beneficial, and we think carefully about how they’re paired.’) Younger pupils are given talks about emotional regulation; Mobile phone policy A clear mobile...
House system
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.
Inspection
Isi — 16 Apr 2024
2 inspection reports on file.
- Isi1 Apr 2024Excellent
Term dates 2025-26
Feeder schools
Schools like North London Collegiate School
Ranked by semantic similarity across curriculum, ethos, intake and admissions style. Most parents shortlist 4–6 schools before applying.
Questions parents ask
Common questions about North London Collegiate School, answered from this school’s structured profile data. Always confirm specifics with admissions before applying.
What kind of child is North London Collegiate School best for?+
Independent girls all-through school in Harrow for ages 4–18. Selective entry.
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?+
1 upcoming open day or tour — see the admissions timeline. Booking is usually required.
How do I contact admissions?+
email at office@nlcs.org.uk or phone on 020 8952 0912. 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 North London Collegiate School — see the "Schools like North London Collegiate School" grid below. Most parents shortlist 4–6 schools before applying.
Reviews
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