September 2023
Mrs Paul was the new Head of South Hampstead High School.
All-through school
South Hampstead High School
Founded 1876 — selective GDST girls' day school in Hampstead with a long record of top academic results and a culture described by the school as "curiosity and kindness".
Day fees
£24,558 – £30,060
Entry
School Exam + InterviewSelective
Next deadline
Fri 9 Oct 202616+ registration closes
Updated 4 months agosource
At a glance
Key facts
Head
Anna Paul
Head Mistress, since 2023
Gender
Girls
Pupils
961
Location
Hampstead, Camden
Urban setting
Day or boarding
Day
Age range
4 to 18
School type
Mainstream
Founded
1876
Entry points
4+, 7+, 11+, 16+
Nearest station
Finchley Road
School buses
No
Saturday school
No
Show 5 more factsShow fewer facts
Wraparound care
Available
Bursaries
Up to 100% of fees
Scholarships
Art, Sport, Music +2
A-level A*–A
94%
2025
GCSE 9–7
89%
2025
Overview
About South Hampstead High School
South Hampstead High School is an independent girls' day school in Hampstead, north-west London, founded in 1876 and now part of the Girls' Day School Trust (GDST). It runs three divisions on two sites: Junior School (4–11) at 5 Netherhall Gardens, Senior School and Sixth Form (11–18) at 3 Maresfield Gardens. Selective entry at 4+, 7+, 11+ and 16+. Anna Paul is the school's 13th headmistress. The school is consistently in the UK top 20 by exam outcomes, with strong sixth-form A-level results and a particularly broad co-curricular programme in music, drama and debating.
Houseroom EditorialOur take
Houseroom Editorial
Our take
Independent girls all-through school in Camden for ages 4–18. Selective entry.
Best for
- 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.
Watch-outs
- 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
Admissions
Application timeline
September 2027 entryRegistration tbcCloses 9 Oct 2026
- Jun9Open dayTo be confirmedJunior School Open Mornings for 4+ and 7+ Entry
- Oct9Registration closesNext
Not yet published: registration opens, bursary deadline, assessment, interview, offers, acceptance deadline.
UpcomingOpen events
Upcoming
Open events
Private tours by arrangement with admissions.
Fees & costFees
Fees & cost
Fees
£24,558 – £30,060per year · Day · 2026-27
By entry point · 2026-27
7+£24,558
11+£30,060
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Questions about South Hampstead High School?
Ask the school
Quick answers about South Hampstead High School
Answered only from South Hampstead High School's verified details on Houseroom, with sources. For anything else, ask admissions.
Financial supportBursaries & Scholarships
Financial support
Bursaries & Scholarships
What sets it apartDistinctive features
What sets it apart
Distinctive features
Part of Girls' Day School Trust, accessing GDST-wide bursary and partnership network
Award-winning architect-designed senior school building (2013) with the Waterlow theatre
Sixth Form housed in Oakwood, the Victorian former Debenham family residence
Strong tradition of stage and screen alumnae
Bonham Carter, Lansbury, Williams
Motto Mehr Licht (Goethe's last words) framing the school's intellectual identity
Beyond the classroomActivities & co-curricular
Beyond the classroom
Activities & co-curricular
sport
Fitness circuitsAI ClubSports teams and clubsSports: AthleticsAthleticsFootballVolleyball5-a-side footballBasketballDodgeballPilatesGymnasticsYogaPadel
Show 7 more
SwimmingCricketFencingZumbaSkiingTennisNetball
music
Chamber OrchestraChamber ChoirGuitar ClubMusic concerts (50+ per year)ChoirsMusic EnsemblesSymphonic Wind BandHouse Music CompetitionUkulele OrchestraConcert BandLower School Chamber ChoirRock BandSenior ChoirSymphony Orchestra
Show 5 more
Rock & Pop Band(s)Jazz BandSinfoniaChoraleYear 7 Choir
drama
Drama ClubDramaDrama ProductionsDance
academic club
Futures Programme - Dragon's Den ChallengeOracy EducationDebatingHistory SocietyExperimental Science ClubSpace SocietyComputingMythology SocietyBug ClubChessInternational Relations SocietyDebate HubOxford DebatingMechanical Engineering Club
Show 5 more
Junior and Senior School Debating ClubsESU Mace DebatingWomanities SocietyPublic SpeakingPublic speaking competitions
service
World Challenge Expedition to TanzaniaCard Writing SocietyCharity/volunteering workCharity TeamSaturday Sparks (community booster sessions)Duke of Edinburgh Award
other
Photography WorkshopsZine ClubOutdoor Education DayOver 100 clubs and societiesExpeditionsArt ScholarsFem SocHouse eventsCareer Insight DaysFilm Screening ClubPotteryEarly Morning YogaComic-makingPodcasting
On campusFacilities
On campus
Facilities
sports
4-acre sports ground with netball courts, tennis courts, premier league cricket pitch, fitness suite, dance studioPremier League Cricket PitchSports Ground (off-site)Sports grounds on Lymington RoadSports hall (basement)Triple-height Indoor Sports Hall
arts
Art studiosArt Studios/FacilitiesDrama StudioDrama Studios/Performance SpacesJunior School HallTheatreWaterlow Hall
academic
Languages libraryLibraryPanoramic roof terraceScience blockScience LabsSixth Form common room (Oakwood House)
wellbeing
CanteenCounselling and life-coachingDining HallFull-time school nurseJunior School NursesLet's Leap wraparound care (7.45am–6pm)School counsellorsSenior School NurseSeventh Floor Garden OasisSwimming Pool (Hotel in Austria during tour) (off-site)Wellbeing Facilities
OutcomesLatest exam results
Outcomes
Latest exam results
OutcomesGCSE
80
of grades at 9-7100
achieving 9-4 grades80
progressing to Russell Group universities94%
A-level A*–A
89%
GCSE 9–7
DestinationsWhere leavers go
Destinations
Where leavers go
| 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oxbridge | — | 2 | 17 |
| Russell Group | — | 9 | — |
| US Ivy | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Medicine | 1 | — | — |
Top universities (2026)
OxfordCambridgeRussell Group universitiesMedical schoolsArt and drama collegesMusic conservatoiresIvy League universities
CurriculumQualifications offered
Curriculum
Qualifications offered
GCSEA-level
In the newsRecent coverage
In the news
Recent coverage
In the press
- In June 2026, South Hampstead High School's Junior and Senior Schools were featured in the Good Schools Guide, which ha…
AlumniNotable alumni
Alumni
Notable alumni
Helena Bonham Carter (actress)Dame Angela Lansbury (actress)Glynis Johns (actress)Olivia Williams (actress)Fay Weldon (novelist)Julia Neuberger (Baroness Neuberger, rabbi)Lynne Featherstone (former MP)Daisy Lowe (model)
Recommended next step
Registration closes 9 Oct 2026 (16+)
Add it to your plan and book a visit before you apply.
Fit for your child
Is South Hampstead High School right for your child?
Score it on travel, academics, support and budget.
Check fit for my childCommunityHouse system
Community
House system
WalkerPotterBodingtonBenton
Pastoral careWellbeing
Pastoral care
Wellbeing
Mental health support
South Hampstead High School fosters a culture of curiosity and kindness, promoting values like Thoughtfulness, Open-heartedness, Respect, Courage, and Honesty. The pastoral team supports emotional resilience and wellbeing through programmes that encourage positive thinking, responsible social media use, and open dialogue about mental health.
RegulationInspection
Regulation
Inspection
ISI inspection, 10 Feb 2026
2 reports on file.
- Isi1 Feb 2023Excellent
CalendarTerm dates 2026/27
Calendar
Term dates 2026/27
Autumn3 Sept 2026 → 11 Dec 2026Half-term 19 Oct 2026–2 Nov 2026
Spring5 Jan 2027 → 25 Mar 2027Half-term 15 Feb 2027–19 Feb 2027
Summer12 Apr 2027 → 7 Jul 2027Half-term 31 May 2027–4 Jun 2027
PathwaysFeeder schools
Pathways
Feeder schools
3 offers
2 offers
1 offer
1 offer
1 offer
1 offer
1 offer
1 offer
Also considerSchools like South Hampstead High School
Also consider
Schools like South Hampstead High School
FAQQuestions parents ask
FAQ
Questions parents ask
What kind of child is South Hampstead High School best for?+
South Hampstead High School suits: 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.
How much are the fees at South Hampstead High School?+
Day fees at South Hampstead High School are £8,186 to £10,020 a term in 2026-27 (£24,558 to £30,060 a year). Extras such as lunches, uniform and trips are on top.
When is the next open day at South Hampstead High School?+
The next visit at South Hampstead High School is on 24 November 2026. Booking is usually required.
How does admissions work?+
South Hampstead High School is selective. Expect an entrance assessment at each entry point.
Does South Hampstead High School support SEND?+
South Hampstead High School offers some SEND support. Ask admissions which needs it can meet.
What ages does South Hampstead High School take?+
South Hampstead High School takes pupils from age 4 to 18.
Is South Hampstead High School a day or boarding school?+
South Hampstead High School is a day school.
Is South Hampstead High School co-educational or single-sex?+
South Hampstead High School is a girls' school.
Where is South Hampstead High School?+
South Hampstead High School is in Camden, NW3 5SS.
How do I contact admissions at South Hampstead High School?+
Contact South Hampstead High School by email at admissions@shhs.gdst.net or phone on 02074352899.
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