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".
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Our take
Independent girls' all-through day school in Hampstead for ages 4–18. Part of GDST, selective entry, top-20 academic performance.
- 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.
- Selective entry — assume some form of assessment at the relevant entry point. Plan tutoring or familiarisation early if needed.
- 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.
About the head
“Mehr Licht”
Foster a culture of curiosity and kindness, preparing young women for an exciting future and to play their part in the world.
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
Activities & co-curricular
sport
music
drama
academic club
service
other
Facilities
sports
arts
academic
wellbeing
Latest exam results
Recent GCSE results show more than and ; A Level results are exceptional with 80%+ typically securing first-choice university places and around
Where leavers go
| 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cohort | 95 | — | — |
| Oxbridge | 17 | 2 | 17 |
| Russell Group | 2 | 9 | 8 |
| US Ivy | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Medicine | 1 | — | — |
Recent coverage
March 2026: Whole School Walk and Giving Day fundraisers; Top Debaters success reported. Under Anna Paul (Head since 2023) the school continues GDST-wide curriculum and pastoral initiatives.
Notable alumni
Open-day dates not yet published
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How well does South Hampstead High match?
Tell us your child's age, location, needs and entry point. We'll score commute, academics, support, budget and culture against schools in Camden.
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 | 15 Jan 2026 | TBC | Closed |
| 2027-28 | TBC | 9 Oct 2026 | TBC | Tbc |
Open events
Private tours and additional visits available by arrangement — contact admissions to arrange.
Talks & tasters
| Thu, 2 Jul 2026 | 11+ Open Morning – Thursday 2 July 2026 | Open Morning |
| Thu, 2 Jul 2026 | First open morning for 11+ entry in 2027 | Open Morning |
| Tue, 24 Nov 2026 | Optional taster session for 7+ applicants | Taster Day |
Fees
Bursaries & Scholarships
Excerpts
Pastoral care is overseen by the formidable and imposing senior deputy head whose awe-inspiring presence is undiminished by her utterly adorable, tiny cavapoo, Maple (integral to the strategy), who scurries along behind her long stride. ‘Discipline Mobile phone policy A clear...
House system
Wellbeing
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.
Inspection
Isi — 10 Feb 2026
2 inspection reports on file.
- Isi1 Feb 2023Excellent
Term dates 2026
Feeder schools
Schools like South Hampstead High 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 South Hampstead High School, answered from this school’s structured profile data. Always confirm specifics with admissions before applying.
What kind of child is South Hampstead High School best for?+
Independent girls' all-through day school in Hampstead for ages 4–18. Part of GDST, selective entry, top-20 academic performance.
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?+
5 upcoming open days or tours — see the admissions timeline. Booking is usually required.
How do I contact admissions?+
email at admissions@shhs.gdst.net or phone on +44 (0)20 7435 2899. 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 South Hampstead High School — see the "Schools like South Hampstead High School" grid below. Most parents shortlist 4–6 schools before applying.
Reviews
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