South Hampstead High School GDST

Valuing the individual ‘‘We believe that bright, talented girls ought to succeed academically whilst taking actual examinations in their stride; that the happiest girls are the ones who do best and that all education and learning should be marked by a sense of fun and a real sense of creative adventure.’‘ states Headmistress, Jenny Stephen. ‘‘We believe passionately in good manners, in hard work and high standards. At the same time we expect to recruit and produce very strong characters. We value individuality, and whilst we are clear in setting down our standards we have not forgotten how to listen and let girls influence and have a say in the nature of their school. For this reason relationships stand at the core of everything we do and believe in, in particular staff and student relationships based on mutual respect and affection.’‘

SHHS provides continuity of education from the ages of 4 to 18, with most Junior School students progressing to the Senior School at the age of 11. Pupils at every stage of learning have achieved outstanding results in external examinations. In 2008, for example, 93 per cent of all grades at A level were A or B and, in the GCSE examinations, 88 per cent of the girls’‘ grades were A* and A.