South Hampstead High School

Summary

South Hampstead High School is a private day school in Hampstead, north-west London, England, which was founded by the Girls' Day School Trust (GDST). It is for girls aged 4–18 with selective entry at ages 4+, 7+, 11+ and 16+ (Sixth Form).

South Hampstead High School
Address
Map

, ,
NW3 5SS

England
Coordinates51°32′46″N 0°10′38″W / 51.5462°N 0.1773°W / 51.5462; -0.1773
Information
TypePrivate day school
MottoMore Light
(German: Mehr Licht)
Established1876; 148 years ago (1876) as St. Johns Wood High School[1]
Local authorityLondon Borough of Camden
Department for Education URN100076 Tables
OfstedReports
Head teacherAnna Paul
Staffcirca 160
GenderGirls
Age4 to 18
Enrolment965
HousesWalker, Potter, Bodington, Benton,
Colour(s)Gold and Navy    
PublicationThe Penguin (student magazine)
Websitewww.shhs.gdst.net

History edit

The school was founded in 1876, the ninth school established by the GDST (previously known at the Girls' Public Day School Trust), with 27 pupils. Until 1886, the school was led by Rita/Rebecca Allen Olney; she left to found another school nearby with her sister Sarah Allen Olney who had been an assistant head at this school.[2] The cross-dressing Mary Benton returned as headmistress when morale was low. The "Brigadier-General" built up the school until in the 1920s it was claimed that half of the school's students then at university were studying scientific subjects.[1]

From 1946 until the late 1970s, it was a girls' direct grant grammar school, with around half the intake paid for by the local council.[3]

In January 2015, alumna Helena Bonham Carter, opened a new 7-storey building for the Senior School, designed by Hopkins Architects.[4] In January 2020, the school unveiled a new state-of-the-art performance space, Waterlow Hall.[5]

Staff edit

Head teachers edit

  • Anna Paul (2023-present)
  • Victoria Bingham (2017–2023)
  • Helen Pike (2013–2016)
  • Jenny Stephen (2005–2013)
  • Vivien Ainley (2001–2004)
  • Jean Scott (1993–2001)
  • Averil Burgess (1975–1993)
  • Sheila Wiltshire (1969–1974)
  • Prunella Bodington (1954–1969)
  • Muriel Potter (1927–1953 )
  • Dorothy Walker (1918–1926) (Miss McGonigle 1926 one term)
  • Mary Benton (1886–1918)[1]
  • Miss Allen-Olney (1876–1886)

Former teachers edit

Academic results edit

In 2019, South Hampstead High School was ranked 13th in the country for A Level results, based on data collated by the Independent Schools Council (ISC).

Typically around one fifth of the student body goes on to study at the universities of Oxford and Cambridge.[7]

School motto edit

Notable former pupils edit

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ a b c Matthew, H. C. G.; Harrison, B., eds. (23 September 2004), "The Oxford Dictionary of National Biography", The Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, Oxford: Oxford University Press, pp. ref:odnb/48672, doi:10.1093/ref:odnb/48672, retrieved 25 February 2023
  2. ^ "Olney, Sarah Allen (1842–1915), headmistress". Oxford Dictionary of National Biography (online ed.). Oxford University Press. 2004. doi:10.1093/ref:odnb/52261. Retrieved 1 August 2020. (Subscription or UK public library membership required.)
  3. ^ Mr. K. Lindsay; Miss Wilkinson (31 May 1946). "Grammar Schools (Direct grant status)". Parliamentary Debates (Hansard). Vol. 423. House of Commons. col. 233–236. Retrieved 26 January 2011.
  4. ^ Blake, Imogen (30 January 2015). "Belsize Park actress Helena Bonham Carter reminisces about Hampstead schooldays". Hampstead Highgate Express. Retrieved 1 April 2020.
  5. ^ Boniface, Michael (29 January 2020). "Royal guests: Crown stars Helena Bonham Carter and Olivia Colman open South Hampstead school's arts hall". Hampstead Highgate Express. Retrieved 1 April 2020.
  6. ^ Rosalind Goodfellow
  7. ^ "Leavers' destinations". South Hampstead High School. Retrieved 1 April 2020.
  8. ^ "Culture List for Lockdown". 19 May 2020.
  9. ^ Bose, Mihir (2006). Bollywood – A History. Stroud: Tempus Publishing. p. 106. ISBN 0-7524-2835-7.

External links edit

Official website