City of London School for Girls
St Giles' Terrace, Barbican, London, EC2Y 8BB
Pupils
739
Ages
7 - 18
Gender
Girls
Type
Primary & Secondary
Head Teacher
Mrs Jenny Brown
Boarding / Day
Day
Fees
£7,298
ISC Associations
HMC, GSA, AGBIS, ISBA
Religion
Non-denominational
Bursaries
Available
About City of London School for Girls
The City of London School for Girls, located in the heart of the Barbican Centre, is a prestigious day school that offers a rigorous academic programme and a wealth of extra-curricular activities. The school has a strong reputation for academic excellence, with impressive results in both GCSEs and A-levels. In 2023, 94% of GCSE grades were 9-7, and 86% of A-level grades were A*/A, reflecting the school’s commitment to high academic standards.
Entry into the school is highly competitive, particularly for year 7, where the process involves a three-stage assessment including a computer CEM test, English and Maths papers, and interviews. The competition is fierce, with around 10 applicants for every available place. However, the school has made room for a fifth year 7 form since 2021, which has slightly eased the pressure. For sixth form applicants, the process includes 45-minute papers in their chosen A-level subjects and an interview, with a requirement of at least eight 7s at GCSE.
The school boasts a formidable take-up of STEM subjects, with all students studying three sciences and two languages at GCSE. Approximately half of the students opt to take four A-levels, focusing on traditional academic subjects. The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is also popular, and students have the option to study Greek and Chinese (Pre-U). The teaching and learning environment is dynamic, with diverse teaching styles and lively, involved pupils. The school has a strong emphasis on stimulating subjects such as Religion and Philosophy, which parents particularly appreciate.
The school’s careers programme is exceptional, starting from year 7 and including half-termly careers talks, school clubs on key professions, a biennial careers convention, and one-to-one access to an independent careers adviser. The programme is designed to encourage students to think early and often about life beyond school, with a focus on both UK and US universities. In 2023, students gained places at prestigious institutions such as Yale, Vassar, Stanford, NYU, Dartmouth, Chicago, Carnegie Mellon, and Berkeley, as well as Trinity College Dublin and Amsterdam University College.
The arts and extra-curricular activities at the school are top-notch. The art department, located in a top-floor studio with a real artist’s garret feel, is staffed by former or practising artists with different specialisations. The school offers life drawing classes and has plans for an artist in residence. Music is also excellent, with a 100% A*/A pass rate at GCSE. The school has four choirs, three orchestras, and numerous ensembles, with regular lunchtime concerts. The drama department, led by a former actor, is brimming with ideas, including a promenade performance of The Tempest by the Barbican lakes.
Sports facilities at the school are surprisingly extensive, given the compact site. The school has an underground swimming pool, dance studio, two tennis courts, and an Astro. The school is strong in gymnastics, tennis, and swimming, with growing interest in football and cricket. The school also has an in-house fencing coach. The school’s location in London provides access to numerous coaching programmes outside school for the super sporty, and the school is accommodating of students with significant training commitments.
The school’s ethos and heritage are extraordinary, with a brutalist building in the heart of the Barbican Centre, next to a chunk of Roman wall and the ancient church of St Giles Cripplegate. The school was founded in the late 1800s by William Ward and moved to its current location in the late 1960s. The school has produced dynamic women in various fields, including academia, showbiz, and law. The school’s diversity and outlook set it apart from many leading southeast independents.
Pastoral care at the school is strong, with a focus on ensuring students do not overload themselves. The school has two counsellors who can be seen without charge and in confidence. The school has a supportive environment, with a focus on wellbeing and a bigger purpose. The school has a house system, a sixth form mission that organises charity events, and a four-stage enrichment programme that includes units on universities and careers. Discipline is handled well, with zero tolerance of bullying and a supportive environment.
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ISI Review
City of London School for Girls is an independent day school located in the Barbican area of London, catering exclusively to female pupils. Established in 1894, the school is divided into four sections: the prep school for Years 3 to 6, the lower school for Years 7 and 8, the senior school for Years 9 to 11, and the sixth form for Years 12 and 13. The school is owned by the City of London Corporation, which appoints a board of governors to oversee its administration. The school aims to inspire pupils to find their unique paths, instilling values of respect, responsibility, and resourcefulness. It encourages a commitment to co-curricular activities and community service, fostering a love for learning and promoting academic curiosity.
The student body primarily comes from professional backgrounds within London and its surroundings. Nationally standardized test data indicates that the pupils' abilities are significantly above average. The school has identified 42 pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, primarily dyslexia and dyspraxia, with 28 receiving additional support. No pupils are classified as having English as an additional language, and all are considered more able, with the curriculum tailored to meet their needs, including those particularly talented in sports, music, drama, and art.
The Independent Schools Inspectorate conducted a focused compliance inspection, which also included an educational quality inspection. The inspection assessed the school's adherence to the Independent School Standards and its effectiveness in providing quality education. The key findings indicated that the school meets all regulatory standards, requiring no further action. The quality of education provided is characterized by effective teaching that enables pupils to make good progress. The curriculum is well-documented and supported by appropriate plans, ensuring a broad range of material is covered. Pupils receive comprehensive relationships education, and the school has consulted parents regarding its policies.
The spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development of pupils is actively promoted, fostering responsible and tolerant citizens. The welfare, health, and safety of pupils are prioritized, with arrangements in place to safeguard their well-being, promote good behavior, and prevent bullying. The school meets health and safety requirements, including fire safety and first aid provisions. Staff suitability checks are conducted, and a register is maintained as required.
The premises are well-maintained, providing suitable facilities for pupils' medical and therapy needs, and outdoor spaces for physical education. The school publishes a range of information for parents, including details about its ethos, curriculum, and arrangements for admissions and behavior. Complaints are handled effectively through a structured process, ensuring transparency and accountability.
The leadership and management of the school demonstrate good skills and knowledge, fulfilling their responsibilities effectively. The educational quality inspection highlighted the excellent academic achievements of pupils, who exhibit outstanding attitudes towards learning and set high expectations for themselves. Pupils show exceptional knowledge, skills, and understanding across all subjects, making excellent progress. They possess a strong intellectual curiosity and a desire for new knowledge, although some older pupils expressed frustration regarding the interpretation of assessment information.
Pupils' personal development is also rated as excellent, with outstanding social skills and respect for the diverse school community. They demonstrate a well-developed sense of spiritual understanding and make informed personal decisions that impact their learning and future lives. The school encourages pupils to understand the importance of their decisions and the impact they have on their success and well-being.
Pupils exhibit high levels of social awareness and work collaboratively, developing leadership skills through various school activities. They engage in community service and demonstrate a strong sense of social justice, actively participating in initiatives that raise awareness of social issues. The school fosters a culture of respect and responsibility, with pupils taking pride in their behavior and treating each other with kindness and empathy.
Overall, the City of London School for Girls provides a nurturing environment that promotes academic excellence, personal growth, and social responsibility. The school's commitment to high standards in education and the holistic development of its pupils is evident in the positive outcomes observed during the inspection. The supportive and challenging teaching, combined with a rich co-curricular program, enables pupils to thrive academically and personally, preparing them for future success in their chosen paths.
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Last Updated: 8 October 2024