Mill Hill School Foundation, located in North London, offers a comprehensive and dynamic educational experience for its students. At 13+, 176 students enter, including 130 moving up from the prep school, Belmont, with 70 joining in year 7. The school no longer requires the Common Entrance for those transferring from Belmont, but the 140 or so who apply for the 30-40 available year 9 slots are pre-tested in year 6 through computerised tests and interviews. Most students stay on for the sixth form, evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Incoming students need at least two grade 7s and three grade 6s at GCSE, with some A level subjects having additional criteria. Overseas candidates and those without the required GCSEs are considered on individual merits. Students on elite sports programmes can apply for a level 3 BTEC in sport, requiring five GCSEs at grade 5.
In 2023, no students left after GCSEs, and top destinations for sixth form leavers included both Nottingham universities, Leeds, and Exeter, with two students heading to Oxbridge and 22 pursuing medical degrees. The school also saw 11 students going overseas, mostly to the US, with a few to Canada, Israel, and France. The subject choice is notably wide-ranging, from traditional professions like Law and Journalism to Aeronautics and Film and Directing.
The latest results in 2023 showed 58 per cent achieving grades 9-7 at GCSE and 37 per cent achieving A*/A at A level, with 67 per cent achieving A*-B. These results are consistent with the pre-pandemic results of 2019, indicating a stable academic performance.
Teaching and learning at the school are robust, with no weak spots. The previous head rethought the timetable, reducing lessons from 50 to 40 minutes to aid concentration and allow an extra period in the day. At GCSE, English (Language and Literature), Maths, and Science (with just under half taking all three) are compulsory, with French, German, and Spanish as language options. Students can also choose from a range of humanities, Classical Civilisation, Computer Science, PE, Music, DT, and ICT. At A level, popular choices include Business, Economics, Geography, and Psychology. The EPQ is available but not widely taken, as the most academically able are steered towards a subject-specific Oxbridge preparation programme.
The teaching is considered challenging and stimulating, with warm and supportive relationships between staff and pupils. Extension activities include challenging in-class work, regular lectures, debates, workshops, and participation in the Sir James Murray Society. Particularly able or interested students receive mentoring and regular challenges.
Learning support and SEN are strengths, with a full team including the Head of Learning Support, two part-time teachers, and four assistants. They provide individual and small-group support and liaise closely with teachers to ensure appropriate intervention in lessons. English language instruction for international students is supportive and positive, with many acquiring a strong command of the language.
The arts and extracurricular activities are vibrant, with energetic participation in music at individual and group levels. The school has a strong singing tradition, with numerous opportunities to perform, from the ‘Big Sing’ to the annual school musical. The school orchestra performs significant works, and instrumentalists participate in various competitions and masterclasses. Drama is lively, with regular theatre trips, and art and DT have spacious, well-equipped spaces. Creative thinking is encouraged through competitions like the Big Idea, and there are over 150 clubs and activities catering for virtually every interest.
Sport is a significant focus, with a well-deserved reputation for developing the whole pupil. The department has been boosted by new coaches, including professional women rugby players. Main boys’ sports include Rugby, Hockey, Football, and Cricket, while girls excel in Hockey, Netball, Rounders, and Cricket. Talented sportsmen and women are nurtured through sports scholarships and specialist instruction. The school offers excellent facilities and impressive sports trips, providing exceptional opportunities.
Boarding at Mill Hill has seen a resurgence, with five comfortable and up-to-date boarding houses. International boarders appreciate the school’s proximity to central London and its cosmopolitan atmosphere.
Founded in 1807 by non-conformist reformers, the school now encompasses a family of schools, including pre-prep, prep, and international boarding. The schools offer a semi-rural refuge of green space and fresh air, overseen by a single CEO. The foundation schools share a united mission to produce a strong sense of community and a challenging and stimulating environment.
The school welcomes all faiths and none, with regular fundraising activities and community action. Pupils are generally happy and upbeat, with strong pastoral care and wellbeing support. The school has a traditional approach in other matters, with head boy and girl, heads of houses, and a smart uniform.
To receive updates about this school including exam results, senior staff changes and open days please bookmark it using the button at the end of this review.
