Notting Hill and Ealing High School

2 Cleveland Road, London, W13 8AX

Pupils

908

Ages

4 - 18

Gender

Girls

Type

Primary & Secondary

Head Teacher

Mr Matthew Shoults

Boarding / Day

Day

Fees

£5,364 to £6,956

ISC Associations

GSA, AGBIS, ISBA, HMC, IAPS

Religion

Non-denominational

Bursaries

Available

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About Notting Hill and Ealing High School

Notting Hill and Ealing High School, located in London, is a well-regarded educational institution that has consistently demonstrated a commitment to fostering a nurturing and academically stimulating environment for its students. The school is known for its personalised approach to admissions, particularly for ad hoc places, which is highly praised by parents. The admissions staff are noted for their accessibility and kindness, making the process as smooth as possible for prospective students and their families.

The school operates a four-form entry at Year 7, with around 45 girls progressing from the junior school each year, provided they meet the academic requirements. An additional 50 students typically join from local primary schools and preparatory schools, with the integration of newcomers being well thought out and effective. As a member of the London 11+ Consortium, the school uses a 100-minute online adaptive test to assess potential in creative and critical thinking, analysis, synthesis, and problem-solving. For occasional places at 12+ and 13+, applicants are required to sit exams in Maths, English, and Modern Foreign Languages, followed by a one-to-one interview.

The sixth form sees an intake of six to ten new students each year, with entry requirements including at least eight grade 8s at GCSE, a 30-minute written paper in each proposed A-level subject, and interviews with relevant department heads. The school is not complacent about its sixth form offer, providing compelling reasons for students to stay, including strong leadership opportunities and a staff that knows their pupils well.

Academically, the school boasts impressive results, with a high percentage of students achieving top grades at both GCSE and A-level. The majority of students proceed to university, predominantly within the Russell Group, with popular choices including Bath, Bristol, Edinburgh, Leeds, and LSE. There is also a strong interest in STEM-related degrees, with students pursuing courses in aeronautics, astronautics, mechanical engineering, and computer science. The school provides excellent guidance on university applications, with conversations starting as early as Year 10.

Teaching and learning at the school are highly regarded, with a focus on fostering education beyond the curriculum, particularly in the early years before the constraints of GCSEs. The school strikes a balance between creating a nurturing environment and being outward-looking, with numerous links to other schools locally, nationally, and internationally. There are ample opportunities for intellectual stretch, with students engaging in various projects and symposia.

The school places a strong emphasis on the arts and extracurricular activities, with a wide range of clubs and societies available to students. Music is particularly noted for its inclusivity and quality, with opportunities for students to engage in a variety of musical styles and ensembles. The art department is also highly praised, with students producing inventive and high-quality work.

Sport is an integral part of school life, with a broad range of activities available to students. The school has seen a significant increase in engagement and standards in recent years, with notable successes in netball, cricket, and water polo. The school aims to provide a fun and inclusive sports environment, with opportunities for all students to find a sport they love.

Pastoral care at the school is described as extraordinarily brilliant, with a focus on helping each girl feel safe and secure. The school supports students with a wide range of needs in a highly individualised and joined-up way. There is a strong focus on positive mental health and inclusivity, with a diversity council running events throughout the year to celebrate the school’s many different faiths and cultures.

Overall, Notting Hill and Ealing High School is a happy and tolerant place that consistently delivers a rounded education. It is an unshowy school that values kindness and inclusivity, producing confident, interesting, and well-rounded young women. 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.

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ISI Review

Notting Hill and Ealing High School GDST, founded in 1873, is an independent day school for female pupils, governed by the Girls' Day School Trust. The school comprises a junior school, including the Early Years Foundation Stage, and a senior school with a dedicated sixth form center. The school has undergone significant leadership changes since the last inspection, including the appointment of a new head of junior school and a chair of the local governing board in September 2021. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the school provided remote learning for all pupils while remaining open for children of key workers.

The school aims to deliver an excellent academic and extracurricular education that challenges and stimulates pupils, fostering an environment where they feel valued and encouraged to respect all community members. The pupil body reflects a diverse range of social, economic, and cultural backgrounds, with most coming from professional families. The school reports that the ability profile of its pupils is above average, with a notable number receiving specialist support for various educational needs.

The regulatory compliance inspection conducted by the Independent Schools Inspectorate confirmed that the school meets all standards set out in the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014. The inspection focused on key areas such as safeguarding, health and safety, staff suitability, and the quality of leadership and management. The school has established effective measures to promote pupil welfare, prevent bullying, and ensure health and safety compliance. The school maintains appropriate records and has a strategic approach to risk assessment, demonstrating a commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its pupils.

In terms of educational quality, the school provides a curriculum that enables pupils to make good progress across all stages of their education. The teaching is characterized by effective behavior management and suitable resources, allowing pupils to achieve well in their academic pursuits. The school offers relationships education in the junior school and relationships and sex education in the senior school, adhering to statutory guidance and consulting parents on its policies.

The quality of education provided is further evidenced by the excellent academic achievements of pupils. The school reports outstanding results in national assessments, with pupils consistently performing above expected levels. The commitment of pupils to their studies is reflected in their motivation and focus, leading to exceptional progress in developing communication and analytical skills. The school emphasizes the importance of a well-rounded education, encouraging pupils to engage in extracurricular activities that complement their academic learning.

Pupils' personal development is also a key focus, with the school promoting values that foster responsible citizenship. The school encourages pupils to explore social issues, develop moral and ethical awareness, and engage in community service. The inspection highlighted the school's success in nurturing pupils' self-awareness, confidence, and resilience, preparing them for future challenges.

The school has established a supportive environment where pupils are encouraged to take responsibility for their learning and development. They are provided with opportunities to lead initiatives, participate in decision-making, and contribute positively to the school community. The school actively promotes a culture of respect and understanding, where pupils learn to appreciate diversity and engage with different perspectives.

The quality of leadership and management at Notting Hill and Ealing High School is characterized by effective governance and a commitment to continuous improvement. The leadership team demonstrates good skills and knowledge, ensuring that the school's standards are consistently met. The school actively promotes the well-being of its pupils, fostering a positive and inclusive atmosphere.

In summary, Notting Hill and Ealing High School GDST is a well-established institution that provides a high-quality education for female pupils. The school meets all regulatory compliance standards and excels in delivering an excellent academic and personal development experience. The commitment to fostering a supportive and challenging environment enables pupils to achieve outstanding results and develop into responsible, well-rounded individuals. The school's focus on leadership, community engagement, and personal growth ensures that pupils are well-prepared for their future endeavors, whether in higher education or the workforce.

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