Channing School

The Bank, Highgate, London, N6 5HF

Pupils

1007

Ages

4 - 18

Gender

Girls

Type

Primary & Secondary

Head Teacher

Mrs Lindsey Hughes

Boarding / Day

Day

Fees

£6,945 to £7,675

ISC Associations

GSA, AGBIS, ISBA, HMC, IAPS

Religion

Interdenominational

Bursaries

Available

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About Channing School

Channing School, located in London, is a well-regarded independent day school for girls aged four to 18. The school is known for its strong academic performance and nurturing environment, which together create a balanced and stimulating atmosphere for its students.

Admission to the senior school is competitive, with over 400 girls sitting the London 11+ Consortium exam for around 55 places. The exam, which has included the ISEB since 2022, tests candidates in Maths, English, non-verbal, and verbal reasoning. Additionally, all applicants are interviewed, and references from previous schools are sought to ensure a comprehensive assessment. Girls from the junior school have automatic entry into the senior school, making up about 45 of the new intake each year. Entry into the sixth form is also automatic for current students, provided they achieve nine or ten GCSEs at grade 7 or above, including in subjects they wish to study at A level.

The school’s academic results are impressive, placing it among the top 20 schools in London and the top 50 independent schools nationally. In 2023, 86% of GCSE grades were 9-7, and 53% of A level grades were A*/A, with 83% achieving A*-B. These results reflect the school’s commitment to academic excellence without the pressure of overworking or hothousing. Parents appreciate the emphasis on the enjoyment of learning, with teaching methods that gradually increase in intensity in a supportive and engaging manner.

Channing School’s curriculum is broad and inclusive, with a strong emphasis on languages. Spanish and Latin are introduced in Year 7, followed by French or German in Year 8. All these languages are available at GCSE and A level, along with Greek as a twilight GCSE option. The school also offers a wide range of subjects at sixth form, including Psychology and Computer Science, which have been added to the curriculum. Art, English Literature, Geography, and Economics are particularly popular and achieve high grades.

The school’s approach to teaching and learning is characterised by interactive and well-prepared lessons. Teachers are passionate about their subjects and encourage students to be self-driven and inquisitive. Philosophy lessons from Year 7, in addition to Religious Studies, help students develop critical thinking skills. The school’s Head of Learning Support and specialist teachers provide assistance to students with special educational needs, ensuring that all girls receive the support they need to succeed.

Channing School’s arts and extra-curricular activities are a significant strength. The art department is well-equipped with light-filled studios and dedicated spaces for ceramics and photography. The performing arts building offers West End-quality facilities, and the music department is vibrant, with a range of ensembles and opportunities for students to perform. The school also offers a variety of clubs, including feminist society, robotics, chemistry, classics, life drawing, and creative writing, often inspired and run by students.

While the school excels in many areas, sports provision has received mixed reviews. Some parents feel that the school does not make enough use of its playing fields, and there is a perception that less sporty girls are allowed to opt out too easily. However, the head has already taken steps to address these concerns by recruiting a full-time football teacher and introducing more diverse activities such as kayaking.

The school’s ethos is rooted in its Unitarian heritage, promoting values of liberalism, democracy, and religious tolerance. The Rosslyn Hill Chapel Award recognises girls who embody the school’s spirit of kindness, respect, and tolerance. The school’s leadership encourages girls to be brave and take risks, fostering an environment where students feel confident to express themselves and take on new challenges.

Pastoral care at Channing School is highly regarded, with a focus on inclusivity and wellbeing. The school’s approach to discipline is gentle, with an emphasis on communication rather than punishment. Mental health issues are addressed discreetly and proactively, and the school provides a counsellor four days a week. The school community is close-knit, with most students living within a three-mile radius and using public transport or walking to school.

In conclusion, Channing School offers a well-rounded education with a strong emphasis on academic excellence, personal development, and a supportive community. The school’s commitment to nurturing inquisitive minds and fostering a love of learning makes it a standout choice for parents seeking a balanced and enriching education for their daughters.

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ISI Review

Channing School is an independent school for female pupils located in Highgate, North London. Established in 1885, the school operates under Unitarian ideals and is a registered charity overseen by a governing body that includes Unitarian members. The school is divided into two sites, accommodating a junior school, which includes the Early Years Foundation Stage, a senior school, and a sixth form. The current headmistress has been in position since September 2020, and the school has made significant developments to its junior school facilities since the last inspection.

Channing School aims to inspire its pupils to develop qualities such as scholarship, integrity, altruism, independence, and an understanding of various faiths, alongside individual and social responsibility. The school emphasizes the importance of success defined by the pupils themselves, without undue pressure. The ‘Channing Promise’ highlights respect, kindness, and tolerance within the school community. Most pupils reside within a three-mile radius of the school, and the school’s data indicates that the academic ability of its pupils is above average compared to national standards. The school supports 184 pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, providing additional support to 166 of these students.

The regulatory compliance inspection conducted by the Independent Schools Inspectorate confirmed that Channing School meets the standards set forth in the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014. The inspection assessed various aspects of the school, including the quality of education, spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development, welfare, health and safety, staff suitability, premises, information provision, complaints handling, and leadership quality. The findings indicated that the school provides a high-quality education, with effective teaching that enables pupils to make good progress. The curriculum is well-documented and supports a broad range of subjects, ensuring that pupils receive a comprehensive education.

The school promotes spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development, encouraging pupils to become responsible and tolerant citizens. Welfare and safety measures are in place, ensuring that pupils are safeguarded and that health and safety requirements are met. The school maintains appropriate checks to ensure the suitability of staff and has suitable facilities for pupils’ medical and therapy needs. The school also provides a range of information to parents and handles complaints effectively through a structured process.

The educational quality inspection highlighted the excellent academic achievements of pupils across all abilities. Pupils demonstrate outstanding levels of numeracy and effective study skills, enabling them to progress rapidly in all subjects. They are articulate speakers with excellent communication skills and show high levels of competence in information and communication technology. The personal development of pupils is also rated as excellent, with pupils exhibiting high self-confidence and social awareness. They actively contribute to the school and wider community, reflecting the school’s commitment to altruism and social responsibility.

The school encourages pupils to develop a balanced lifestyle, promoting physical and mental health awareness. Pupils are engaged in various extracurricular activities, including sports and the arts, achieving high levels of proficiency. The school fosters a supportive environment where pupils feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and concerns, although some pupils have indicated a lack of confidence in communicating concerns at school.

Channing School’s commitment to inclusivity and respect for diversity is evident in its Unitarian values. Pupils are encouraged to appreciate different cultures and traditions, fostering a sense of community and belonging. The school promotes democratic values and tolerance, ensuring that pupils understand the importance of kindness and respect for others. The school’s ethos supports the development of strong social skills, with pupils forming supportive friendships and collaborating effectively in group settings.

Overall, Channing School provides a nurturing and stimulating environment that promotes academic excellence and personal growth. The school’s commitment to its values and the well-being of its pupils is reflected in the positive feedback from parents and the successful outcomes achieved by its students. The school continues to strive for improvement, ensuring that all pupils are equipped with the skills and confidence needed to succeed in their future endeavors.

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