Lady Eleanor Holles School

Lady Eleanor Holles School, located in Hampton, is a prestigious independent day school for girls aged 7 to 18. Known for its academic excellence and vibrant community, the school offers a comprehensive education that extends beyond the classroom. With a history dating back to 1710, it has established itself as one of the oldest girls’ schools in the country, maintaining a strong tradition of empowering young women.

The school attracts a diverse student body, with a third of entrants progressing from its junior school and others joining from around 40 different schools, both state and private. The admissions process is competitive, with approximately five applicants per place. Prospective students undergo ISEB tests in Maths, English, non-verbal and verbal reasoning, along with the school’s own problem-solving paper. The interview process is designed to identify genuine personalities rather than overly polished candidates.

Academically, the school boasts impressive results. In 2023, 94% of GCSE grades were 9-7, and 53% of A-level results were A*/A, with 83% achieving A*-B. The school encourages intellectual curiosity and offers a broad curriculum, including new additions like Product Design and Computer Science at A-level. The introduction of these subjects coincided with the opening of state-of-the-art facilities, particularly the impressive product design lab. The school is committed to maintaining a balance between STEM and humanities, arts, languages, and English (HALE) subjects, ensuring a well-rounded education.

The sixth form at the school is a distinct entity, with smaller class sizes and a tutorial-style approach to learning. The school offers a wide range of A-level subjects, including Drama, Philosophy, Politics, Psychology, and History of Art. Many students also undertake an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) to add breadth to their studies. The school has a strong track record of students progressing to Russell Group universities, with popular destinations including Bristol, Exeter, Manchester, and Nottingham. The school provides balanced and tailored UCAS advice, supporting students in their university applications.

The school’s commitment to pastoral care is evident, with a strong support system in place for students. The Head of Learning Support ensures that those with special educational needs receive the necessary assistance, and the school is praised for its inclusive and supportive environment. The school also offers excellent facilities for students with mobility issues, with a flattish site, lifts, and wide corridors.

Extracurricular activities are a significant part of school life, with a strong emphasis on the arts and sports. The music department is exceptional, with the Holles Singers regularly reaching the finals of the Choir of the Year competition. The school also has a lively drama scene, with annual performances from each year group and joint productions with Hampton School. The sports facilities are outstanding, with lacrosse being the main winter sport and a strong rowing programme. The school is working towards a more inclusive approach to sports, encouraging participation from all students.

The school’s ethos is centred around empowerment and resilience, with a focus on building students’ confidence and preparing them for the challenges of the future. The school celebrates International Women’s Day and promotes a culture of openness and kindness. The house system encourages inter-year friendships, and the school has a strong buddying system in place.

The school is increasingly ethnically diverse, with excellent bursary provision ensuring that students from all backgrounds can access its education. The school is committed to expanding access to bright students of promise, regardless of their family’s economic circumstances.

In conclusion, Lady Eleanor Holles School offers a dynamic and supportive environment for girls to thrive academically and personally. With a strong focus on academic excellence, pastoral care, and extracurricular opportunities, the school prepares its students for success in their future endeavours. To receive updates about this school including exam results, senior staff changes and open days please book mark it using the button at the end of this review.