Haberdashers' Aske's School for Girls

Haberdashers’ Aske’s School for Girls, located in Borehamwood, is renowned for its rigorous academic standards and competitive entry process. With over 550 applicants vying for places in their 11+ assessments, the school is highly selective. Fifty students typically progress from the junior school, while the remaining year 7 places are filled by a mix of students from state primaries and prep schools, including notable feeders such as Manor Lodge, Radlett Prep, Orley Farm, and Beechwood Park. The new assessment format evaluates candidates in English, Maths, and Verbal Reasoning, with applicants spending a full day at the school under the care of older students.

The school emphasises that they are not seeking heavily tutored girls with prepared answers but rather those who can think on their feet. In addition to academic prowess, they look for candidates with heart and soul. Prospective parents meet the headteacher, and while the school prefers to admit siblings, they will not bend the rules if a girl is not deemed a good fit. Girls from state primaries benefit from an extra induction day to help them acclimate.

Between 10 and 20 students join the sixth form from various state and independent schools, primarily to take advantage of the school’s robust support for higher education applications. The school is equally meticulous in its selection process at this stage.

Few students leave after GCSEs, with only about 10-15% departing. The school provides ample funding for each pupil to have a dedicated person guiding them through the entire UCAS application process, starting in year 11 with a programme of organised careers events and university visits. The school also supports and encourages meaningful gap years, offering hands-on guidance with UCAS applications upon the students’ return.

Students pursue a wide range of subjects at university, from Neuroscience to Fashion Design, at top institutions including Bath, Birmingham, Bristol, Durham, Edinburgh, Exeter, Imperial, King’s College London, Leeds, LSE, Manchester, Nottingham, Plymouth, Queen Mary, Royal Veterinary College, St Andrews, University College London, University of Arts London, Warwick, and York. The school does not solely focus on Oxbridge entrants, although a significant proportion secure places.

In 2023, the school achieved impressive results, with 86% of GCSE grades at 9-7 and 77% of A-level grades at A*/A (94% A*-B). In 2019, the last pre-pandemic results, 92% of GCSE grades were at 9-7, and 74% of A-level grades were at A*/A (94% A*-B).

Teaching and learning at the school are highly regarded, with students praising the teachers for their high expectations and engaging lessons. The school has moved away from grade shaming, encouraging students to read their grades privately. The school consistently ranks among the top in the UK, with outstanding results year after year. Class sizes are small, with five forms of 25 girls per year group, shrinking to 15 for GCSE and sometimes just five or six for A-level. Students typically take ten GCSEs and four full A-levels, with a balanced curriculum and strong take-up of Sciences, English, History, Maths, and Economics.

The new STEM building, featuring 15 labs and a large multi-purpose space for lectures and experimental demonstrations, inspires students to explore creative problem-solving and long-term projects such as VEX Robotics, F1 in Schools, and GoForSET.

Students report a manageable amount of homework, which they juggle with numerous extra-curricular activities. The school discourages weekend homework and allows longer time for in-depth projects. Plans are underway to further integrate students from the neighbouring boys’ school into lessons, with collaboration already existing in PE, Psychology, Classics, and enrichment. Since September 2022, every sixth former has been taught at least one subject in a mixed-gender class.

All girls are assessed for SEN upon entry to senior school, with mild dyslexia being the most common issue. The school is experienced in dealing with visual and hearing problems, with two SENCos catering for individual needs through customised learning plans and regular sessions. Exceptionally gifted girls are nurtured in a low-key manner, ensuring they participate in a broad spectrum of co-curricular activities.

The arts and extra-curricular activities are a significant part of the school’s ethos. Music is outstanding, with most girls learning at least one instrument and reaching grade 8. Choirs, bands, ensembles, and orchestras cater to all abilities, with the 50-strong symphony orchestra performing at prestigious venues. Art is equally impressive, with high-standard work displayed throughout the school. Drama is also well-supported, with major plays each term and opportunities for everyone to get involved.

The sports programme is high-octane, with excellent facilities including seven tennis courts, a top-notch swimming pool, a fitness suite, a sports hall, a separate gym, and a large mirrored dance studio. Lacrosse is the main winter sport, but the school caters to all interests, whether sporty, artsy, or academic.

The school was established in 1698 following a bequest by Robert Aske and moved to its current site in the early 70s. The campus offers a unique balance of a leafy country feel for the London set and something edgier for those from the home counties. The recent completion of the STEM building and drama studio has significantly boosted the school’s architecture.

The school has a diverse and varied cohort, with pupils travelling from across north/north-west London and Hertfordshire. It caters to the spiritual needs of all faiths with weekly assemblies for various religions and non-religious groups.

Parents are highly aspirational, with many making sacrifices to send their girls to the school. Charitable parents and ex-pupils recently raised £91,000 towards hardship funding and families in crisis.

The school offers means-tested financial assistance for around six per cent of pupils, including full bursaries, and academic and music scholarships for up to half fees. New scholarships in art, creative writing, drama, and sport have also been introduced.

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