A small museum with great ambition
Our Museum tells the story of Highgate School through documents, artefacts, photographs and paintings. It opens a window on the past, showing school life through the centuries, our relationship with Highgate Village, and how we endured two world wars.
Housed in The Highgate Tabernacle on Southwood Lane, exhibits include:
In 1565, the school day began at 7am with prayers, with lunch from 11am to 1pm, and ended at 5pm (6pm in the summer) with more prayers.
In the nineteenth century, Eton Fives, cricket, rugby and athletics were our only formal games. Now pupils take part in over 20 different sports.
In 1958, Highgate School Choir became the first school choir to sing at the Proms.
Whether it is for you or for a group, enjoy the museum and its unique collections with a free visit, led by Highgate’s archivists. The perfect way to learn about the history of Highgate School from the people who know it best. Please email us at archives@highgateschool.org.uk or call 020 8347 4421 to find out more.
Step inside the history of Highgate and enjoy many of the wonderful artefacts, displays and artworks that are part of its blueprint through Moments in the Museum. This series focusses a spotlight on individual pieces, delving into their past.
Click here to watch a collection of short videos about items in the Highgate School Museum.
Our Archive collects and preserves records relating to our School’s history, making them available for research. It contains material dating from our 1565 foundation to the present day. Holdings include:
We welcome researchers from within and beyond our School. Our Archive is open to researchers by prior appointment Monday to Friday during term, 9am to 2pm Please contact our Archivist to make a booking.
All researchers need to sign our visitors’ book and our reading room is supervised. Due to the uniqueness and rarity of many items, we kindly ask all researchers to follow the Reading Room Rules, which you should read before visiting.
Certain records are subject to a closure period. Records are normally closed for legal, privacy and security reasons. Other records may be closed because they are in a fragile state and, if used, are liable to be damaged further.
Visit our online exhibitions on Pinterest.
Archivist and Records Manager
Highgate School
North Road
London N6 4AY
Telephone: 020 8347 4421
Email: Archives@highgateschool.org.uk
We are always delighted to accept donations connected to our School, like documents, letters, photos, clothing, objects and other memorabilia. Please contact our Archivist before sending items.