We have around 450 pupils in the Junior School, across Years 3, 4, 5 and 6
I joined Highgate in nursery and I’m now in Y6 of the Junior School. It’s easy to make friends here and the teachers are very nice. I really like Art, Computing and DTE. At lunch I take part in Rock Band – I play bass guitar and we’re currently playing Eye of the Tiger. I also go to Fives Club and Art Club.
—Rubin, Y6 Junior School
If you’re interested in joining us in September 2026 or beyond, the first step is to register your interest in our Junior School so we can:
From the moment you step foot inside our bright and well-resourced building, you will feel the excitement from our pupils ringing through the corridors. At the heart of our school is a nurturing environment where pupils feel happy, safe and secure so they can fulfil their potential.
Philippa Studd, Principal
We pride ourselves on providing an innovative curriculum which challenges our pupils to be curious, creative and brave in their learning. Our timetable is designed to incorporate both an intellectually rigorous approach to studies alongside skills-based learning.
We aim for our pupils to develop a genuine love of learning whilst acquiring a knowledge of how they learn, how to take responsibility for their learning and how to apply their skills and knowledge in a variety of different contexts. We want to nurture in our pupils how to be a reflective and proactive member of the community with a sense of social responsibility and a deep understanding and appreciation of the wide range of heritages, cultures and backgrounds in our diverse society.
Highgate School was named London Independent School of the Decade by The Sunday Times Schools Guide for 2021. Most recently, in their 2025 Guide, we were proud to feature in the Top 10 independent schools in London and amongst the Top 20 schools nationally.
Pupils, aged 7 – 11
“From the early years on there is a sustained emphasis on lessons that provoke thinking.” ISI Inspection 2024
General teaching classrooms
The best thing is the people because they’re fun, kind and nice. Ziggy, Y4 Pupil
Fantastic new building which is a dream educational setting full of light and space. Junior School Parent
The well-designed curriculum stimulates learning. ISI Inspection 2024
I enjoy helping children to settle into the School and feel part of our community. Rory Sands, Y3 Teacher and Head of House
Our 7+ bursary programme offers eligible families life-changing fee assistance. Bursaries can cover up to 100% of school fees, making a Highgate education more accessible to a wider group of academically able children.
To apply for a 7+ Bursary click here
A gift of £11,000, made over one or several years, from one family or in partnership with others, could create a new, 50% assisted place for a child throughout their time at Highgate.
To find our more about donating to our Bursaries click here
Every child should have opportunity to achieve their full potential. Charles, bursary recipient of 2019
More about inclusion rather than competitiveness. Junior School Parent
Everyone is so supportive, and you can never feel lonely. Junior School Pupil
I like taking part in Jazz band because we play tunes in small groups.
Y6
Ethan
I like Highgate because it’s a community where everyone knows each other and the teachers are really nice which it makes it fun to learn.
Y4
Georgina
Seeing pupils discover exciting worlds or learn something new through reading is very rewarding. Ensuring pupils get time to read is important and I enjoy being able to support them.
Highgate Junior School librarian
Ms Johnston
I have two favourite lessons – English because I love writing stories and art because I like drawing, colouring and painting.
Y3
Soraya
I love going to football fixtures at other schools and playing against them because it’s my favourite sport.
Y5
Yicheng
I’m passionate about science and it’s truly rewarding to see this same passion ignited in the pupils as they explore the world around them in our exciting and varied science lessons.
Key Stage 2 Teacher
Mr McInnerney
I really enjoyed World Book Day because we got to dress up as our favourite character and make our own miniature books to inspire the rest of the school.
Y4
Rhys
The Junior School is such a warm and welcoming place to work. My favourite part is seeing how the pupils become so passionate, collaborative and confident through drama lessons and the productions we put on.
Teaching Assistant (Drama)
Ms McDonald
I enjoy learning with all of the wonderful teachers and Book Club to explore writing on Word.
Y5
Emma
I enjoy athletics morning club because it wakes you up and gives you an opportunity to see your friends before school.
Y6
Alyssa
I like the library for reading books at quiet time and I borrow lots of books especially adventure fiction.
Y3
Hanson
Something that really matters to me is forming strong and friendly relationships with pupils. It’s been lovely building those bonds with my form class and I look forward to another year doing the same.
Key Stage 2 Teacher
Ms Bastian
Listen to our pupils talk through their experiences of making new friends and learning with new teachers when they first joined the school.
The day begins with registration. Our pupils spend this time with their form teacher and other members of their form, catching up and preparing to start their day.
Twice a week, we have a full school assembly. On all other days, lessons start at this time. Many lessons are taught as doubles, lasting 50 minutes. Pupils also have two 25-minutes lessons each week in our library, which occupies a central location in our building.
Break time for 25 minutes, giving our pupils a chance to interact in our outside play area or chat with their form teacher about any academic or personal matters.
Pupils have lunch in our nearby Dining Hall, which serves hot and cold food. With an hour for lunch, pupils have enough time to eat and take part in any lunch-time clubs (for example, School Council, Philosophy Club, Crossword and Scrabble Club or Art Club), undertake sports team practice or attend a musical instrument ensemble, as well as play outside.
Our Year 3 pupils start lunch earlier, so their first afternoon lesson begins at this time and they also enjoy a short afternoon break. For all Junior School pupils, sport is taught twice a week in co-educational groups, ensuring our pupils get to enjoy all Highgate sports before choosing their preferred option as they move up the school.
Home time, although many pupils stay late for co-curricular activities, including our Junior Strings Project and Chorus. Popular after-school clubs include musical theatre, Minecraft, chess, story illustration, coding, outdoor education, and jewellery design, while sports options include gymnastics, Eton Fives, football, table tennis and fencing. All co-curricular activities end at 4.45pm.
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Highgate Junior
