8.25am
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.
beyond nature
Established in 2018 to tackle growing environmental concerns beyond our School, and to make the most of our fabulous grounds, Highgate Junior School Eco Council meets regularly to develop projects and raise whole-school awareness of sustainability. This hard work was recognised in 2019, with Highgate Junior School shortlisted for a prestigious Tes School Award in the sustainable school category.
discover numbers
‘Our aim is that pupils will go beyond Year 6 with a positive view of their ability. We take a creative and flexible approach with mathematics teaching, where deeper and richer understanding is nurtured. We also ensure that pupils understand how subjects are related and that mathematics connects to science, engineering and art, plus other creative disciplines. We encourage pupils to make links, work collaboratively, and become flexible and adaptable learners.’
—Mr James, Principal of Highgate Junior School
beyond school
Highgate Junior School pupils enjoy using nearby Hampstead Heath for their cross-country running. The Heath is crisscrossed with paved and dirt paths, passing through woodlands and grassy knolls, and these varying terrains make it an excellent place for an outdoor workout. Plus we have these amazing views beyond of the city!
Welcome to our Junior School
Highgate Junior School is for pupils aged 7-11. We have around 400 pupils, making up Years 3, 4, 5 and 6.
‘Our state-of-the-art building provides a nurturing and friendly environment that encourages both academic excellence and personal development. We want all pupils to believe that there are no glass ceilings to their learning and we aim that all strive to reach their full potential.’
Mark James, Principal
Our broad and creative curriculum is planned around specific learning objectives for every subject area, within each year group. We promote high levels of achievement and effort, ensuring our pupils acquire the academic skills needed. However, we push the boundaries beyond mere acquisition of knowledge: we want our pupils to develop the confidence to investigate and enquire, to solve problems, and to take responsibility for their learning. We aim to enrich the learning experience of our pupils, broadening their social horizons and cultural interests.
Parents we spoke to used superlative after superlative to praise teaching staff Good Schools Guide 2019
The creative side of the school is amazing,’ parents told us. Good Schools Guide 2019
Almost all skip up the hill to Highgate School, delighted to have dodged the 11+ process Good Schools Guide 2019
400
Pupils, aged 7 – 11
Wow
“The most impressive junior school building we’ve ever seen.”— The Good Schools Guide 2019
20
General teaching classrooms
Highgate People
‘Highgate Junior School is a happy place to work. I’m often the first point of contact for our pupils and their parents, who are always friendly and respectful.’
Highgate Junior School Receptionist
Miss Duah
‘As head of house, I develop the pastoral environment and provide opportunities for pupils to take part and grow. We hold inter-house competitions in spelling, general knowledge, debate, sports and more.’
Head of Birch House, Junior School
Ms Jani
My favourite lesson is DTE. You get to use different types of tools and be very imaginative. I am currently making a working camshaft which I need to assemble. I have also made a robot.
Y5
Henry
‘I work with staff, pupils and parents to develop strategies to support their wellbeing alongside their personal, academic and professional development. Working with such thoughtful and compassionate pupils is inspiring.’
Director of Wellbeing
Dr Silver
I like that they’re not too strict here! My favourite lesson is Art because it’s hard but also fun. The first time we made a book and mixed watercolours. I’ve made a lot of friends from other schools since joining.
Y4
Rishaan
‘It is great fun organising author visits to our Junior School. If we have a particularly big name, like Cressida Cowell, we often invite pupils from nearby schools too.’
Highgate Junior School librarian
Ms Payne
Highgate’s a fun and wonderful school. It might feel scary on the first day, but as you get used to it, you never want to leave! I love the eco society and taking part in House competitions. I get to take part in lots of different things in DTE and science too.
Y3
Casey
I like the variety of lessons here and I am learning a lot of stuff. The teachers are very helpful. I like the Clubs at school and am in the Debating Club and Music Ensemble.
Y5
Anamika
I enjoy the diversity and range of the school. There are lots of opportunities. I like that the school is spacious and the range of equipment we have. I also enjoy learning about different religions and that the Library has a wide range of books.
Y6
Lilia
I really like how welcoming Highgate is. When I started at the school, I didn’t know anybody, but now I have a lot of new friends. The teachers are really nice and I like the vegetarian dishes they do in the dining hall. I like that I can play football and tennis and go swimming. My favourite lessons are Maths and English.
Y6
Femi
Meet some of our Junior School pupils
Listen to our pupils talk through their experiences of making new friends and learning with new teachers when they first joined the School.
A day in the life of our Junior School
8.40am
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.
Mid-morning
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.
Lunch time
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.
12.45pm
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.
3.45pm
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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The daily HIIT session with a twist: completing the workout as an animal! Can you spot what we were? https://t.co/nkeb4UeBMo
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A great way to say thank you to the hardworking NHS staff! Muffins baked in our online Cookery Club were given to this team as a tasty afternoon tr...
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All Year 4 pupils constructed catapults in DTE lessons this week. This is a photo of the critical worker children trying them out in school. We are...
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