We want our pupils to enjoy their childhood to the full, to develop and pursue their academic and co-curricular passions, and to lead fulfilling, exciting lives as thoughtful and open-minded young adults.

Adam Pettitt, Head

In 2020, an unprecedented year, A level pupils received their results twice during August’s exam fiasco. Following the Government’s U-turn on algorithm-based grades, GCSE pupils, along with Year 13 pupils, have now been awarded Center Assessed Grades.

We enjoyed record success for 2019 with both Year 11 and Sixth Form, with results that placed Highgate firmly in the top academic tier of UK independent schools.

Most teaching takes place on our North Road site, in the heart of Highgate Village. Here Victorian buildings, such as our Chapel, Central Hall classrooms and Sir Martin Gilbert Library, sit alongside modern facilities like our 200-seat auditorium and dedicated recital space, science laboratories, modern language classrooms, and ICT suites. Pupils have lessons in art, design, engineering and technology at our Mills Centre, in Bishopswood Road.

Head’s blog

a rare and magical combination of the high-flying and the humble Good Schools Guide 2019

the overall vibe is very down to earth and low key Good Schools Guide 2019

a first class, modern education to those lucky enough to land there. Good Schools Guide 2019

84%

of all Highgate GCSE entries
were graded A* in 2020
(or new numerical equivalent)

711

Highgate pupils learn
a musical instrument

250

Highgate pupils took part
in DoE in 2019-20

Classroom

Beyond the classroom

Sport

Exam success

Highgate People

‘I am one of the editors of our pupil-led creative writing magazine, The Windhover. With help from our writer-in-residence, we publish a magazine each term, with contributions from pupils.’

Y9

Boris

‘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 was active with Junior English Society and, in Year 9, started Middle School English Society with my friends! We meet fortnightly to discuss a book with an inspiring teacher.’

Y9

Liv

‘At Highgate, our approach to pedagogy means we explore and adopt, where appropriate for our School, the most up-to-date methodologies for the most effective teaching that leads to deep learning.’

Assistant Head (Teaching and Learning)

Dr Weston

‘Highgate’s sports facilities are fantastic and the coaching exceptional. The range of sports offered is so outstanding that I couldn’t pick a favourite, there are too much to choose from!’

Y9

Amani

‘Our Year 9 Community Days and Year 10 Environment Day let pupils engage with local projects as wide-ranging as soup kitchens, charity shops and outdoor parkland areas.’

Deputy Head

Ms Shelley

‘I help organise the individual year trips for Lower School – currently Lille for Year 7 and Northumbria for Year 8 – which are a great experience for each group!’

Lower School Administrator

Miss McCallum

‘Everyone is welcomed here, and I almost immediately felt that I had been at Highgate for months. The facilities here, the art rooms, the sports grounds, the science labs, are amazing.’

Y7

Zara

‘The range of co-curricular activities offered at Highgate is phenomenal! There is always an opportunity to experience something new and interesting; I have tried everything from fencing to sewing. Then I discovered the Robotics Club and have been part of it ever since.’

Y9

Maya

A day in the life of our Senior School

8.25am

Registration begins for our Senior School pupils, who are in form groups of up to fifteen. This creates a calm and positive start to the day, with pupils and their form tutor able to catch up and talk about the day, and week, ahead.

8.45am

Our first lesson of the day begins. Senior School lessons last for fifty minutes, with pupils having six lessons a day.

10.30am

The first break of the day, with activities during this time varying by the day and year group. Pupils spend break with their form, either attending their one weekly religious service, their one year group assembly, their one house assembly or time with their form tutor. Lessons resume at 11.15am.

1pm

Our Senior School pupils take a short walk with friends to our nearby Dining Hall, which serves hot and cold food. There is also time to take part in lunchtime clubs, talks and debates, plus music lessons. Our Years 7 and 8 also have Thursday Lunchtime Activities each week, with options as varied as bee keeping, creative writing, sign language and outdoor education. Our next lesson begins at 2.15pm.

4.15pm

Following two more lessons, school ends and after-school activities, including sport, take place until 5.30pm. On Tuesday afternoons, our Years 9 to 13 are involved in co-curricular activities from 4pm, which range from bicycle maintenance to photography, and include our always popular Duke of Edinburgh Award. Our Library remains open until 6pm for those who wish to study or collect books.