Independent Girls' Schools

Putney High School GDST is an independent day school for girls aged 4 to 18, situated on a leafy campus in southwest London. Founded in 1893, the school is a prominent member of the Girls' Day School Trust and emphasises an ethos of 'modern scholarship'. The site on Putney Hill combines original Victorian architecture with contemporary sustainable developments, such as the Athena Centre for science and drama and pioneering biophilic classrooms. The school fosters intellectual curiosity and real-world agility, offering a broad curriculum and extensive extracurricular opportunities within reach of the River Thames.

Charlotte House Preparatory School is an independent day school for girls aged 3 to 11, located in a residential area of Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire. Founded in 1931 by Miss Kitching, the school was originally established as Rickmansworth PNEU and continues to follow the educational principles of Charlotte Mason. The curriculum is delivered by specialist teachers in subjects including music, science, sport, and languages from the nursery years. The school’s ethos is centred on its long-standing motto, 'I am, I can, I ought, I will', fostering confidence within a small, supportive learning environment.

St Margaret's Hampstead is an independent day school for girls aged 4 to 16, situated in a residential area of North London. Founded in 1884, the school is housed in a Victorian building in Kidderpore Gardens, close to Hampstead Heath. It operates as a small, family-oriented community with a focus on individual pastoral care. The academic curriculum culminates in GCSEs, and as the school does not have a sixth form, Year 11 pupils are encouraged to take on senior leadership roles. Facilities include science laboratories, a library, and drama spaces.

Notre Dame Senior School is an independent Catholic day school for girls aged 11 to 18, set within 26 acres of parkland in Cobham, Surrey. The school occupies Burwood House, a Grade II listed 18th-century manor house once owned by the Earl of Ellesmere. Founded by the Company of Mary Our Lady, it follows the educational philosophy of Saint Jeanne de Lestonnac. Facilities include a 370-seat professional-standard theatre, a heated indoor swimming pool, and an Innovation Hub for STEM studies. The curriculum is complemented by a diverse range of extracurricular activities in music, drama, and competitive sport.

Al-Zahra School is an independent day school for girls aged 8 to 16, located in Queen's Park, London. Established in 1989 by the Al-Khoei Foundation, the school provides an education underpinned by a strong Islamic ethos. The curriculum combines the National Curriculum with religious studies, including Arabic and Quranic instruction. Operating within a small, close-knit community, the school focuses on academic progress alongside spiritual and moral development. Al-Zahra School aims to nurture well-rounded individuals, encouraging pupils to integrate their faith-based values with active participation in wider British society.

Channing School is an independent day school for girls aged 4 to 18, located on Highgate Hill in North London. Founded in 1885 by the Reverend Robert Spears and sisters Emily and Matilda Sharpe, it remains the only independent Unitarian school in Britain. The school occupies two sites, with the Junior School at Fairseat bordering Waterlow Park. Its facilities include the Grade II listed Brunner House, a performing arts centre, and a sports hall. The school's ethos is rooted in the Unitarian principles of scholarship, integrity, altruism, and independence.

Francis Holland Preparatory School, located on Manresa Road in Chelsea, is an independent day school for girls aged 4 to 11. Housed in a Grade II listed Victorian building, the school opened in September 2024 following the relocation of the junior department from Sloane Square. The 20,000 square foot site features the historic former Chelsea library, a specialist STEAM laboratory, and an extensive outdoor play area. The school emphasises a broad curriculum focused on curiosity and creativity, providing a nurturing environment that prepares pupils for transition to leading senior schools while maintaining a strong pastoral ethos.

Rowan Preparatory School is an independent day school for girls aged 2 to 11, situated in Claygate near Esher, Surrey. Founded in 1936, the school is split across two sites: Rowan Brae for early years and Rowan Hill for older pupils. Guided by the motto "Hic Feliciter Laboramus" (Here We Work Happily), the school balances academic focus with holistic development. Facilities include specialist STEM labs, music and art studios, and dedicated outdoor areas such as "the Spinney" woodland, supporting a broad curriculum that encourages curiosity and a "Sport for All" approach.

Stormont School is an independent preparatory day school for girls aged 4 to 11, located in Potters Bar, Hertfordshire. Founded in 1944, the school is set within 11 acres of grounds and is housed in a mix of Victorian and modern buildings, including a main house dating from 1874. Facilities include a dedicated science laboratory, a sports hall, and woodland for forest school. The school, which joined the St Albans Education Group in 2024, provides a broad curriculum and emphasises a nurturing environment to prepare pupils for transition to a range of senior schools.

Sarum Hall School is an independent preparatory day school for girls aged 3 to 11, located in Belsize Park, North London. Founded in 1929, the school occupies award-winning, purpose-built premises designed by architects Allies and Morrison, which opened in 1995. The red-brick building features specialist facilities, including a science laboratory, art room, and food studio. The curriculum focuses on developing inquisitive minds and creativity, underpinned by the school's "Golden Values" of kindness, courage, and resilience. It aims to identify and nurture individual talents within a supportive environment.

Northwood College for Girls GDST is an independent day school for pupils aged 3 to 18, located in Northwood, Greater London. Founded in 1878 and a member of the Girls’ Day School Trust since 2014, the school moved to its current site in 1892. Facilities include a performing arts centre with a recital hall, a sports hall with an indoor swimming pool, and specialist studios for dance and art. The school’s ethos focuses on character development and intellectual curiosity, aiming to nurture confident individuals within a supportive community.