North London Collegiate School is a top independent day school for girls aged 4–18. Since its founding in 1850, generations of girls have received an ambitious academic education and formed a bond with NLCS, which lasts forever. We provide a carefully judged blend of support and challenge, a friendly and warm atmosphere, glorious facilities and extensive extracurricular activities.
We are proud of our tradition of producing independent-minded young women with the drive and confidence to make the most of opportunities and make a difference in the world. That was the vision of the school’s founder and it remains true of the school today.
We have a strong track record of enabling students to gain entry to their first choice of university, but examination success is only part of the picture and passionate teachers inspire pupils with a love of their subject which goes beyond the examination syllabus.
NLCS celebrates the individual and creative spirit of the pupils. We provide the springboard for our students to find their place in a world which will require not only technical skills, but also creative and communication skills to thrive. This is why we continue to invest in and enhance our music and arts provision and offer a wealth of sporting opportunities. Over 50 clubs and societies create a vibrant atmosphere that enables students to develop a relaxed self-confidence and enjoy their time at school.
NLCS has a global perspective that is unique amongst London day schools. In the Sixth Form, students can study the International Baccalaureate Diploma – a highly regarded qualification that is particularly prized by Ivy League, Russell Group and European universities. In addition to this, the opening of our sister schools in Jeju, Dubai and Singapore benefits our students through exchange and collaboration opportunities. We believe that happy students are successful students. Our pastoral care is focused on individual support for every student, developing resilience and a sense of perspective, so that girls are able to tackle challenges head on, learn from setbacks, and have the confidence to try again if things don’t work out initially. We aim to provide an environment which promotes self-confidence, a feeling of self-worth and the knowledge that pupil’s concerns will be listened to and acted upon.
The school’s academic record is outstanding. It has twice been named The Sunday Times ‘Independent School of the Year’ and The Daily Telegraph has described it as the most consistently successful academic girls’ school in the country.
NLCS has offered the IB programme as an alternative to A levels since 2004, and has a consistent record of success, ranking as one of the highest-achieving IB schools in the UK and the world.
The facilities at the school are first class, designed to offer the girls every opportunity to develop themselves both academically and socially. These facilities include lacrosse pitches, all-weather tennis courts and a Sports Centre with an indoor swimming pool, climbing wall and fitness centre.
The Performing Arts Centre, with a 350-seat auditorium, orchestra pit, galleries and rehearsal rooms, hosts over 35 productions a year. There are many Music and Drama opportunities including productions, choirs and orchestras.
There is an extensive school coach scheme.
Full details of Open Days and Taster Afternoons are on the school’s website.
Bursaries. Enabling bright girls from all backgrounds is central to the ethos of the school. Many bursaries are offered to girls who do well in the 11+ test and those entering the Sixth Form, whose parents can demonstrate financial need.
Scholarships. Music and Sports Scholarships are awarded at 11+ and 16+.
Fees per term (2024-2025). Senior School: £8,514; Junior School: £7,465.
Charitable status. The North London Collegiate School is a Registered Charity, number 1115843. It exists to provide an academic education for girls.
Governors & Staff:
The Governing Body:
Mrs Gabrielle Gower OBE, MSC, MA Cantab (Chair)
Mr P Needleman, MA, FIA (Vice Chair)
Mrs M Boghani-Nathoo BSc, FCA
Mrs F Boulton, BSc Hons, MA, OBE
Ms V Godfrey, MA Oxon, MBA, FRGS
Mrs V Harding, BMus Hons, PGDip RAM, PGCE, LRAM, ATCL
Ms R Herdman-Smith, BA
Cllr A Jogia MBE, JP, MA
Mrs N Kingsmill-Moore, MED, HDE
Ms C Marten, BA, MA, PGCE
Mr J Sheridan
Dr T Thomas, BSC, PhD, PGCE
Dr D Toh, PhD, CPA, PGCHE
Mr A Utermann, BSC, MA, ASIP
Mrs E Watford, MCHEM, MBA
Chief Operating Officer: Mr T Brown, BA Bournemouth, MBA Greenwich
Headmistress: Mrs Vicky Bingham, MA Oxon
Deputy Heads:
Senior Deputy Head: Mrs J Bedi, MA Cantab
Academic: Mr S. Etienne, MSC Oxon
Pastoral Mrs N Dawson, BA Durham
Director of Innovation: Mr R. Street, BA, NPQH Exeter
Director of Philanthropy and Communications: Ms S MacMillan, BEd Queen's Canada, CFRE
Head of Junior School: Mr R Queripel, BA Sheffield
Assistant Heads:
Enrichment: Mr J Majithia, BA Oxon
Professional Development: Mr H Waddington, MA Cantab, MPhil Cantab, FRGS
Senior Tutor: Dr C Jackson, PhD Glasgow
Teaching and Learning: Ms L Timm, MChem Oxon
University Guidance and Careers: Ms D Mardell, MA Cantab, MEd Cantab
Head of Sixth Form: Mr B Tosh, BA Greenwich
Head of Upper School: Mrs N Taberner, BA Brighton
Head of Middle School: Mrs J Demetriou, BA London
Head of Mental Health & Wellbeing: Ms G Mellor, BA Exeter PGCE
Director of IB Diploma: Dr H Linscott, BA, MA, PhD UCL
Head of Careers: Dr R Silverman, BSc, MSc Nottingham, PhD Bristol
Head of Examinations and Data Manager: Mr V Patel, BA London
Deputy Director of Innovation (Senior School): Dr W Van Reyk, BA, MSt, DPhil Oxon
Deputy Director of Innovation (Junior School): Mr D Harrison, BA Leeds
Director of Partnerships: Mr A. Duffey, BA Surrey Institute of Art & Design
Heads of Academic Departments:
Art and Design: Dr A Permain, PhD Reading, MFA Oxon, BA Hons Newcastle
Classics: Mr E Pike, BA London, MA Cape Town
Computing: Mr Z Qureshi, BSc Hertfordshire
Drama: Miss H May, BA Princeton
Economics: Mrs H Waywell, BSc Loughborough, MA IoE
Engineering, Design & Technology: Mr A Duffey, BA Surrey Institute of Art & Design
English: Ms M Henson, BA, MA Cork
Geography: Mr M Morgan
History, Government & Politics: Ms V Brock BA Oxon
Mathematics: Mr W Galton, BA Cantab
Modern Languages & German: Mrs A Venter, BA Hons Pretoria, MA Sorbonne
French: Miss K Bonnal, Maîtrise Avignon
Italian: Dr N Ibba, MA Bologna, PhD London
Russian: Miss E Makower, BA Oxon
Spanish: Mrs X Yerbury, MA London
Mandarin: Ms A Hickman, BA Durham
Music: Mr S McCall, BA Durham
Physical Education: Mrs G Castle, BA Liverpool John Moores
Religious Studies & Philosophy: Mr J Holt, BA Durham, MA Open
Science: Mr M Powell
Biology: Dr N. Modha
Chemistry: Miss M Siddiqui, BSc London
Physics: Dr C Gannarelli, PhD UCL, MSc UCL
PA to the Head: Mrs D Baum