Notting Hill & Ealing High School is an academically selective, independent day school for girls aged 4 to 18. It is part of the GDST (Girls’ Day School Trust) which is the leading network of independent girls’ schools in the UK. Founded 1873. For further information about the Trust, see p. xxiii or visit www.gdst.net. Pupils and location. Approximately 900 pupils. 590 in the Senior School (153 in the Sixth Form) and 310 in the Junior Department. Transport links are excellent (Ealing Broadway station is nearby and several buses stop outside the school) and the School runs its own bus service. Students come from Ealing and all over west London.
Ethos. This is a school with a long tradition of academic excellence and creativity within an exceptionally warm and supportive environment. Notting Hill & Ealing girls are well grounded, confident and independent. They are proud of their school and value kindness and laughter, fun and friendship. This is a place where tolerance and mutual respect are nurtured; where you can be yourself. With a wide variety of activities and opportunities, and a strong emphasis on charitable giving, everyone can enjoy being part of a vibrant community and express their passion for learning, and for life.
Pastoral care. The system of pastoral care is overseen by the Deputy Head – Pastoral, working through the Heads of Year and Form Tutors. A well-structured system that is sufficiently flexible, supports every girl and ensures she is treated as a whole person with individual strengths and needs. In the Sixth Form, the tutor team is led by the Head of Sixth Form.
Curriculum. Throughout the Junior and Senior Schools, our curriculum is broad and balanced and encourages independence of learning and thought. In Years 7–9 everyone follows courses in English, History, Geography, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Design Technology, Computer Science, Religious Studies, Art, Music, and Drama. In Year 7 all girls study Mandarin plus a second modern language (French, German or Spanish). In Year 8, Latin also becomes available. Girls usually take ten subjects at GCSE, including a compulsory core of English Language and Literature, Mathematics, three Sciences and a Modern Language. 26 subjects are offered at A Level. Most girls take 3 subjects and the majority take the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), which is highly regarded by university admissions tutors. Each department runs a special programme to support UCAS applications and there is additional support for those applying to Oxbridge or particularly competitive universities. There are also lessons in personal health, ethical and social issues, appropriate to each age and stage. Physical Education is taught throughout the school.
The Sixth Form. Our Sixth Formers play an important role in the school. They enjoy the independence of their own new Sixth Form Centre with common rooms, outdoor space for relaxing, café and fitness centre. They take responsibility for many extracurricular activities, such as organising clubs, and act as mentors for girls in the lower years. Additional leadership opportunities are offered by the House system, and voluntary and charity work. In 2023, 90% of A Level entries were graded A*–B, 66% at A*–A and 26% at A*. All go on to Higher Education and, with excellent results, successfully secure places at their choice of university (including Oxford and Cambridge).
Extracurricular activities. Students can choose from over 100 clubs and activities, covering an extensive range of sport, drama and music – as well as over 50 special-interest clubs. We take full advantage of everything London offers, with visits to theatres, museums, galleries, performances, and conferences incorporated into the curriculum. Trips abroad are arranged and there is an annual ski trip.
Careers advice. All girls are enrolled in our careers programme which entitles all students to help and advice until the age of 23. Sixth Formers receive extensive support with university applications, including mock interviews. The GDST Alumnae Network, the unique resource from the GDST, offers each student access to a database of former GDST students, who will give advice and support on careers (including helping with work experience) and universities. An annual Careers Evening, typically featuring senior representatives from almost 70 different professions and occupations, is organised by the Parents’ Guild.
Creative Arts. There are three orchestras, three choirs, many chamber and ensemble groups, as well as two rock bands and a jazz band. School productions offer opportunities either to perform or to work with production, lighting, sound, costume and staging. Art thrives within the curriculum and through various art clubs. It also contributes to work in design technology and various aspects of ICT, such as web design and animation projects.
Sport. Sport is taken seriously with success in local fixtures and national championships, and we encourage participation and enjoyment at all standards. ‘The Cricketer Schools Guide’ have included NHEHS as one of the Top 20 UK Girls’ School for Cricket for the last two years and our waterpolo teams have all competed at National level – our U15 team being the National Champions in 2023. On-site facilities include all-weather pitches, a huge sports hall with four courts and cricket nets, a dance studio and indoor 25-metre swimming pool. Lifeguard training is available for Sixth Formers. Aerobics, self-defence, kick boxing, football, fencing, dance and swimming for fun are among the extracurricular sports clubs currently available.
Fees per term (2023-2024). Junior School: £5,713; Senior School: £7,409.
Scholarships and bursaries. Academic, Music and Sports scholarships are available at 11+. At 16+ there are academic awards, as well as awards for Physical Education, Drama, Art and an All-Rounder scholarship.
Bursaries are available at 11+ and 16+ and we actively encourage applications.
Admission. Usually at 4+, 7+, 11+ and 16+, by appropriate test and/or interview.
Occasionally, vacancies may become available in other year groups.
Charitable status. Notting Hill & Ealing High School is part of The Girls’ Day School Trust, which is a Registered Charity, number 306983.