Highgate School
Secular
Updated July 2026
Highgate is a leading independent co-educational school in north London, serving pupils aged 4 to 18 across its Pre-Prep, Junior, Senior, and Sixth Form divisions. With a 460-year history, it is a registered charity dedicated to providing high-calibre, academically minded education.
Curriculum
Term structure
Teaching approach
The school emphasizes scholarship, independence, and the development of the whole child rather than focusing solely on exam outcomes. It aims to prepare pupils intellectually and emotionally for higher education and the workplace, while fostering a sense of community and social responsibility.
Programmes
The school offers a continuous educational pathway from Reception through to the Sixth Form. The curriculum is designed to be ambitious, encouraging pupils to study subjects beyond age-related expectations, with the Sixth Form providing a personalized A level programme complemented by enrichment activities. Junior School pupils follow an innovative curriculum designed to foster curiosity and confidence in preparation for the Senior School.
Outcomes
Highgate is recognized for academic excellence, with 80% of A Levels graded A*-A in 2025 and 31 pupils securing places at Oxbridge. The school was named Independent School of the Decade by the Sunday Times Schools Guide 2021 and is consistently ranked among the top UK independent secondary schools.
Student support
Learning support
The school maintains a focus on pastoral care and wellbeing, with dedicated teams supporting pupils throughout their educational journey. It employs a large staff of teachers and support professionals, including specific pastoral and inclusion leads, to ensure a nurturing environment.
Frequently asked questions(3)
- How much is tuition at Highgate School?
- Annual tuition at Highgate School is £28.4K–£32.8K. Fees vary by year group — confirm the current schedule with the school.
- Is Highgate School co-educational?
- Highgate School is a co-ed school.
- Where is Highgate School located?
- Highgate School is an international school in London, United Kingdom.
Tuition & fees
Annual tuition by grade
2026-2027| Grade | Ages | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Preparatory School Reception to Year 2 | 4–7 | £28.4K |
| Junior School Years 3-6 | 7–11 | £30K |
| Senior School Years 7-13 | 11–18 | £32.8K |
Other fees(4)
| Application fee· Standard application fee. £420 for entrance tests taken abroad. | £210 |
|---|---|
| Deposit· For Pre-Prep, Junior School and Senior School entry | £4K |
| Deposit· For Sixth Form entry | £5K |
| Mealsterm· Obligatory termly lunch charge | £369 |
Admissions
Highgate is an academically selective school with four primary entry points: 4+ (Reception), 7+ (Year 3), 11+ (Year 7), and 16+ (Year 12). The admissions process requires an online application form and attendance at an assessment or interview. The school also offers occasional places into selected year groups during the academic year depending on availability.
Calendar
The school operates on a three-term structure: Michaelmas, Lent, and Summer. Terms typically begin in early September, early January, and mid-April, respectively, with half-term breaks in October, February, and May/June. The academic year concludes in early July.
Facilities
About the campus
The Mallinson Sports Centre features an indoor swimming pool, a comprehensive gym with rowing machines and free weights, and a spacious sports hall for netball, basketball, football, and badminton. Outdoor facilities include an AstroTurf pitch, eight Eton Fives courts, and two squash courts. The school also provides dedicated dance studios equipped with mirrored walls and ballet barres, as well as social rooms for functions.
Co-curriculars
The school provides a wide-ranging programme of co-curricular activities, including sports, ensembles, and casts. Pupils engage in community-focused initiatives such as soup kitchens, charity shops, and parkland maintenance. Additionally, the school offers opportunities for travel, such as biennial geography trips to Iceland for Sixth Form pupils.
- Adam PettittHead
Adam Pettitt is the Head of Highgate School. He oversees the school's mission, emphasizing scholarship, independence, and a transformative role for pupils inside and outside the classroom.
- Philippa StuddPrincipal of the Junior School
Philippa Studd is the Principal of the Junior School.
- Emma Duong SakaPrincipal of the Pre-Preparatory School
Emma Duong Saka is the Principal of the Pre-Preparatory School.
- Todd LindsaySenior Deputy Head
Todd Lindsay is the Senior Deputy Head at Highgate School.
- Louise ShelleySenior Deputy Head
Louise Shelley is a Senior Deputy Head at Highgate School. She highlights the school's community engagement, noting that Year 9 and 10 pupils participate in local projects such as soup kitchens and parkland maintenance.
- Rebecca GollandDeputy Head, Pastoral
Rebecca Golland is the Deputy Head, Pastoral.
- James NewtonDeputy Head, Academic
James Newton is the Deputy Head, Academic.
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