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North London Collegiate School

United Kingdom, London

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees £25,620 - 29,751
Ages 4 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 1108
Type Girls School
Opened 1850
Bus Service Yes
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (DP), Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, EYFS (Early years foundation stage), Pearson Edexcel IGCSE
Taught languages French, Spanish, German, Russian, Mandarin, Italian, Latin
Typical class size 20
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, Languages
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Cultural and Language, Community and Service
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction

North London Collegiate School is an independent day school for girls aged 4 to 18 near London. The curriculum combines national formats with international options: in Years 7–9 the National Curriculum; Years 10–11 follow Edexcel IGCSE including IGCSE Language and Literature; Sixth Form offers either A Levels or the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, with Cambridge Pre-U also available. In the Sixth Form, about three-quarters of students take Mathematics at A Level or IB, with some pursuing Further Mathematics or IB HL. The school teaches six modern languages—French, Spanish, German, Russian, Mandarin and Italian—with exchanges and Polyglot Society. The 30-acre campus includes a Sports Hall, gym, pitches, a swimming pool and playing fields, plus the NLCS Drawing School, CAD/3D printing facilities, and a 38,000-volume library with the IDEAS Hub for interdisciplinary work. The Performing Arts Centre supports music and drama, including Edinburgh Fringe performances, and a vibrant Senior Societies programme.

Canons Dr, Edgware HA8 7RJ, United Kingdom

The Essentials

North London Collegiate School has 1,108 pupils, typical class sizes of 20, instruction in English.

Location
Located in north‑west London, NLCS's Senior School is on Dalkeith Grove in Stanmore (HA7 4SQ) and has a Canons Drive entrance in Edgware (HA8 7RJ). The school sits in the London Borough of Harrow. Stanmore Station (Jubilee Line) is about a 10‑minute walk to NLCS; Canons Park Station (Jubilee Line) is about 8 minutes away; Edgware Station (Northern Line) is about a 15‑minute walk to the Canons Drive entrance.

Stages
Girls aged 4-18; Junior School, Senior School and Sixth Form.

Type
Independent day school

Additional learning support
The Medical Centre and Cedar Space provide health and wellbeing support, including a Mental Health and Wellbeing Lead, a School Nurse, a healthcare professional, and two counsellors; tailored support to meet individual needs.

Country affiliation
United Kingdom

School day structure
Junior School day: First School (Reception–Year 2) arrives 8.30–8.45am; registration 8.50am; lessons finish 3.20pm; Lower School (Years 3–6) arrives after 8.15am; registration 8.40am; lessons finish 3.25pm; after-school clubs 3.30–4.00pm. Senior School day: nine 35-minute lessons; arrivals 8.15am–8.35am; Period 1 8.40–9.15; Period 2 9.15–9.50; Form time/assembly 9.50–10.25.

Bus service
Coach and minibus services operate; morning coaches aim to reach the School by 8.25am.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
Pupils wear school uniform until the end of Year 11; Sixth Formers are not required to wear uniform.

Food Options
Thomas Franks provides healthy, balanced meals with three‑week rotating menus and accommodation for dietary needs and allergens. Breakfast is available in the dining room from 07:30 to 08:15, and a supervised packed tea is offered after school for Junior School pupils.

House System
The school is organized through a house system with inter‑house competitions.

Governance and Ownership
The school is The North London Collegiate School Limited, a Company Limited by Guarantee and Registered Charity (1115843). It is governed by a Governing Body, including the Chair of Governors, Gabrielle Gower OBE.
Fees

Annual tuition at North London Collegiate School ranges from GBP 25,620 to GBP 29,751 for 2026/27.

Application / Entry assessment fee

- Entry assessment fee (non‑refundable): GBP 150 for UK applicants and GBP 200 for overseas applicants.

Tuition fees (per term and per year)

- Junior School: GBP 8,540 per term; GBP 25,620 per year (three terms).
- Senior School: GBP 9,917 per term; GBP 29,751 per year (three terms).

Coaches and lunches (additional annual charges)

- Coach travel: GBP 2,937 per year for a return coach fare (billed termly). GBP 2,329 per year for a single coach fare (billed termly).
- Lunches: GBP 1,215 per year for pupils in the Lower and Senior School (billed termly). GBP 1,029 per year for the First School. Senior School pupils may alternatively bring a packed lunch.
- No additional charge is made for textbooks, stationery or examination fees.

Deposit

- An Acceptance Deposit equal to one half of one term's fees is required when a place is accepted. The Acceptance Deposit is retained until the pupil leaves and is repaid as a credit on the final fee bill (unless donated). A pro‑rata deposit applies to holders of bursary awards. An Additional Deposit may be required where the pupil's normal residence is outside the United Kingdom or where fees are paid from accounts or income outside the UK.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Billing frequency options: Termly in full on the first day of each term, or monthly in ten equal instalments. Annual charges (tuition, buses, lunches etc.) are collected in ten equal instalments on the first day of the month from 1 August to 1 May. Extras (for example trips) are collected on 1 August for the Autumn Term, 1 January for the Spring Term and 1 May for the Summer Term and are added to the existing instalment collections. Invoices are issued by email in advance of the term to which they relate.

Fee payment methods and administrative charges

- Payment by direct debit is the standard method; fees for each term are due as cleared funds by direct debit before the commencement of the term unless a separate arrangement has been agreed. Payment by cheque or by bank transfer is permitted but the School reserves the right to charge an administration fee of GBP 50 each time such a payment is made. Cash payments are not accepted. The School may refuse a payment if it is not satisfied as to the identity of the payer or the source of the funds. Agreements with third‑party payers do not release parents from liability if the third party defaults.

Other costs and extras

- Extras may include charges for educational visits, overseas trips, additional tuition, coach charges, lunches, clothing and equipment, photographs or other items ordered by parents or pupils, and damage where the pupil has caused wilful loss or damage. Extras are billed on the dates noted under the billing schedule. Some financial assistance awards may include support for uniform, lunches, coach transport, essential curriculum materials, exam fees and compulsory school trips.

Boarding

- Boarding is not applicable; the School is a mainstream day school for girls aged 4 to 18 years. No boarding fees apply.

Refunds, cancellations and notice

- Fees are non‑refundable in the ordinary course: fees will not be refunded, reduced or waived for pupil absence through illness, for a shortened Term or extended vacation, for early release before or after public examinations, for temporary closure due to adverse weather, or except in exceptional cases at the sole discretion of the Headmistress. An offer and acceptance made entirely at distance may be cancelled within the statutory 14‑day cancellation period; in such cases Acceptance and Additional Deposits, if paid, will be refunded together with any fees paid pro‑rata for educational services already provided. If parents withdraw a pupil without giving at least one full Term's written notice they will be liable to pay one Term's fees in lieu of notice (special rules apply where a pupil leaves at the end of Year 13). Acceptance and Additional Deposits may be refunded in specified circumstances as set out in the School's terms and conditions.

Summary notes on inclusions

- Textbooks, stationery and examination fees are included within the published fees and are not charged separately. Extras such as trips, additional tuition or optional activities are billed separately on the dates listed under the billing schedule. Bursaries and scholarships are discretionary and any award terms (including what costs they cover) are notified at the time of offer.
Academics

North London Collegiate School teaches IB (DP), Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, EYFS (Early years foundation stage), Pearson Edexcel IGCSE for students aged 4 to 18.

Curriculum
In Years 7–9 the curriculum follows the National Curriculum, and in Years 10–11 pupils study the Edexcel IGCSE syllabus, with all students taking IGCSE Language and Literature in Year 11. In the Sixth Form the school offers two pathways: A Levels or the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, with English Literature available through IB and Cambridge Pre-U. The Mathematics department uses the Edexcel IGCSE syllabus in Years 10–11, and about three-quarters of Sixth Form students study A Level or IB Mathematics, with some choosing Further Mathematics or IB Higher Level. Pupils can study six modern languages—French, Spanish, German, Russian, Mandarin and Italian—with language exchanges and a Polyglot Society. The Music Department offers IB, A Level and IGCSE music syllabuses, following Cambridge IGCSE Music and AQA A Level Music.

Exam Results
IB Diploma 2025 average score 42.94, making NLCS the second highest performing IB school in the world and the best in the country. A Level 2025 results were outstanding with 54.3% A* grades, 86.1% A*-A and 96.1% A*-B. GCSE/IGCSE 2025 results were record-breaking with 83.4% grade 9, 95.9% 9/8 and 99.2% 9/8/7.

Higher Education Progression
Notable university destinations include Cambridge, Oxford, Imperial College London, UCL, King's College London and LSE, with many graduates also going to Yale, Brown, Columbia, Johns Hopkins, McGill and other leading institutions. Destinations span the UK, USA, Canada and Europe.

Gifted and Talented
The Sophie Bryant Scholarship commemorates the intellectual brilliance of Sophie Bryant and offers an individualized mentoring and enrichment programme. It includes termly mentoring sessions, a Sophie Bryant Symposium, a Sophie Bryant Journal and potential fee remission, and is offered to a small number of girls entering NLCS in Year 7 and Year 12 who demonstrate a deep love of learning.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
NLCS places safeguarding and wellbeing at the center of pastoral care. Staff receive regular safeguarding training to recognise and respond to concerns. The school operates a whole-school Mental Health and Wellbeing strategy, promoting regular physical activity and addressing adolescence challenges such as social media pressures and healthy boundaries around tech. The wider pastoral team includes Heads of Year, Heads of Section, a Mental Health and Wellbeing Lead, the School Nurse, a Healthcare Professional and two Counsellors. The Medical Centre and Cedar Space provide spaces and activities for physical and emotional wellbeing, including Mindfulness and wellbeing-focused clubs. Peer support and PSHE help students develop resilience, confidence and healthy relationships.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
NLCS operates a whole-school SEND approach. Every teacher is a teacher of all pupils, including those with SEND, and each pupil is supported to reach her full potential, academically, socially and emotionally. The school has two SEND advisers: Mrs Lisa Weisgard (Junior School including EYFS) and Mrs Sonya Beale (Senior School). The SEND policy emphasises equality under the Equality Act 2010 and the Children and Families Act 2014, and embraces the neurodiversity of its pupil population. The policy follows a graduated approach (Assess, Plan, Do, Review) to identify and address needs and involves parents in planning and reviewing support. It covers admissions, assessment and the provision of Individual Support Plans, with liaison to outside professionals where appropriate.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The School has an English as an Additional Language (EAL) Policy. EAL is defined as language used at home differing from the language of instruction. EAL pupils may come from multilingual backgrounds and may be fully bilingual. The policy promotes equality of access to the curriculum and compliance with the Equality Act 2010. A five-stage model of English acquisition is used, ranging from New to English through Fluent. When pupils are identified as having EAL needs, the Deputy Head (Academic) works with SEND advisers to provide support, including Individual Support Plans and targeted differentiation; additional English teaching is provided as required.

Mental Wellbeing
NLCS runs a school-wide Mental Health and Wellbeing strategy. The team includes a Mental Health and Wellbeing Lead, School Nurse, part-time Health Care Professional and two part-time Counsellors. The Medical Centre and the Cedar Space host wellbeing spaces and activities. The PSHE programme supports pupils to develop resilience, healthy relationships and to manage issues such as online safety and body image. Tooled Up Education provides resources to families to support wellbeing at home.

Safeguarding
NLCS has a Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy. Safeguarding is central to all activities and all staff are trained to identify and respond to concerns. The school designates safeguarding leads; details are available in the policy. The policy sets out staff responsibilities to identify and report abuse and to involve external services when necessary. Early help is provided by staff, and safeguarding information is kept confidential and shared only with those who need to know. Safeguarding records are securely stored and disposed of in line with policy. The policy requires at least annual safeguarding training for staff and annual review by the Governing Body, with oversight by the Pastoral, Safeguarding and Compliance Committee.
Parent Experience

History
North London Collegiate School was founded in April 1850 by Frances Mary Buss, who opened the school in her family home at 46 Camden Street. Buss championed girls' education and helped shape the school's early curriculum, including a revolutionary science program. As the school grew, it moved from Camden Road to Sandall Road, before relocating to Canons in Edgware; the Canons estate was purchased in 1929 and the move was completed in May 1940. The school has continued to innovate, including offering the International Baccalaureate Diploma alongside A levels and the Pre-U.

Community
NLCS is a community for life, with the relationship between the school and its pupils extending beyond their time at Canons. The school describes its ongoing commitment to students' development and lifelong engagement with the NLCS community. The NLCS Community page also notes bursaries to widen access to NLCS education.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
All NLCS parents are members of the Parents' Guild, which organises social events for the School community. The Guild also supports activities and manages good-as-new uniform sales, musical instrument exchanges and a babysitter list. Regular events include the annual Fireworks Display, Bring & Buy Sale, the Parents' Quiz, and teas at Open Days, Taster Afternoons and Junior School functions. Parents readily help in the school libraries, on trips and in special activities. The Guild has its own Facebook group: NLCS – Parents' Guild.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The school sits on a 30-acre site with extensive playing fields. It has a Sports Hall, Gym, pitches, cricket nets, tennis and netball courts, and a swimming pool. The NLCS Drawing School offers facilities for drawing, painting, photography, CAD, print-making, textile design, welding and ceramics. The McLauchlan Library houses over 38,000 resources, with the Anderson Reading Room for Sixth Form and full digital access via Accessit, and the IDEAS Hub hosts exhibitions and interdisciplinary work. The Engineering, Design and Technology facilities include a CAD Suite with 3D printing and laser cutting, supported by five computer suites and three specialist suites including two digital language labs

Sports Facilities
The school has a Sports Hall, Gym, pitches, cricket nets, Tennis and Netball Courts, and a Swimming Pool. Facilities are located on the 30-acre site with extensive playing fields and a track. The sport programme encompasses netball, lacrosse, badminton, tennis, swimming, cross-country, dance, athletics, gymnastics, and fencing, with additional offerings in cricket, water polo and skiing. The indoor swimming pool and fitness suite support sport and fitness for all levels of ability. Cricket nets and a range of outdoor pitches and courts enable competitive fixtures and clubs

Academic Facilities
In 2020, the Design and Technology facilities were refurbished to provide a CAD Suite with 3D printing and laser cutting, a new studio and a dedicated workshop, with a second workshop added in 2022 and moving to the IDEAS Hub in 2024. The Computing department has five computer suites, three specialist suites including two digital language labs, and a Sixth Form study suite. The Drama Department uses a dedicated Performing Arts Centre, a proscenium auditorium with a hydraulic orchestra pit, and a programme of regular productions and visiting performances. The McLauchlan Library offers 38,000 resources, a range of premium digital resources and the Accessit catalogue, with the IDEAS Hub hosting exhibitions and collaborative work

Extra Curricular Facilities
Drama provides extensive productions and opportunities for involvement across the year, including Edinburgh Fringe performances and a dedicated Performing Arts Centre. Music offers around 500 instrumental lessons weekly by more than 25 visiting specialists, with choirs, orchestras and ensembles, plus tours and scholarships. Art & Design runs the NLCS Drawing School with workshops and trips to major European cities. Sport features an extensive programme on the 30-acre site with a wide range of sports and fixtures. Extra-curricular clubs include a Digital Photography Club, IT Club, CAD/CAM, and an Engineering Society with regular workshops; language exchanges and other language-related activities are also offered
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The Sixth Form offers a Senior Societies programme with around 50 societies to explore academic passions in depth. These societies host external speakers, publish journals, and lead discussions or conferences, with events such as Black History Month and International Women's Day. Year 12 and 13 students can apply for leadership posts and participate in clubs and other extracurricular activities, shaping the school's intellectual life.

Arts & Creative
The school provides a broad range of musical opportunities as part of its extracurricular life. There are numerous performing opportunities, including end-of-term concerts and the Old House Concert Series, with a Steinway Grand Piano in the Drummond Room for performances. Students can participate in auditioned and non-auditioned ensembles, including an a cappella group and a choir that performs in care homes; the department also arranges masterclasses and visits and coordinates external engagements.

Cultural & Language
Language exchanges are arranged with partner schools in France, Spain and Germany, and there are regular London-based cultural excursions to museums, theatres and cinemas. The department competes in national and in-house competitions, including the Andrea Bell Competition, UKLO, foreign language debates and the national MFL translation bee, and hosts events such as the Hispanic Theatre Festival. A Polyglot Society promotes Modern Languages through a Languages Week, a languages symposium, a mentor system for younger learners and guest speakers.

Social & Hobbies
Nearly 100 clubs run at lunchtime or after-school each week, many student-led, covering topics from philosophy to climate change, human rights to chess, and dance to literature. In Sixth Form, extra-curricular clubs include a Community Outreach Programme with options such as First Aid or Sign Language, and opportunities to write for a weekly newspaper or work on Theatre Tech. Sport and physical activities are available through a broad program with frequent fixtures, inter-house competitions, and specialist sessions.

Community & Service
The Community Service Programme enables every Senior School student to participate in charitable work and involves regular visits to a local care home for the elderly and to a school for disabled children, along with fundraising events. The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is offered, providing challenges and adventure as part of NLCS extracurricular life.

Leadership & Professional
There are around 50 Senior Societies giving students leadership opportunities and room to develop their interests. Societies host external speakers, publish journals, and lead discussions and conferences, and run subject weeks and major events such as Black History Month and International Women's Day. Year 12 and 13 students are encouraged to apply for responsibility posts and participate in clubs and extra-curricular activities.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Sport at NLCS is for everyone, with a programme that includes weekly fixtures, inter-house competitions, recreational clubs and specialist sessions. The programme supports wellbeing, confidence and personal growth through movement. Facilities include a Canons Sports Centre with a sports hall, gym, pitches and an indoor swimming pool.
Languages

Language Provision
Six modern languages are taught: French, Spanish, German, Russian, Mandarin and Italian. In Years 8 and 9, pupils choose any two of these languages. In Years 10-11, a Modern Language is compulsory for all pupils, with optional courses including French, German, Italian, Mandarin, Russian and Spanish. Foreign language support includes native-speaking assistants who provide conversation sessions in all six languages to pupils from Year 10 upwards.

Immersion Programs
Native-speaking language assistants provide conversation sessions in all six languages to pupils from Year 10 upwards. Language exchanges are held with schools in France, Spain and Germany, and study visits to Italy, Russia and China are offered. The lessons emphasise using the target language where possible, with language culture supported by a Polyglot Society and a dedicated Modern Languages Week.
Admissions

Admissions
Entry points for NLCS: 4+ (40 places), 7+ (8–10 places), 11+ (approximately 70–75 places), and 16+ (approximately 20 places). There are also Junior School Occasional Places and Years 8–10 Occasional Places. Registrations for 2026 entry are closed. NLCS seeks students with strong academic potential, curiosity about the world, ambition, and readiness to embrace opportunities, and it values diversity. A range of scholarships and bursaries is offered, including music scholarships, sports scholarships, and the Sophie Bryant Scholarship, available to Senior School entrants at 11+ and 16+. Occasional places may be available in other year groups, and School in Action mornings can be booked to visit.

Scholarships
Music Scholarships are offered at 11+ and 16+ for outstanding musical promise; Handel Music Scholarship provides a remission of 10–20% of school fees and 11+ scholarships last for the duration of studies while 16+ scholarships cover the duration of Sixth Form. The Sophie Bryant Scholarship is awarded to a small number of Year 7 or Year 12 entrants, includes mentoring and enrichment, and usually fee remission (not guaranteed); assessment follows the 11+ or 16+ process and is open to external and some internal applicants. Sports Scholarships are open to external 11+ and 16+ applicants as well as current Year 6 and Year 11 pupils; candidates must demonstrate high-level sport and potential; recipients receive mentorship, a strength and conditioning programme, some NLCS kit, nutritional support, and usually fee remission; assessments include fitness tests, skill evaluations, and interviews.
School Events
The school has not added events
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