Highgate School Review: Rankings, Fees And More

Highgate students performed at the highest level in the A Levels and GCSEs for 2023, with 83.6% scoring A*-A and 93.2% scoring 9-7 respectively. In our 2023 A Levels League Table, Highgate School ranked 4th in the UK. The school placed 16th in our GCSE league table for 2023.

“When I joined Highgate at Year 10, I was so afraid of what it would entail. However, I found the students and teachers to be warm and welcoming and I was quickly made to feel at home.”

Pastoral Care

Highgate School prioritises pastoral care, placing pupil wellbeing at the centre of its focus. Upon joining, students become part of one of the 12 Houses, where they are assigned a tutor group comprising around 17 peers. These tutor groups foster a supportive environment, offering a consistent point of contact for academic guidance, future planning, and general support. Each House is overseen by a dedicated Head who provides academic and pastoral support, serving as a liaison between students, teachers, and parents/carers, ensuring any concerns are promptly addressed.

The House system at Highgate promotes a sense of community and camaraderie, with weekly House Meetings and inter-house activities fostering connections across different year groups. Through events like House Singing competitions and various other activities, students have ample opportunities to forge friendships, participate in diverse events, and create lasting memories. Furthermore, personal development is encouraged through involvement in the Sixth Form Council, leadership roles such as House Captains and Prefects, and engagement in the PSHEE and RSE programs, which foster inclusivity, open dialogue, and holistic wellbeing.

Sports

At Highgate School, sports and physical exercise are integral components of the curriculum, beginning from the early age of 4 and continuing through to age 18. Specialised coaches and teachers oversee the sports programmess, ensuring a high-quality experience for all students.

Highgate comes equipped with extensive facilities spanning 23 acres of green space, including playing fields and the Mallinson Sports Centre. Students will have access to top-notch amenities such as a gym, indoor pool, squash and tennis courts, dance studio, all-weather pitch, and cricket nets. Additionally, the school’s proximity to Hampstead Heath (A famous park in London) provides further opportunities for outdoor activities. Students are encouraged to engage in a variety of sports to discover their interests and talents. Sixth formers, in particular, have dedicated time each week to pursue their chosen sports, fostering a culture of active living and personal development.

Arts And Music

Highgate School offers a vibrant arts and music programme designed to cater to both beginners and talented individuals. In music, sixth formers have the opportunity to participate in various instrumental ensembles, including symphony and chamber orchestras, woodwind ensembles, jazz bands, and choirs. Additionally, students can receive individual music lessons from specialist visiting teachers, covering a wide range of instruments and vocal training. Highgate also offers music scholarships, providing tuition and fee remissions for talented musicians who pass auditions and meet academic requirements.

In drama, students are encouraged to explore their creativity through acting, stage management, and technical roles. Highgate provides dedicated rehearsal and performance spaces, as well as opportunities for students to direct their own productions and participate in national events such as the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. The school’s biennial musical productions and diverse range of plays, including classics and original works, offer students valuable experience in theatrical arts.

Highgate’s Art Department offers extensive facilities for visual arts, including painting, printmaking, sculpture, photography, and film-making. Students can explore various artistic mediums through clubs and societies, and Sixth Formers can benefit from A-level options in Art and Interdisciplinary Design. The Mills Centre for Art and Design provides studio spaces and a dedicated gallery for students to exhibit their projects, fostering creativity and artistic expression among the school community.