City of London School for Girls
London · EC2Y 8BB
City of London School for Girls (CLSG) is a leading selective independent day school for girls aged 7–18, occupying a striking modern building within the Barbican Arts Centre complex in the heart of the City of London. Known for its exceptional academic rigour and cosmopolitan outlook, the school draws on its unique urban setting to forge strong links with the cultural, financial, and professional institutions on its doorstep. Girls here are encouraged to be intellectually curious, articulate, and ambitious, with a culture that values both scholarly achievement and genuine breadth of interest. The school is governed by the City of London Corporation, giving it a distinctive civic character and financial stability rare even among top London independents.
- →Consistently outstanding academic results placing it among the top girls' schools nationally, with a high proportion of Oxbridge and Russell Group destinations
- →Unique location within the Barbican provides unparalleled access to cultural venues, City institutions, and professional networks for enrichment and careers education
- →Strong community ethos stemming from City of London Corporation governance, including a genuine commitment to bursary provision and widening access
- →Broad co-curricular programme in music, drama, and debating, reinforced by Barbican partnerships
- →A non-boarding day school with a genuinely diverse, London-wide intake reflecting the capital's cosmopolitan character
Who thrives here
Academically ambitious, self-motivated girls who relish intellectual debate and thrive in a stimulating urban environment. Girls who are keen to engage beyond the classroom — in debating, music, drama, or STEM — and who are comfortable navigating a busy, high-achieving peer group will find CLSG particularly energising.
Strengths at a glance
Percentiles within UK independent + grammar schools we track.
At a glance
Contact & visit
St Giles' Terrace, Barbican
London
EC2Y 8BB
Nearest stations
Notable alumni
Nicola Horlick
Fund manager and businesswoman
Sarah Helm
Journalist and author
Sue MacGregor
BBC broadcaster and journalist
Polly Toynbee
Guardian columnist and political commentator
Recent investment
Frequently asked questions
What are the fees at City of London School for Girls?
Day fees at City of London School for Girls are approximately £26,949 per year (2024/25).
How do you get into City of London School for Girls?
City of London School for Girls admits pupils at 7+, 8+, 11+, 13+, 16+. Entry is assessed by 11+ Selective Examination. See the Admissions section above for open days and key dates.
What are City of London School for Girls's exam results?
At City of London School for Girls, 70.8% of A-levels were graded A*–B and 92% of GCSEs were grade 7/A or above. Full results are in the Results section above.
Is City of London School for Girls a boarding school?
City of London School for Girls is a day school in London and does not offer boarding.
What is City of London School for Girls's latest inspection rating?
ISI rated City of London School for Girls “Excellent” (2022).
What parents say
Frequently praised
✓Exceptional teaching quality and intellectual stimulation — parents consistently note that teachers inspire genuine love of their subjects
✓Outstanding opportunities arising from the Barbican location and City connections, giving girls access to experiences unavailable elsewhere
✓Strong sense of community and friendship among girls despite the academically competitive environment
✓Excellent bursary programme enabling a more diverse intake than many comparable London independents
✓Sixth form described as particularly strong with outstanding university preparation
Common concerns
!Academic pressure can be intense and some girls find the pace relentless, particularly in Years 10–12
!City-centre location means limited outdoor green space and sports facilities on-site, which can disappoint families used to campus schools
!The school can feel very busy and urban — not to every family's taste, particularly those coming from suburban or country prep schools
!Some parents note that pastoral support, while improving, can be stretched given the school's high-achieving culture