Highgate School
· N6 4AY
Highgate School is a highly regarded co-educational independent school of 460 years' standing, set in the leafy village of Highgate in north London and educating pupils from age 4 to 18. The school combines serious academic ambition with a genuine commitment to breadth, encouraging scholarship and intellectual independence rather than narrowly teaching to exams. Its substantial charitable partnerships programme, rich co-curricular life, and strong sense of community distinguish it from more cloistered London independents. With nearly 1,900 pupils across Pre-Prep, Junior, Senior, and Sixth Form, Highgate offers the resources of a large school while retaining a recognisably human scale.
- →Strong academic results with a culture that prizes genuine intellectual curiosity over rote exam preparation
- →Exceptional breadth of co-curricular provision spanning sport, music, drama, and extensive community volunteering
- →All-through structure from age 4 to 18 allows long-term friendships and a smooth, low-stress educational journey
- →Prominent bursary programme making the school accessible beyond the immediate affluent catchment
- →Location in Highgate village offers a relatively calm, community-feel setting within Zone 3 north London
Who thrives here
Academically able, intellectually curious pupils who want to be stretched but also have room to explore wide interests — sport, arts, service, and debate — without the relentless pressure of the most highly-drilled London day schools. It suits children who thrive in a lively, co-educational environment with strong peer culture.
Strengths at a glance
Percentiles within UK independent + grammar schools we track.
At a glance
Contact & visit
North Road, Highgate
N6 4AY
Nearest stations
Notable alumni
Barry Humphries
Comedian and creator of Dame Edna Everage
Gerard Manley Hopkins
Victorian poet
John Tavener
Composer
Anthony Crosland
Labour politician and Cabinet minister
Al Murray
Comedian and actor
Tom Stoppard
Playwright (attended briefly)
Damian Lewis
Actor (Homeland, Band of Brothers)
Recent investment
Frequently asked questions
What are the fees at Highgate School?
Day fees at Highgate School are approximately £28,800 per year (2025/26).
How do you get into Highgate School?
Highgate School admits pupils at 3+, 4+, 7+, 8+, 11+, 13+, 16+. Entry is assessed by Interview, Assessment. See the Admissions section above for open days and key dates.
What are Highgate School's exam results?
At Highgate School, 66.1% of A-levels were graded A*–B and 94.5% of GCSEs were grade 7/A or above. Full results are in the Results section above.
Is Highgate School a boarding school?
Highgate School is a day school in England and does not offer boarding.
What is Highgate School's latest inspection rating?
ISI rated Highgate School “Excellent” (2021).
What parents say
Frequently praised
✓Genuinely warm and supportive pastoral culture — children feel known as individuals, not just exam results
✓Outstanding breadth of opportunity in sport, music, drama, and volunteering that produces well-rounded young people
✓High-quality, enthusiastic teaching staff who inspire genuine love of subjects
✓The all-through structure removes the stress of 11+ preparation for those joining at Pre-Prep or Junior
✓Strong sense of community and belonging, with pupils from diverse backgrounds mixing well
Common concerns
!Some parents feel communication between school and home could be more proactive, particularly around academic progress mid-year
!The breadth of the school's ethos means it may feel less laser-focused on exam outcomes than some rival north London schools, which can disappoint highly competitive families
!Traffic and parking around Highgate village at drop-off and pick-up times can be challenging
!Fees, while comparable to peers, are a significant commitment for families on the edge of bursary thresholds