Hampstead boasts a diverse range of private secondary schools, each offering unique educational approaches and catering to a variety of learning styles.
In Hampstead, there are no grammar schools. However, the area is home to several prestigious private institutions, each with its own distinct ethos and strengths.
South Hampstead High School, a renowned independent girls' school, is known for its academic rigour, strong pastoral care, and commitment to empowering young women. The school offers a broad curriculum and a wide range of extracurricular activities, providing a supportive environment where students can thrive.
University College School (UCS), an independent boys' school, is another esteemed institution with a rich history and a strong academic tradition. UCS is known for its selective admissions process, challenging curriculum, and commitment to developing well-rounded individuals.
Below, you can find an updated list of all the private and grammar schools in Hampstead. Click the links below for individual school/admissions information, as well as some free 11 Plus exam papers in a similar style to those the school uses for its admissions test for year 7.
All Private and Grammar Schools in Hampstead
Channing School
Address: The Bank, Highgate, London, N6 5HF, United Kingdom.
Founded: 1885.
Type of School: Independent, all-girls day school.
Age Range: 4-18 years old.
Entrance Exam Type: ATOM Learning’s online assessment for the London Consortium.
Notable Features: Channing School is a leading independent girls' school renowned for its academic excellence, holistic education, and strong pastoral care. The school offers a broad and balanced curriculum, a wide range of extracurricular activities, and a supportive and inclusive community that fosters intellectual curiosity, creativity, and personal growth.
Resources:
Channing School – 11 Plus Entrance Exam Information
Highgate School
Address: North Road, Highgate, London N6 4AY, United Kingdom.
Founded: 1565.
Type of School: Independent, co-educational day school.
Age Range: 4-18 years old.
Entrance Exam Type: School's own exam testing English, maths and non-verbal reasoning.
Notable Features: Highgate School is a historic and prestigious independent school renowned for its academic excellence, rich heritage, and commitment to fostering intellectual curiosity, creativity, and social responsibility. The school offers a broad and challenging curriculum, extensive extracurricular opportunities, and a diverse and inclusive community.
Resources:
Highgate School – 11 Plus Entrance Exam Information
North Bridge House School, Hampstead
Address: 65 Rosslyn Hill, Hampstead, London NW3 5UD, United Kingdom.
Founded: 1950 (Senior School in Hampstead opened in 2014).
Type of School: Independent, co-educational day school.
Age Range: 2-16 years old (Nursery, Pre-Prep, and Senior).
Entrance Exam Type: School's own exam testing English and maths.
Notable Features: North Bridge House School, Hampstead, is a well-established independent school known for its nurturing and supportive environment, focus on individual learning, and commitment to academic excellence. The school offers a broad and balanced curriculum, a wide range of co-curricular activities, and a strong emphasis on pastoral care.
Resources:
North Bridge House School, Hampstead – 11 Plus Entrance Exam Information
South Hampstead High School
Address: 3 Maresfield Gardens, London NW3 5SS, United Kingdom.
Founded: 1876.
Type of School: Independent, all-girls day school (part of the Girls' Day School Trust).
Age Range: 4-18 years old.
Entrance Exam Type: ATOM Learning’s online assessment for the London Consortium.
Notable Features: South Hampstead High School is a renowned independent girls' school celebrated for its academic excellence, vibrant and creative atmosphere, and commitment to developing well-rounded individuals. The school offers a broad and challenging curriculum, extensive extracurricular opportunities, and a supportive and inclusive community that fosters intellectual curiosity, creativity, and social responsibility.
Resources:
South Hampstead High School – 11 Plus Entrance Exam Information
St Margaret's School
Address: 18 Kidderpore Gardens, London NW3 7SR, United Kingdom.
Founded: 1954.
Type of School: Independent, all-girls day school.
Age Range: 4-16 years old.
Entrance Exam Type: ATOM Learning’s online assessment for the London Consortium.
Notable Features: St Margaret's School, Hampstead is a renowned independent girls' school celebrated for its nurturing and supportive environment, small class sizes, and emphasis on individual learning. The school consistently ranks highly in league tables and prides itself on providing a well-rounded education that fosters academic excellence, creativity, and personal growth.
Resources:
St Margaret's School – 11 Plus Entrance Exam Information
The King Alfred School
Address: Manor Wood, North End Road, Golders Green, London NW11 7HY, United Kingdom.
Founded: 1898.
Type of School: Independent, co-educational day school.
Age Range: 3-18 years old (Nursery, Junior, and Senior School).
Entrance Exam Type: School's own exam testing English and reasoning.
Notable Features: The King Alfred School is a progressive and inclusive independent school with a long-standing reputation for its child-centered approach, emphasis on critical thinking and creativity, and commitment to social and environmental responsibility. The school offers a broad and flexible curriculum, extensive extracurricular opportunities, and a nurturing environment that encourages students to develop their unique talents and interests.
Resources:
The King Alfred School – 11 Plus Entrance Exam Information
University College School, Hampstead
Address: Frognal, Hampstead, London NW3 6XH, United Kingdom.
Founded: 1830.
Type of School: Independent, all-boys day school (co-educational sixth form).
Age Range: 11-18 years old.
Entrance Exam Type: School's own exam testing English and maths.
Notable Features: University College School is a prestigious independent boys' school renowned for its academic excellence, liberal and independent ethos, and focus on developing well-rounded individuals. The school offers a broad and challenging curriculum, extensive extracurricular opportunities, and a supportive community that encourages intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and creativity.
Resources:
University College School, Hampstead – 11 Plus Entrance Exam Information