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South Hampstead High School (Junior Department), London

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South Hampstead High School (Junior Department) details

Address:

South Hampstead High School (Junior Department)
5 Netherall Gardens, London NW3 5RN

Telephone:

020 7794 7198

Fax:

020 7431 2750

Email:

junior@shhs.gdst.net

Website:

www.gdst.net/ shhs/juniordepartment.html

Authority:

Camden

Admissions:

Selective

Gender of entry:

Girls

Age range:

4-11

Number of students:

240

Affiliation:

GSA

Last inspection:

November 2003. Read the full inspection report.

General information

Headteacher: Jenny Stephen.

Staff: 16 (men 1, women 15).

Background: Founded in 1876, South Hampstead High is one of 25 schools in the Girls' Day School Trust. The junior school is located in two Victorian buildings in a cul-de-sac that provides a relaxed and caring environment for learning. Pupils are encouraged to develop a sense of self-worth, responsibility and respect for others. Academic results are outstanding and the school offers French, Spanish and drama in addition to the national curriculum. Girls are continually assessed during their progress through the junior school and it is expected that the majority of pupils will progress straight through to the senior school without examination when they reach 11. South Hampstead has a strong tradition of music, drama and the arts and runs two choirs, four orchestras, ensembles and stages all-school performances during the year. Groups have regularly reached the national finals of the Music for Youth competition and 80 per cent of pupils receive individual music tuition. The school's four-acre sports ground is a 10-minute walk away and the under-10 and under-11 netball and rounders teams regularly play against neighbouring schools. Other sports offered include tennis, athletics, unihoc and gymnastics. Information and communication technology is well-resourced, with two teaching suites and computers in every classroom and all girls have access to the internet. The school is over-subscribed with 10 applications per place. Flexible provision is provided after-school until all pupils have been collected. The school is highly selective, with 100 per cent of admissions made on the basis of academic ability. Staff look for pupils who can 'thrive in a busy school'. Selection procedures involve assessments and an interview. Over-subscribed, with 10 applications per place Ethos: 'A vibrant, creative and dynamic learning environment, dedicated to excellence and high achievement within a caring, friendly atmosphere.' .

Approach to discipline: Pupils are expected to take responsibility for their own learning and are also encouraged to work together as teams. Girls learn how to develop their management skills, self-confidence and self-respect and the school hopes they will hone a 'sense of honesty and of respect for others.'

Uniform: Navy tunic (or skirt in years five and six) with yellow blouses for winter, blue and white-striped dresses for summer. Navy coats/jackets are parents' choice. PE kit purchased from the school.

Inspection: November 2003: 'This is a school that has significant strengths and celebrates many successes. In the junior school, pupils reach high standards in English, mathematics and science. In the senior school, standards are high overall. Throughout the school, pupils? behaviour and attitude to study are very good, often excellent in the senior school; pupils are willing and effective learners. The quality of teaching is good in the junior school and very good in the senior school. In both schools, there is effective provision for pupils? personal development. The headmistress, senior management team and staff are highly committed. The inspection revealed that in the junior school, curriculum, assessment, and provision for pupils? spiritual growth and formal monitoring require further development. In the senior school, the accommodation has several unsatisfactory features which the school has plans to improve when money becomes available, the consistency with which some of the school?s policies are implemented, as in registration and assessment, and post holders? job descriptions need attention.'

Secondary schools: South Hampstead High School.

Girls' age range: 4 to 11.

Over-subscribed: 10:1.

Percentage admitted according to academic ability: 100%.

Day pupils: 240.

Average class size (Year 5): 22.

All teachers hold teaching qualifications?: Y.

Teachers with degrees: 16.

Specialist teachers used: Music, art, French from Year 3, drama, and PE.

Sports offered: PE, netball, swimming.

On-site sports facilities: Senior school sports hall and sports ground.

Off-site sports facilities: Swimming pool at nearby school.

Percentage receiving instrumental tuition (Year 5): 80%.

Daily act of collective worship?: N.

Pupils sit SATs?: Y.

SATs results provided by QCA-approved body?: Y.

Common entrance?: N.

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