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What it's like

Founded in 1885 for the daughters of Unitarian ministers and others', the school occupies the large 19th-century building now known as Channing, on Highgate Hill. The present school is a combination of old and modern buildings which have been adapted and improved over the years. The senior school occupies a 3.5-acre site with fine views over London; the junior school is nearby. There are pleasant gardens and playing fields. A broad, general education is provided and examination results are very good. Art, music and drama departments are very active. Sports and games are well catered for; there is a variety of extra-curricular activities and a substantial commitment to local community services.

Pupils & entrance

Pupils: Total age range 4-18; 536 day girls. Senior department 11-18, 375 girls. Entrance: Main entry ages 4, 11 and 16. North London Consortium entrance exam used. For sixth-form entry, interview, entrance papers in 3 sixth-form subjects, GCSE grade B in sixth-form subjects (A for maths). No special skills or religious requirements. Around 35% senior intake from state schools (plus some to sixth form); approx 25% from own junior (enquiries to Channing Junior School, Fairseat, 1 Highgate High Street, London N6 5JR, Tel 020 8342 9862).

Scholarships & bursaries

Scholarships and exhibitions, academic and music, awarded at 11 and 16 (sometimes at other ages). Some bursaries in cases of financial need for existing pupils. Parents not expected to buy textbooks until GCSE and A-level.

Head & staff

Headmistress: Mrs Barbara Elliott, in post from 2005. Educated at Cambridge University (modern and medieval languages). Previously Deputy Head of St Albans High School. Teaching staff: 56 full time, 6 part time.

Exam results

GCSE: 53 pupils in Year 11, all gained at least grade C in 9+ subjects. Average GCSE score 70. A-levels: 43 in upper sixth: most take 3+ subjects. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 404.

University & college entrance

Almost all sixth-form leavers go on to a degree course (over 40% after a gap year), 10% to Oxbridge. 25% take courses in science and engineering, 50% in humanities and social sciences; others in art and design, finance and architecture.

Curriculum

GCSE, AS and A-levels. 18-19 AS/A-level subjects. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level; general studies taught but not examined. 67% take sixth-form courses in both science/maths and arts/humanities; 33% arts/humanities. Vocational: Work experience encouraged. Languages: French, German and Spanish offered to GCSE and A-level (French compulsory from 11-14). Regular exchanges/visits abroad. ICT: Taught as a timetabled subject and across the curriculum.

The arts

Music: Over 50% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Musical groups include choirs, orchestras, wind band, string ensembles, and various chamber groups. Wide range of concerts covering all levels and ages. Drama and dance: Drama and dance offered and Theatre Studies in sixth form. Majority of pupils are involved in school and other productions. Art and design: Some 50% of each year group take GCSE, 25% A-level. Sculpture, pottery, painting, photography, and life class offered.

Sports & activities

Sport: Netball, athletics, hockey, multi-gym, dance, rounders, tennis, HRF, aerobics compulsory. Optional: badminton, volleyball, trampolining, self-defence, swimming, table tennis. Activities: Community service compulsory for 1 term at 14, optional in lower sixth; work with handicapped, senior citizens, children and charity shops. Many pupils take bronze and silver Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Over 20 clubs, eg life drawing, drama, Young Enterprise, dance, trampolining, chamber choir, photography, book group.

School life

Uniform: School uniform worn except in the sixth form. Houses and prefects: No competitive houses or prefects. Head girl and school officers. School Council. Religion: Unitarian school. Compulsory non-denominational school assembly and RE classes. Social: Many organised local events and trips abroad. Pupils allowed to bring own bike to school. Meals self-service.

Discipline

After-school detentions are given if work is not done satisfactorily. Girls found chewing gum are given practical chores to do, eg weeding or picking up litter. Anyone found smoking or drinking would be suspended from school. Involvement with drugs would mean compulsory counselling or expulsion.

Alumni association

is run by the Channing Association Old Girls' Section, c/o the school.