Welcome to St Helen’s
At St Helen’s, we empower every girl to succeed. Our mission is to cultivate a learning environment where girls are inspired, supported, and challenged to become curious, courageous, and confident young women, ready to shape the world around them.
Academic success matters, but so too does character, creativity, and compassion. That’s why we offer a bold and holistic education that balances academic excellence with personal growth, wellbeing, and opportunity. Our students are known, heard, and celebrated, encouraged to explore their passions, push their boundaries, and embrace who they are with pride.
Led by expert, deeply committed teachers who are passionate about unlocking potential, our girls are equipped not only with knowledge, but with the confidence and self-belief to forge their own paths. With over 200 co-curricular clubs and societies, world-class facilities, and a vibrant community, every girl is supported to discover her strengths and pursue her ambitions.
Pastoral care is at the heart of all we do. Through a culture of kindness, respect, and resilience, and through our coachingbased approach, we ensure each student feels valued and empowered to flourish.
The following pages provide a snapshot of our school, but there is nothing quite like seeing it in action. I warmly invite you to visit and discover for yourself the spirit of St Helen’s:
“a place where girls are empowered to become the best versions of themselves and where futures begin.”
Mrs Bridget Ward, Head
Set within 21 acres of beautiful parkland and just a five-minute walk from Northwood Underground Station, St Helen’s offers a unique combination of accessibility, space, and cutting-edge facilities. Our excellent coach network makes us easy to reach from across London and beyond ensuring that every girl can benefit from the exceptional education and rich experiences we provide.
www.sthelens.london
Take a virtual tour of St Helen's School here.
“We believe that education should
not only challenge students academically but also support their personal growth and development.”
Mrs Bridget Ward, Head
About St Helen’s
At St Helen’s, we believe that when girls are empowered to be themselves, they can achieve anything. We are proud to be a school that champions individuality, celebrates diversity, and cultivates a culture of integrity, curiosity, and confidence. Our approach to education is distinctly holistic. Every aspect of school life is designed to nurture intellectual curiosity, develop character, and foster a lifelong love of learning. Our teaching goes beyond exam preparation, we equip girls with the mindset, skills, and resilience to thrive in an ever-changing world. www.sthelens.london
We recognise that success in the 21st century demands more than just academic strength. That’s why we place equal value on three vital pillars of growth:
IQ_ intellectual development through rigorous academic challenge and curiosity
EQ_ emotional intelligence, wellbeing, and the ability to build empathetic, respectful relationships
DQ_ digital literacy and critical awareness in a connected world
Together, these three ‘quotients’ form the foundation of a future-ready education. By balancing academic excellence with emotional awareness and digital confidence, we prepare every girl to lead with integrity and adaptability in whatever path she chooses.
Together, these three ‘quotients’ form the foundation of a futureready education. By balancing academic excellence with emotional awareness and digital confidence, we prepare every girl to lead with integrity and adaptability in whatever path she chooses.
Guided by our St Helen’s Learner Habits and Character Attributes, girls are encouraged to think critically, question confidently, and lead with purpose and compassion.
We are a through school, offering a continuous, exceptional education for girls from Nursery (3+) to Sixth Form (16+). This unique structure allows us to build strong foundations from the earliest years and support each girl’s development through every stage of her journey. Our transitions are seamless, our teaching outstanding, and our commitment to each individual unwavering.
No matter when they join us - Nursery, Reception, Year 7, or Sixth Form, every student at St Helen’s is known, valued, and supported to discover what truly makes her thrive.
Learner Habits
Pursuit of Knowledge
Problem-solving
Digital Intelligence
Creativity
Metacognition
Character
Attributes
Courage
Integrity
Resilience
Kindness
Emotional Intelligence
Our main entry points are:
1 | Nursery (3+)
2 | Reception (4+)
3 | Year 7 (11+)
4 | Sixth Form (16+)
Occasional places may also be available in other year groups. Regardless of when they join us, every girl at St Helen’s is valued, known, and encouraged to discover her passions. Our Admissions team are always happy to discuss your daughter and her potential journey at St Helen’s. Do not worry if you have missed a deadline, we are happy to advise and support you.
“Being true to yourself means being authentic and real and not just following the crowd.” Ava, Year 7
We invite you to experience our vibrant community by attending one of our upcoming Open Events.
You’ll have the chance to hear from our Head, Mrs Bridget Ward, and meet your senior staff, teachers, and students, which is the best way to understand what makes St Helen’s special.
Experiencing our school through the eyes of our students as they showcase our state-of-the-art academic, sporting, and creative facilities, gives you a glimpse into the everyday life of a St Helen’s girl.
Book your place at our next Open Event here.
Proud to be girls in green
Prep School
Our Prep School takes children on an exciting journey of discovery. Whether it’s finding a crashed spaceship, coding robots, or learning why objects float, our students are encouraged to explore and inquire.
In Nursery and Reception, we focus on child-led learning, spending as much time outside as inside, developing key skills such as listening, speaking, concentration, and collaboration. While play is central in the early years, we also ensure strong literacy and numeracy foundations to prepare girls for more structured activities in Key Stage 1.
During Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2, students follow the National Curriculum, often extending beyond it. Our multisensory reading programme includes a structured phonics approach, and Key Stage 2 students benefit from specialist facilities like a science lab, D&T workshop, and art and drama studios.
Children are naturally curious, and as they grow, they learn to ask questions more thoughtfully, finding answers independently. Much of their learning happens outdoors, from graffiti workshops and science experiments to writing cloud poetry and practising long jump.
Our outstanding grounds, including a Forest School, wildlife pond, and mud kitchen, provide diverse environments for the girls to explore and learn. Outdoor learning remains integral throughout Key Stage 1 and 2, with activities like campfires, s’mores, chicken care, and gardening adding excitement to their education.
“At St Helen’s we want to give our students the ability to think independently. We want to prepare the girls to never be afraid to share their ideas, think deeply and dream big, while truly being themselves along the way.”
Ms Hancock, Prep Phase Leader
Senior School
Our Senior School is divided into three sections:
| Middle School (Years 7-9), encompassing Key Stage 3.
| Upper School (Years 10-11), where students prepare for GCSEs.
| Sixth Form (post-16), offering A Levels and an extensive Enrichment Programme.
As a through school, the transition from Prep to Senior School is seamless, with all girls being placed into tutor groups of around 20. Throughout their time in Senior School, students have numerous opportunities to develop leadership skills through co-curricular activities, taking on roles such as Middle School Delegate, Upper School Representative, Prefect, House Officer, and Year Leader.
Middle School
Middle School offers a broad curriculum, blending the best of the National Curriculum with additional subjects. Students study core subjects, including English, Maths, and Science, and start separate Biology, Chemistry, and Physics lessons in Year 8. They also take Art, Computer Science, Design & Technology, Drama, Geography, History, Music, and Religion, Philosophy & Ethics.
Students participate in PE and compete in various sports, as well as taking part in the annual Gym and Dance Show in Years 7 and 8. By Year 9, students choose two modern foreign languages from German, Mandarin, French, and Spanish, and start Latin in Year 7, with the option to continue with Greek or Classical Civilisation in Year 9.
Upper School
In Year 10, students begin their GCSE or iGCSE courses. All students study English Language and Literature, Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, a modern or classical language, and a humanities subject. They are grouped by ability in Maths, ensuring they learn at a pace suited to them.
In addition to core subjects, students select two further subjects from options such as Art, Classical Civilisation, Drama, French, Geography, Latin, and Music. By Year 11, students are fully prepared for their GCSE exams, and we take great pride in their consistently outstanding results.
95% of grades awarded were between Grades 9 and 6
81% of grades awarded were between Grades 9 and 7
57% of grades awarded were between Grades 9 and 8
View all our latest GCSE results here.
Sixth Form
We offer a flexible and diverse curriculum in Sixth Form, with approximately 25 A Level subjects to choose from. Students can tailor their experience to match their academic interests, studying in small, focused classes for optimal preparation for Higher Education.
In addition to A Levels, students are encouraged to take enhancement courses and the EPQ (Extended Project Qualification), allowing them to conduct extended research and deepen their understanding in specific areas. These options provide excellent opportunities to develop research skills valuable for university studies.
87% A*-B grades
Learn more about our Sixth Form here. of students achieved
Learn more about our Sixth Form pathway here.
65% of all grades awarded this year were A*-A
100% of our Oxbridge offer holders have secured their placess
View our latest A Level results here.
The Centre for Advanced Mathematics
CAM is the first Advanced Maths centre in North London and the first all-female centre of its kind in the UK. It was launched to meet the growing interest and success of our students in Maths, with the goal of inspiring, challenging, and empowering girls to become world-class problem solvers and future leaders in STEM.
At CAM, we go beyond the traditional curriculum. Our rigorous academic programme, combined with enrichment activities and leadership opportunities, provides the tools for intellectual and personal growth. From creative exploration in Maths to leading outreach programmes, CAM inspires and supports students in reaching their full potential.
CAM is built on five pillars that make it a unique experience:
| Enrichment:
We bring maths to life through fun and engaging activities across St Helen’s School.
| Outreach:
Students lead masterclasses and workshops for local students.
| Maths Challenges and Masterclasses:
Regular challenges stretch our students' abilities, preparing them for competitions and higher-level studies..
| Scholarships:
We reward exceptional talent with Advanced Maths Scholarships.
| Exceptional Teaching and Careers Support:
Students benefit from world-class teaching and personalised career support.
Prepared for a future beyond school
We are proud to offer a comprehensive and personalised Futures Programme, designed to support students in their transition to Higher Education and beyond. Through a range of networking and mentoring opportunities, we work closely with each student to understand their interests, long-term goals, and aspirations, providing tailored advice and guidance to ensure they are well-prepared for future success.
The vast majority of our students go on to study at prestigious, well-respected institutions across a variety of fields, including Art, Music, and Languages, as well as a wide range of STEM and Humanities subjects.
“There is always something exciting going on at St Helen’s. In the classroom, we are taught a stimulating curriculum which allows us to explore new concepts in a supportive work environment, whilst our teachers encourage every student to stretch and challenge themselves further.”
Mehma, Alumna, Class of 2023
have secured places at their first-choice university 84%
are going to Russell Group institutions, including Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial and LSE 85%
go on to attend universities listed in The Times Top 30 92%
Create the space to be yourself
Pastoral
At St Helen’s, we provide a warm, supportive environment where every student is known, respected, and celebrated. The happiness and wellbeing of each student are central to everything we do, with all staff actively involved in their care. Our ethos is rooted in mutual respect and kindness.
Each student belongs to a small form group, with a class teacher (in Prep School) or form tutor (in Senior School) who provides pastoral care and serves as the main contact for students, teachers, and parents.
Our GROW coaching model
All teachers and tutors are trained in the GROW (Goals, Reality, Obstacles, Way Forward) coaching model, helping students develop character attributes and learning habits. As students mature, GROW coaching empowers them to reflect on their ambitions and pursue their goals, fostering both academic progress and personal growth.
Partnering with parents
Pastoral care is overseen by the Pastoral Deputy Head, with Phase Leaders (Prep) and Heads of Section (Senior). We maintain close partnerships with parents through regular meetings and welcome communication via email. The pastoral team also organises events and discussions on relevant issues to support parents, sharing reputable resources on a range of topics.
PSHCE programme
Our Personal, Social, Health, and Citizenship Education (PSHCE) programme is integral to our students’ education, addressing age-appropriate topics throughout the school.
In Early Years, students explore themes like ‘People Who Help Us,’ meeting local figures such as the police and fire service.
In older Prep Years, topics expand to democracy and safe technology use.
In Senior School, students engage with more complex subjects like mental health, refugees, and drug awareness. The PSHCE programme is reviewed annually to meet the evolving needs of our students.
In Early Years, students explore themes like ‘People Who Help Us,’ meeting local figures such as the police and fire service.
In older Prep years, topics expand to democracy and safe technology use.
In Senior School, students engage with more complex subjects like mental health, refugees, and drug awareness. The PSHCE programme is reviewed annually to meet the evolving needs of our students.
Co-curricular
At St Helen’s, new opportunities are always waiting around the corner, with lifelong passions ready to be discovered and new skills waiting to be expressed. With over 200 clubs and societies available, our students are encouraged to explore their interests in a supportive environment that allows them to truly be themselves, whether developing new talents or deepening existing passions.
“We have access to so many co-curricular clubs for everyone, so it creates an environment where everyone can just be themselves.”
Anya, Year 11
Start your adventure
In Prep School
All girls benefit from specialist teaching in Physical Education, Swimming, Speech and Drama, Music, and Ballet (for Nursery to Year 2), which are incorporated into the weekly timetable.
Our enriching co-curricular programme also includes a variety of exciting activities such as skiing, Taekwondo, fencing, cheerleading, chess, and robotics. All year groups enjoy educational trips to museums, art galleries, and other places of interest, and the girls benefit from school visits by speakers and performers.
From Year 4, girls participate in residential trips to:
| Woodrow High House
| Mill on the Brue
| The PGL Centre
Throughout the year, there are plenty of opportunities adaughters at events such as Class Assemblies, Musical Showcases, Ensemble Concerts, Christmas plays, Open Ballet, the Gym & Dance Show, and Sports Day. www.sthelens.london
“We are encouraged to be independent and curious in both our studies and our extra curricular activities. That culture of curiosity — of asking questions, thinking critically, and exploring ideas for yourself — has been invaluable in shaping me. What makes St Helen’s truly extraordinary is the sheer breadth of opportunities beyond the classroom. If there is one lesson St Helen’s has taught me, it is the value of saying “yes” to opportunities. That, I believe, is the greatest gift of a St Helen’s education: you are stretched, supported and inspired, and given every opportunity to become the very best version of yourself.”
Esther, Year 13
In Senior School
Our extensive co-curricular programme offers a wide range of opportunities for students to explore their interests and develop new skills.
From Prep to Sixth Form, girls can choose from a variety of clubs and societies, including:
| Chess
| Classics
| Debating
| Eco Club
| Literature in Context
| The South Asian Society
| Robotics
| Manga
| CREST Awards
| JSOC
| Young Enterprise
| Musical groups, bands, orchestras, and sports clubs
www.sthelens.london
We encourage participation in the performing arts, with regular plays and concerts involving students of all ages. The annual House Arts Competition allows students to take the lead in writing, producing, and performing plays that incorporate art, dance, drama, and music.
In collaboration with Merchant Taylors’ School, students can join each other’s musical productions, and together, we produce an annual Joint Concert featuring the joint Orchestra and Choral Society.
Many students also participate in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme, completing Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels. Older students can further develop leadership skills through the Combined Cadet Force (CCF), operated jointly with Merchant Taylors’ School.
Learn more about our offering here.
Be inspired
Trips, Visits and Exchanges
Trips and visits are an integral part of our educational programme, complementing and enriching the learning that takes place in the classroom.
We offer an extensive programme of visits to theatres, art galleries, and museums. Girls in the Sixth Form often attend day conferences in London to support their examination courses, while Geography students participate in field trips.
We regularly organise school exchanges with partner schools in Spain and Germany. In recent years, our students have also enjoyed study visits to Montpellier, Iceland, Poland, and Berlin, as well as Classics trips to Sicily and the Bay of Naples. Additionally, we offer regular ski trips to Europe or the US and cultural visits to diverse destinations such as China, Morocco, and Japan.
Participation in these trips and visits is a key aspect of life at St Helen’s, and many of these experiences enrich the curriculum, broadening our students’ understanding of the world.
Outreach
At St Helen’s, we are deeply rooted in our community and take pride in sharing our facilities, expertise, and knowledge with those around us. Our Outreach and Partnership programme not only benefits the wider community but also provides St Helen’s students with valuable skills and experiences that are applicable to a wide range of higher education and career pathways. This helps prepare them for life beyond school in meaningful and diverse ways.
As part of our volunteering programme, Year 12 students participate in weekly curriculum-based activities, where they take on leadership roles. They lead Activity Days, Masterclasses, and Study Group Programmes for students at local primary schools, contributing to the development of younger learners while honing their own leadership and organisational skills.
Admissions
We understand how important it is to choose a school where your daughter will thrive and flourish, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Most girls join St Helen’s at one of our main entry points: Nursery (3+), Reception (4+), Year 7 (11+), or Sixth Form (16+). However, occasional places in other year groups may also be available. The school is committed to making every effort to accommodate individual learning needs, so please contact the Admissions Department to discuss any specific requirements.
Registration
Registration marks the beginning of our Admissions process, and we recommend it after you have attended one of our Open Events.
Learn more about the registration process here.
www.sthelens.london
Entry to Prep School
Entry is selective and based on observations made during in-school assessments. These assessments involve a range of informal activities through play, designed for children aged 3+ and 4+.
Entry to Senior School
We are proud to be part of The London 11+ Consortium, a group of London Independent Girls’ Schools that follows a common entrance examination with a shared mark scheme for regulating Year 7 entry procedures. All applicants will be invited to take a bespoke Consortium assessment that goes beyond testing cognitive ability and aims to uncover a child’s potential in creative and critical thinking, analysis, synthesis, and problem-solving.
If you apply to multiple Consortium Schools, your daughter’s test result will be shared with the relevant schools. No further written assessment is required, and all applicants will be invited for an interview.
Entry to the Sixth Form
Students wishing to join the Sixth Form and pursue the two-year A Level course must achieve a minimum of seven GCSEs graded 9-6 in one sitting, including: | English Language (or an appropriate examination for overseas students) | Mathematics
Additionally, each Sixth Form subject has specific entry requirements, which you should review when selecting your courses.
External applicants will be invited to sit an entrance paper based on their chosen Sixth Form subjects. Shortlisted candidates will then be invited for an interview, and a reference from their current Head Teacher will be requested.
Learn more about London 11+ Consortium here.
Scholarships
Our Scholarship Programme supports and develops excellence in academic, creative, and sporting fields. Each year, we offer several scholarships and exhibitions to recognise outstanding candidates in academics, music, sport, art, and drama for Years 11+. For Sixth Form entry, we also offer scholarships in Advanced Maths and languages. Scholarship recipients are expected to work hard, contribute positively to school life, and many go on to share their talents beyond St Helen’s.
11+ Scholarships
We offer scholarships to nurture exceptional talent in academic, artistic, and sporting pursuits, providing financial support through fee reductions and unique enrichment opportunities. Whether in academics, music, sport, art, or drama, our scholarships aim to inspire and support students in their educational journey.
| Academic Scholarships: Worth up to 40% of tuition fees, based on academic ability. Scholars receive fee reductions, enrichment opportunities, and an invitation to the annual scholars’ trip. All entrance test candidates are automatically considered for this award. www.sthelens.london
Music Scholarships: Offering up to a 30% fee reduction. Music Scholars enjoy masterclasses, leadership roles, and participation in the annual Award Holders’ Concert.
Sports Scholarships: Offering up to a 30% fee reduction, this scholarship is for students demonstrating sporting talent and potential. Successful candidates join the Promising Athlete Programme (PAP), which includes lectures, event invitations, and mentorship.
Art Scholarships: Offering up to a 30% fee reduction, this scholarship recognises creative learners who use art as a form of expression
Drama Scholarships: Offering up to a 30% fee reduction, this scholarship provides opportunities in plays, Drama trips, and co-curricular activities.
Chess Scholarships: Offering up to a 30% reduction to tuition fees, this scholarship provides access to the Thursday Chess Club and coaching sessions, half-termly 1:1 masterclass with a Grandmaster and participation to tournaments.
Sixth Form Scholarships
In addition, we offer the following scholarships for Sixth Form entry.
These scholarships are open to both internal and external applicants to our Sixth Form
| Academic scholarships
| Advanced Maths scholarships
| Art scholarships
| Drama scholarships
| Music scholarships and exhibitions
| Languages scholarships
| Sports scholarships
Bursaries
Our Bursary Programme ensures that any girl can access an exceptional education at St Helen’s, regardless of financial means or social circumstances. Currently, we provide over £1.2m in support to more than 70 students.
The programme offers means-tested financial awards, tailored to individual family circumstances, with some bursaries covering up to 100% of fees. It also includes a comprehensive support package to help students thrive academically, socially, and personally.
Bursary students receive:
| Regular 1:1 mentoring and coaching
| Feedback sessions for parents
| Additional parental guidance where needed
A full bursary package includes school lunches, the school coach service, Year 7 uniform items, co-curricular activities in Year 10, compulsory educational trips, and a loaned school device.
Bursaries are separate from Scholarships, and a student may receive both. They are awarded at 11+ and 16+ and reviewed annually to reflect changes in financial circumstances.
Learn more about our Scholarships here.
Beaconsfield
Ealing
Elstree
Beaconsfield
Finchley
Wembley
National
We offer a dedicated and convenient coach service to ensure safe and comfortable travel for our students
Our extensive network covers key locations across North West London and surrounding areas, making the school accessible for families in a variety of locations. With routes and stops designed to suit the needs of our families, our coach service offers peace of mind.
01923 843230 Visit us
We look forward to welcoming you to our school soon. If you are unable to visit at one of our Open Events, please do contact our Admissions team who will be happy to arrange a private tour of the school.
admissions sthelens.london