Godolphin and Latymer School: Reviews, Rankings, And More
Welcome to the review of Godolphin and Latymer School. Throughout this article, we will explore the school’s admissions process, its academic offerings, extracurricular activities, and its overall educational philosophy. Additionally, we will discuss the school’s notable achievements, its community involvement, and the experiences of its students.
Table of Contents
Key Features of Godolphin and Latymer
Godolphin & Latymer School is situated in Hammersmith, West London, and was honoured with the title of Independent Secondary School of the Year for 2020 by The Sunday Times. The school has a rich history dating back to 1707, but it relocated to its current location on Iffley Road in 1862. Some notable alumni of the school include actress Kate Beckinsale, singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor, and journalist/broadcaster Nigella Lawson.
As of 2023, the school holds the 7th position in IB results with a score of 41. In 2021, an impressive 90% of A-level students achieved A*–A grades, while 99% of GCSEs earned 9–7 grades. Furthermore, 86% of students went on to attend Russell Group universities, and an additional 8% pursued education in the United States, including prestigious institutions like Harvard and Yale. The Bridge Outreach Programme, which offers monthly lessons to 80 local state primary pupils, showcases the school’s commitment to community involvement. Additionally, many of the school’s facilities are shared with neighbouring educational institutions.
Godolphin & Latymer School’s curriculum reflects its global perspective by offering both the IB and A-levels. Students have the opportunity to engage in over 90 clubs and societies, with debating being particularly popular. Noteworthy clubs like the dissection club and French textiles and fashion further enrich the educational experience for the girls at the school.
Godolphin and Latymer School Results
In 2023, 97% 9-7 at GCSE; 79% A*/A at A level (93% A*-B). IB average score 41.
In 2019 (the last pre-pandemic results), 96% 9-7 at GCSE; 77% A*/A at A level. IB average score 41.
Facilities in Godolphin and Latymer
The recently unveiled on-site sports centre boasts a versatile sports hall equipped and designated for various sports such as cricket, football, fencing, badminton, basketball, netball, volleyball, and hockey. It also features a full-height climbing wall and a professional sound system. Additionally, there is a dance studio, a fully-equipped fitness studio, and a dual-aspect viewing gallery that overlooks the sports hall and the outdoor astro pitches. These well-lit pitches serve multiple purposes, including hockey, rounders, and athletics during the summer, and are conveniently located next to netball and tennis courts. These facilities are bustling with activity before school, during breaks, at lunchtime, and after school.
A repurposed church accommodates our highly versatile performing arts centre, which includes a glass atrium that floods the area with natural light and provides open spaces. This space connects to the modern music school, which boasts rehearsal and practice rooms, as well as a fully-equipped music suite. The art studios also benefit from abundant natural light, and we offer design and technology as well as food technology workshops to complement our extensive academic and extracurricular programmes. Our library is well-stocked, and our science block is impressively equipped with modern labs and interactive learning spaces.
Godolphin and Latymer’s location is just a stone’s throw away from Hammersmith Broadway, providing convenient access to world-class museums, galleries, and theatres. However, the school is nestled in a peaceful enclave of tree-lined streets, offering a tranquil escape from the bustling main roads.
Extracurricular Activities
At Godolphin and Latymer, an extensive array of choices and opportunities is available for girls to develop their talents, skills, and interests beyond the classroom. The school offers a diverse range of possibilities, allowing students to excel in sports teams, the performing arts centre, and the art studio, or to become members of various clubs and societies. They are also encouraged to initiate new clubs if they do not find one that aligns with their interests. The aim is to inspire girls to broaden their horizons, explore new experiences, and cultivate interests that may shape their future paths and become lifelong passions.
Diversity and inclusivity are celebrated throughout the school’s clubs and societies, ensuring that there is something to cater to the interests of every girl. Whether they have an inclination towards science, gastronomy, languages, gardening, film, psychology, chess, economics, or poetry, there is a club that suits their preferences. These clubs are primarily student-led, with staff input where necessary, and they tend to evolve over time. Some perennial favourites among the clubs include:
- 66 Books
- Amnesty
- Anime Club
- Backgammon Club
- Bio-med Society
- Bridge Society
- Chess Club
- Chem Club
- China Club
- Classics Club
- Climate Change Society
- Computing Club
- Dissection Club
- Doctor Dolphin (Medic Magazine)
- Economics Society
These diverse offerings enable students to engage in a wide range of activities that align with their individual interests and passions, fostering personal growth and a sense of community within the school.
Admissions Process: Entering Godolphin and Latymer
Approximately 900 applicants contend for just 110 available places, as it operates on a five-form entry system. Godolphin and Latymer School is now part of the London 11+ Consortium, which has introduced a new entrance test starting from 2023. Successful candidates in the test are subsequently invited for interviews. It’s important to note that the school does not have a sibling policy in place.
For the 16+ entry, there are typically around 12-15 places available, and this admission stage is highly competitive.
Roughly a quarter of the school’s intake is comprised of students from state schools. The school is committed to providing extra time, supported by appropriate documentation, to candidates with Special Educational Needs (SEN). However, it is emphasised that candidates are expected to deliver competitive results even with the additional time. The head of the school maintains that if a candidate does not perform at a level commensurate with their peers despite receiving extra time, the school may not be the best fit for them.
Testimonials and Reviews
My DC is happy and getting on really well there. It’s great that it’s properly co-ed. The school has a very good support department. The cool / urban preconception is not the reality – there is a wide range of children there, from sporty to geeky (or both). The parents I have met are very normal and plenty of children went to a state primary school. There is a strong bursary programme. Yes there is a smattering of actor and media types (as I think is the case in all the schools in the area) but I’m yet to meet or hear of anyone super rich. Good luck with your decision – it’s a nice choice to have.
Really really happy with the school, as are all the parents I’ve spoken to. The girls are busy, enthusiastic and cheerful. The staff are calm and accessible. They seem to get great results without any overt pressure from the school, which has a really measured approach. My feeling is that they trust the girls to do their best, and work with them to make sure they achieve it. There’s always lots going on in terms of sport, clubs, drama etc – and lots of laughter. Almost everyone seems to stay into the sixth form.
Friendly staff. Great atmosphere. Good transport links.
Frequently Asked Questions about Godolphin and Latymer School
Dr Frances Ramsey
- Sarah Alexander, actress.
- Julia Barfield, architect.
- Kate Beckinsale, actress and model.
- Hattie Jacques, actress.
- Carrie Johnson, Communications and PR advisor and wife of former Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
Godolphin and Latymer | Independent School for Girls aged 11-18.
The extra-curricular programme continues at lunchtime and after the school timetable finishes at 4.00pm (3.05pm on a Friday). They do not have school on a Saturday although there are occasional sports tournaments and trips.
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