St Helen’s School Review: Fees, Rankings, and More
St Helen’s School in Northwood is one of the leading independent day schools for girls in the UK. Founded in 1899, it has a strong tradition of academic excellence and a forward-looking approach to education. The school offers a broad curriculum, consistently high results at GCSE and A level, and a support system that helps girls build confidence, independence, and leadership skills. Its 21-acre campus in Northwood provides first-class facilities for both academic and co-curricular pursuits, making it a popular choice for families in London and beyond.
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Key Features of St Helen's School
Type: Day school
Gender: Girls
Ages: 3-18
Established: 1899
Curriculum: GCSE and A-level
Location: Northwood
Fees: £8,872 per term
St Helen's School Results
St Helen’s students achieve strong outcomes at both GCSE and A level. In the most recent results:
- 80% of GCSE grades were 9–7 (equivalent to A*/A).
- At A level, 63.9% of grades were A*/A and 82% were A*/B.
- Nine students achieved straight A*s across all their A level subjects.
These results support excellent university progression. 68% of students secured places at their first-choice university, including competitive destinations in the UK and abroad.
Teaching and Learning at St Helen's School
St Helen’s School offers a broad and balanced curriculum designed to nurture academic excellence and personal growth from Nursery through to Sixth Form.
Prep School (Nursery–Year 6)
The Prep School curriculum is child-led and exploratory, emphasizing creativity and inquiry. Early Years education is play-based, fostering curiosity and foundational skills. As pupils progress through Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2, they engage in more structured learning, with specialist teaching in subjects such as languages, science, and the arts.
Senior School (Years 7–11)
Students follow a broad curriculum that covers English, Maths, Science, Humanities, Languages, and the Arts. Pupils have the opportunity to choose additional subjects, tailoring their learning to their interests and strengths. This flexible approach ensures that students are both challenged academically and able to explore areas of passion, while also developing analytical, research, and collaborative skills. The programme culminates in GCSE and iGCSE examinations, equipping students with a solid foundation for further study.
Sixth Form (Years 12–13)
The Sixth Form offers a diverse range of approximately 30 A-Level subjects, including Art, Biology, and Computer Science. Pupils have the opportunity to enhance their academic experience through optional courses and the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). This stage emphasises independent learning and prepares students for higher education and future careers.
Extracurricular Activities at St Helen's School
St Helen’s offers a wide range of co-curricular activities, catering to all interests:
Arts & Music: Brass Group, Prep Wind, Symphonfree, Orchestra, String Orchestra, Musical Theatre, Singing, Art Club, Candice Conway Dance
Sports & Fitness: Lacrosse, Badminton, Rugby, Volleyball, Multi-Sports, Gym Squad, Football Superstars, Skiing, Fencing, Climbing, Tae Kwon Do, Promising Athlete Programme
STEM & Innovation: Rocket Science Club, Think Big 3D Design & Print, Think Big Robotics, VEX Robotics, CREST, Fab Food
Languages & Culture: Modern Foreign Languages, Japanese, Mandarin, Irish Society
Leadership & Personal Development: Model UN, Young Enterprise, CCF, Swift Society, DofE
Other Clubs & Interests: 1 O’Clock Club, Eco Club, Relax Kids & Chill Skill, Spy Club
Students can also create their own club if they have a new interest or idea.
Admissions Process: Entering St Helen's School
St Helen’s admits girls from Nursery through to Sixth Form, with key entry points at Nursery, Reception, Year 7, and Year 12. Occasional places are available in other year groups when space permits.
Prep School (Nursery–Year 6)
- Main entry points: Nursery (3+) and Reception (4+).
- Registration deadline: November; assessments held in January for entry the following September.
- Assessments for 3+ and 4+ are play-based and observational; no preparation is required.
- For Years 1–6, applicants spend time in class and complete age-appropriate assessments in English and Maths, alongside an interview.
- Class sizes: 16 in Nursery, rising to 20 from Reception onwards.
Senior School (Year 7–11)
- Main entry at 11+ (Year 7). St Helen’s is part of the London 11+ Consortium; applicants sit the standardised online test.
- All candidates are interviewed, regardless of results, to give a holistic picture.
- Around 40–50 external places are offered at Year 7.
- Further entry is possible into Years 8–10 subject to availability.
Sixth Form (Year 12)
- Entry requires a minimum of seven GCSEs at grade 9–6, including English and Maths.
- Applicants sit subject-specific exams (written or practical) and attend an interview.
- Registration deadlines are in October (for November exams) and January (for February exams).
Scholarships and Bursaries
- Scholarships are available at 11+ and 16+.
- Means-tested bursaries are offered at Year 7 and Sixth Form.
St Helen's School's Fees
Registration Fee: £180 (one-off payment)
Tuition Fees (per term):
| School Section | Fee (£) |
|---|---|
| Senior School | 8,872 |
| Prep School (Year 3–6) | 7,072 |
| Prep School (Reception–Year 2) | 6,699 |
| Nursery (including lunch) | 6,286 |
Additional Costs:
Optional extras such as lunch, school transport, and co-curricular activities may incur additional fees.
St Helen's School's Pastoral Care
The school provides a warm, friendly, and supportive environment where every girl is recognised and valued as an individual. Wellbeing is a priority, and all staff play an active role in supporting pupils.
Each pupil belongs to a small form group, led by a class teacher in the Prep School or a form tutor in the Senior School. Tutors act as the first point of contact for pupils, parents, and teachers, ensuring continuity of care. Oversight is provided by phase leaders in the Prep School and heads of section in the Senior School, with overall responsibility sitting with the pastoral deputy head.
A distinctive feature is the GROW coaching model (Goals, Reality, Obstacles, Way Forward). All tutors are trained to use this approach, helping girls to reflect, set goals, and plan constructive steps forward. This coaching not only supports academic progress but also develops resilience, confidence, and independence, preparing pupils for life beyond school.
In addition, families are encouraged to maintain close contact with teachers and tutors, supported by regular meetings, open email communication, and parent-focused events. These include guest speakers on current issues and opportunities for parents to share experiences. Reputable resources on topics affecting young people are also provided.
Pastoral care is further strengthened by a tailored Personal, Social, Health, and Citizenship Education (PSHCE) programme. This runs from early years through to Sixth Form, with age-appropriate content. Younger pupils learn about “people who help us” through visits from community figures, while older prep pupils cover safe use of technology. In the Senior School, topics range from mental health and drugs awareness to refugee issues and Parliament Week.
Frequently Asked Questions about St Helen's
St Helen’s is an independent day school for girls aged 3 to 18. It does not offer boarding.
The school sits on a 21-acre campus in Northwood, north-west London, with good transport links to central London and surrounding areas.
Recent results include 80% GCSE grades 9–7 and 82% A level grades A/B*, with students progressing to leading universities in the UK and abroad.
Main entry points are Reception, Year 7, and Sixth Form, with occasional places available in other years.
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