Founded in 1848, it was the pioneer college for the higher education of women and the first institution to provide both a sound academic education and proper qualifications for women. Queen Victoria herself was interested in its foundation and contributed personally to funds. A separate prep school opened nearby in 2002. The main buildings date from 1762 and consist of three handsome Georgian houses. There have been many additions and improvements over the years and there are excellent modern facilities, particularly for science and IT, music, art and drama. Pupils are drawn from all faiths and nationalities. Examination results are good. Great emphasis is placed on careers. Music, drama and art are all strongly supported. There is a standard range of games and sports available (easy access to playing fields in nearby Regent's Park).
Pupils: Age range 11-18; 340 day girls. Entrance: Main entry ages 11 and 16. At 11, by North London Girls' Schools Consortium exam and interview. At 16, normally 7 good GCSEs predicted (at least grade C in English and maths, grade B in sixth form subjects), interview and reference from current school. No special skills or religious requirements. State school entry, 25+% intake at 11. Feeder schools include its own prep, Queen's College Preparatory School, and prep and primary schools across London.
Scholarships available at age 11 and 16 (academic, music, art); value up to 50% of fees. Number of means-tested bursaries, up to 100% of fees, at 11 and 16; bursaries also possible if parents' circumstances change dramatically.
Principal: Dr Frances Ramsey, in post from 2009. Educated at Oxford University (history and medieval history). Previously Head of History, Director of Studies and Master of the Queen’s Scholars at Westminster.
GCSE: 45 pupils in Year 11, all gaining at least grade C in 5+ subjects (50% gaining 7 A/A* grades). A-levels: 45 in upper sixth, passing an average of 3.2 subjects.
All sixth-form leavers go on to degree courses (12% after a gap year), 4% to Oxbridge. 17% take courses in science, medicine and engineering, 30% in humanities & social sciences, 20% in arts, 7% in business & marketing, 20% in art, 6% in other subjects, eg education, music.
GCSE, AS and A-levels. 25 subjects offered (including classical Greek, history of art, computing, theatre studies; separate sciences for abler scientists). Languages: French (from age 11), German, Italian, Russian, Spanish and Japanese offered to GCSE and some to AS and A-level. Regular exchanges (France). ICT: 120 networked computers.
Music: Some 50% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams may be taken. Musical groups include various chamber ensembles, orchestra and choirs. Drama: GCSE drama and A-level theatre studies available; also Trinity Guildhall speech & drama exams. Art and design: On average 30 take GCSE; 15 A-level. Regular entrants to art college.
Sport: Badminton, basketball, boxercise, circuit training, cross-country running, gymnastics, indoor football, lacrosse, netball, tag rugby, volleyball, rounders, swimming, tennis. Activities: Duke of Edinburgh Award; charity fund-raising. Clubs include Model United Nations, photography, yoga, running, self-defence, debating, ballet, book club.
Uniform: School uniform being introduced for 11-13-year-olds. Houses and prefects: No houses. Prefects, head girl - elected by staff, Principal and pupils. Religion: Anglican tradition with many religions included. Social: Regular trips abroad, educational and social. Meals self-service. School bookshop.
School aims for structured and consistent approach to discipline. Regular departmental ‘catch-up' sessions for those late with homework. Exclusion (temporary or permanent) for serious offences such as bullying or drugs.
Old Queen's Society, www.oldqueenssociety.org.uk.
Emma Freud (broadcaster), Katherine Mansfield (writer), Gertrude Bell (traveller and writer).
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