Channing School
Highgate · N6 5HF
Channing is a well-established girls' day school in North London serving ages 4–18 with a cohort of over 1,000 pupils. The school emphasises individual flourishing and pastoral care within a rigorous academic setting, maintaining a strong reputation for both intellectual achievement and character development. Its all-through structure and emphasis on 'girls thriving as individuals' positions it as a progressive, inclusive independent school with deep roots in the Highgate community.
- →All-through education from age 4, avoiding the disruption of multiple transfers
- →Strong pastoral care culture and emphasis on individual wellbeing alongside academic rigour
- →Established girls' school with selective entry but genuine commitment to scholarships and bursaries
- →Highgate location with excellent transport links and strong local standing
Who thrives here
Capable, intellectually engaged girls who thrive in a supportive, non-toxic competitive environment; families valuing pastoral care and character development as much as exam results; girls seeking a school that emphasises individual identity rather than conformity.
Strengths at a glance
Percentiles within UK independent + grammar schools we track.
At a glance
Contact & visit
The Bank, Highgate
Highgate
N6 5HF
Nearest stations
Notable alumni
Rachel Weisz
Actress, Oscar and BAFTA winner
Irina Bokova
Former UNESCO Director-General
Suzy Cato
Musician and children's entertainer
Recent investment
Frequently asked questions
What are the fees at Channing School?
Day fees at Channing School are approximately £27,570 per year (2025/26).
How do you get into Channing School?
Channing School admits pupils at 4+, 7+, 8+, 11+, 13+, 16+. Entry is assessed by 11+ Selective Examination. See the Admissions section above for open days and key dates.
What are Channing School's exam results?
At Channing School, 40% of A-levels were graded A*–B and 80.4% of GCSEs were grade 7/A or above. Full results are in the Results section above.
Is Channing School a boarding school?
Channing School is a day school in Highgate and does not offer boarding.
What is Channing School's latest inspection rating?
ISI rated Channing School “Excellent” (2022).
What parents say
Frequently praised
✓Genuinely caring pastoral approach; staff know girls as individuals and notice emotional wellbeing
✓Good academic standards without crushing pressure; girls retain love of learning
✓Strong music and drama programme with high participation; confidence-building
✓Inclusive ethos; diversity and equity taken seriously
✓Excellent female role models among staff; empowering for girls
✓Good communications from school; accessible leadership
Common concerns
!Fees rising significantly year-on-year; bursary provision not always adequate for middle-income families
!School is large (1000+ pupils); younger or quieter girls can feel lost in middle school transition
!Sport provision balanced but not elite-level competitive; girls with serious sporting ambitions may seek alternatives
!Limited outdoor space for a North London urban site; some lack of greenness
!Workload in Sixth Form can become intense; gaps in mental health support capacity during high-stress periods