Loughborough High School Review 2026: 175 Years of Academic Excellence for Girls

Loughborough High School in Loughborough, Leicester has a strong sense of history, with heritage woven into everyday school life. The elegant 19th-century buildings frame the quad, their red brick corridors echoing with purposeful movement as 570 girls stream between lessons. Founded in 1850 as one of England's first dedicated girls' grammar schools, Loughborough High School has evolved from its roots in the progressive expansion of female education into a in England recognised centre of academic achievement and girls' empowerment. In 2025, marking its 175th anniversary, the school stands as the highest-performing girls' school of all types in the East Midlands, with consistent GCSE and A-level results that place it among the country's elite independent schools. Yet the atmosphere here resists the intensity of academic pressure found in some selective institutions. Instead, there's a palpable sense of girls discovering their potential across subjects ranging from ancient Greek and astrophysics to directing their own theatrical productions. The school balances rigorous scholarship with genuine care for wellbeing, operating on a co-educational campus alongside Loughborough Grammar School (boys) and Fairfield Prep, allowing sixth form students to experience collaboration across gender lines whilst maintaining the pedagogical advantages of single-sex learning in their main years.

The school's identity sits confidently at the intersection of tradition and innovation. Dr Fiona Miles, appointed Head in 2019 from a senior leadership role with Haberdashers' Aske's School for Girls, has brought a particular focus to balancing academic rigour with student wellbeing. Her background in both English and medicine reflects the intellectual breadth encouraged here. The campus occupies a multi-acre site on Loughborough's south side, with the oldest quad housing the Cope Library, administration offices, and art studios, whilst newer facilities including the Parkin Sports Centre (completed 2019) and science blocks represent significant investment in learning spaces. The drama building sits prominently, signalling the school's commitment to the performing arts.

Girls speak of the school with evident affection. The community spirit is tangible but never suffocating; pupil-led committees, house traditions, and democratic structures ensure genuine voice. The house system remains central, with five houses named after figures connected to the Loughborough Schools Foundation's 530-year history: Andrews, Bristol, Charnock, Hartley, and Burrows. This isn't mere ceremony; houses compete in music competitions, sports fixtures, and the legendary Tableaux Vivants tradition, where groups of pupils recreate famous artworks as living pictures during the annual Carol Service, a 100-year-old custom that combines theatricality with genuine community celebration.

The school embraces a non-denominational Christian foundation, with daily collective worship and explicit values of kindness, curiosity, and perseverance woven through pastoral systems. Wellbeing prefects, big sister mentoring schemes, and access to a trained counsellor visiting weekly ensure that girls struggling with academic pressure or personal challenges find prompt support. The staff profile is notably strong; teachers bring subject expertise and often advanced qualifications (the Head's dual background in English and medicine is characteristic), and turnover is low, suggesting retention of experienced educators.

GCSE Performance

At GCSE, the school's results place it firmly at the apex of independent school performance in the East Midlands and the top tier in England. In 2024, 51% of girls achieved grades 9-8 (the highest two grades), with 77% achieving grades 9-7 combined. This compares powerfully to the England average of 54% achieving grades 9-7 across all schools. The school ranks 125th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), positioning it in the top 3% and comfortably in the top 10% band of schools. Locally, it ranks 3rd among Leicester schools, reflecting its standing as a regional powerhouse. With 28 A-level courses and 21 GCSE subjects on offer, students enjoy unusual breadth. Latin, Greek, Further Mathematics, and sciences taught as separate subjects create pathways for those with genuine intellectual curiosity alongside conventional choices. The school's approach to assessment has shifted towards comment-only marking and greater emphasis on independent research, moves that the 2021 ISI inspection found were already demonstrating positive impact on pupil ownership of learning.

A-Level Performance

Sixth form results continue the trajectory of excellence. In 2024, 64% of A-level entries achieved grades A* or A, with 20% achieving the maximum A*, placing the school well above the England average of 24% achieving A*-A. The school ranks 204th in England for A-level outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), positioning it in the top 10%. This is the context in which 78% of Year 13 leavers in 2024 progressed to university, with the 2024 leavers cohort producing at least one Oxbridge acceptee, representing genuine access to the most selective universities despite not being a traditional boarding powerhouse.

The curriculum follows an enriched version of the National Curriculum, designed to be broad, challenging, and creative. Dr Miles has emphasised the balance between academic study and student wellbeing, moving away from the hothouse intensity of some independent schools without compromising standards. Each pupil is issued an iPad, enabling interactive learning and research-based approaches. Digital literacy is embedded alongside traditional skills. The lower school (Years 7-9) emphasises breadth, with all students studying languages, sciences separately, humanities, arts, and PE to build informed, well-rounded foundations.

Teaching is characterised by deep subject knowledge. Staff engage in professional development, and the school's emphasis on comment-only marking (rather than grading every piece of work) reflects research-informed practice that encourages reflection and improvement rather than grade-chasing. Pupils in interviews speak positively of being challenged without being overwhelmed, and of teachers who know them personally and adjust support accordingly. The sixth form has been substantially refurbished under Dr Miles' leadership, with a dedicated centre providing study space and social areas. Enrichment time, newly expanded on the sixth form timetable, allows students to pursue extended projects, learn classical languages such as Ancient Hebrew, explore astronomy, or develop leadership through the Sports Leadership Award.

University destinations reflect the school's academic standing without the narrow Oxbridge fixation that characterises some independent schools. In the 2023-24 cohort, 78% of leavers progressed to university, with 1% entering further education and 10% into direct employment, reflecting a genuinely diverse career pipeline. Beyond Oxbridge, which has produced at least one acceptor per year in recent cohorts, students regularly secure places at Imperial College, Edinburgh, Durham, and Warwick. Almost all leavers gain a place at their first-choice university, and in 2022 (the most recent comparable data available), 83% of students received offers to Russell Group universities or the Sutton Trust Top 30. The school employs a dedicated Head of Futures to guide sixth form students through university admissions, beginning in Year 12 and extending through to September decisions.

The school's links with Loughborough University (a leading research institution with particular strength in engineering and sports science) provide pathways for those interested in technical fields, though the school's reach extends across Russell Group and specialist institutions across the UK and internationally.

The co-curricular programme runs to over 130 clubs and activities, supported by the school's philosophy that every girl should have the chance to "try it all". Unlike generic activity lists, the school offers substantial depth across defined pillars: music, drama, sport, STEM, and combined cadet force.

Music: A Defining Strength

Music is the most visibly celebrated strand. The school is proudly an All-Steinway School, one of only a handful in the East Midlands, with six Steinway pianos housed in the purpose-built Loughborough Schools Foundation Music Department, a state-of-the-art facility shared with Loughborough Grammar School. The music school features two recording studios, over 20 instrumental teaching classrooms, and a 130-seat recital hall, opened in 2006 and upgraded continuously. There are 50+ musical ensembles, including senior and junior orchestras, string ensemble, wind band, jazz band, and chamber groups. Ten choirs cater to different ability levels, from girls developing confidence in the Chamber Choir to elite singers in the Chamber Choir performing to demanding standards. One hundred performance opportunities annually mean girls can participate at whatever level suits them, from lunchtime recitals to formal concerts. The school attracts specialist musicians as staff; several hold degree qualifications or professional performance credentials.

Music scholarships are available at 11+, 13+, and 16+ entry points, with both internal and external candidates welcome to apply. The curriculum includes music to GCSE and A-level, with music technology providing a contemporary pathway for those interested in sound engineering, production, or digital composition.

Drama & Performing Arts

The drama building, a dedicated facility south of the main quad, supports an active performance programme. Girls regularly direct their own plays and perform at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, a remarkable achievement for a school-based programme that speaks to the professional standard and independence allowed student performers. The annual Carol Service features the Tableaux Vivants tradition mentioned earlier, combining theatrical staging with genuine pageantry. With a student-led ethos around performance, sixth formers gain experience in producing, directing, and performing to professional standards.

Sport: Reaching National Level

The Parkin Sports Centre, completed in 2019 as a shared facility across the Loughborough Schools Foundation, provides a multi-use sports hall, fitness suite, dedicated dance studio, and specialist spaces for gymnastics and cheerleading. This complements outdoor provision including astroturf pitches shared with the broader Foundation. The school competes to national level in hockey, netball, cross country, and athletics, with teams regularly winning leagues and regional championships. Rounders, football, rugby, and tennis are also taught. England Hockey's Age Group Programme has recently identified Loughborough High students for trial, reflecting the quality of coaching and competition. Sport is compulsory to encourage breadth, but students can specialise through a Student Athlete Programme designed to balance elite training with academic demands. The school is at the forefront of championing girls' sports such as football and cricket, recognising that female athletic opportunity has historically lagged behind provision for boys.

STEM & Academic Enrichment

The school houses specialist science buildings, upgraded in recent years with modern facilities. Chemistry, physics, and biology are taught separately to GCSE and A-level, with well-resourced laboratories enabling practical investigation. The school was among the first to recognise and champion STEM education for girls, moving beyond tokenistic inclusion to genuine cultural shift where girls see themselves as scientists, engineers, and mathematicians. Computing is available alongside traditional sciences, and the iPad rollout enables digital literacy from Year 7 upward. Academic extension days throughout the year offer workshops beyond the standard curriculum, and girls regularly compete in external competitions including mathematics olympiads and science challenges. The school also offers engagement with Loughborough University's engineering and sciences departments for interested sixth formers.

Combined Cadet Force and Voluntary Service

The Combined Cadet Force is popular and well-established, with participation optional but attracts strong numbers. The Voluntary Service Unit (VSU) channels girls' service interests, with 25 charities supported through coordinated action. This reflects the school's emphasis on developing not just academic prowess but social responsibility and leadership.

Extended Opportunities

The Duke of Edinburgh's Award runs at Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels through the school years, with Years 7-9 working toward the Adventure Service Challenge. These schemes build resilience, independence, and practical outdoor skills. Sixth form enrichment includes leadership development, mentoring schemes, and project work.

The breadth and depth of co-curricular provision reflects the school's stated philosophy that education encompasses far more than examination results, and that girls should have genuine opportunity to discover and develop talent across domains. The clubs are not merely listed in prospectuses but actually established and enthusiastically participated in, as evidenced by the quality of achievements in regional and national competitions.

Entry is by entrance examination at 11+ (Year 7), with additional entry points at 13+ (Year 9) and 16+ (sixth form). The school is selective; approximately 2 to 3 applicants per place is typical, reflecting demand from families across the East Midlands and beyond. Entrance tests assess reasoning, English, and mathematics, with separate papers setting the standards. Scholarships (academic, music, art, and sport) are available at all entry points and carry prestige, though they no longer carry monetary value under recent Foundation policy; however, bursaries provide means-tested support, including the School Assisted Places Scheme, which offers financial aid based on family income to talented pupils securing entry through examination. These can cover partial or full fees, ensuring access to able girls regardless of financial background.

The application process is straightforward; registration opens in the autumn preceding entry, with entrance assessments typically held in January. The school encourages school visits and hosts open mornings, with the next scheduled for 7 March 2026. Sixth form entry requires GCSE results meeting subject-specific requirements, with typical benchmarks around grade 7 (high A) in target subjects, though this is flexible based on individual performance and predicted trajectory.

The pastoral structure is comprehensive. Form tutors remain consistent, creating continuity of relationship and knowledge of individual pupils. The house system, managed by dedicated house staff, builds vertical integration across year groups. Year-specific staff (Head of Year 7, Head of Year 8, etc.) coordinate support and manage behaviour. Heads of Key Stage oversee pastoral strategy, with the Deputy Head (Pastoral) coordinating the whole programme under Dr Miles' academic oversight.

Specific provisions include a school counsellor visiting weekly for in-depth support, wellbeing prefects trained to support peers, and big sister mentoring schemes pairing younger students with confident older girls. The school recognises that selective independent education can carry pressures around achievement and social dynamics, and has been intentional about creating psychological safety alongside academic challenge. Girls report feeling able to disclose struggles without fear of judgment.

Learning support is available for pupils with specific needs, whether dyslexia, dyscalculia, speech and language difficulties, or other specific learning differences. A dedicated learning support department works alongside subject teachers to provide differentiated access to the curriculum. English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is available for the small number of international students.

The school day runs from 8:50am to 3:20pm (Years 7-11) and 8:50am to 3:30pm for sixth form. Lunch is provided on site, with catering offering varied options including vegetarian and specific dietary provision. Transport links are good; the school sits close to Loughborough town centre, with bus routes serving surrounding villages and beyond. Train services connect Loughborough to Leicester, Nottingham, and Derby, making the school accessible to families across a wide catchment. Parking on the Burton Walks site is limited, encouraging use of public transport or walking for those within reasonable distance.

The school is a day school only (all-female boarding ceased in recent years), with no wraparound childcare offered beyond normal school hours. Families seeking extended provision should arrange care independently or contact the school to discuss any specific circumstances.

Selective entry. The school selects by entrance examination, meaning it is not appropriate for all families. Children need to demonstrate academic ability in reasoning, English, and maths by age 11 or later entry points. Preparation for entrance tests is common, though the school does not recommend formal tutoring. Families should be realistic about their daughter's aptitude and comfort with selective processes.

Demanding curriculum. This is genuinely rigorous, academically ambitious school. Girls who thrive here are typically those with curiosity and willingness to engage deeply with subjects. Those seeking a more relaxed, less academically intensive environment would find the pace demanding.

Single-sex education. The school is all-girls in Years 7-11, with mixed sixth form A-level classes shared with Loughborough Grammar School. This single-sex approach is pedagogically intentional (teaching styles tailored to girls' learning patterns, subject choices reflecting girls' interests), but families must be comfortable with this model. There is no full co-education, though foundation schools mix on the campus socially.

Fees. At approximately £5,500 per term (£16,500+ per year) before VAT, the school is expensive. Bursaries help, but families should verify affordability and investigate financial support schemes. Sixth form fees may differ; families should check current rates with the school.

Town location. The school occupies a town campus, not a sprawling countryside estate. Whilst facilities are excellent, outdoor space is more limited than boarding schools or those with extensive grounds. Girls do not have the sense of total immersion in boarding community that some independent school families seek.

Loughborough High School is a genuinely excellent school for the academically able girl who thrives on intellectual challenge and values breadth of opportunity. The 175-year legacy of girls' education is evident in every aspect: a staff who understand girls' learning, a curriculum that refuses to narrow ambition, and a culture where girls see themselves as scientists, performers, athletes, and leaders simultaneously. Results are exceptional, placements at top universities consistent, but the school avoids the joylessness sometimes found in hothouse environments. Instead, there is palpable pleasure in learning, genuine care for wellbeing, and structures that ensure individual girls, whether academic stars, musical talents, or quietly developing confidence, find their place and flourish.

Best suited to families seeking academic excellence within a supportive, girls-centred environment, who value breadth of co-curricular opportunity, and who can afford independent fees or access bursary support. The main barrier to entry is examination performance and financial accessibility; once overcome, the educational experience is outstanding.