The Camden School for Girls Review 2026: A Century-and-a-Half of Academic Excellence

When Frances Mary Buss founded this school in 1871, she was pioneering girls' education at a time when most believed it unnecessary. Over 150 years later, that legacy of ambition for girls remains vivid. The school serves approximately 1,000 students aged 11 to 18 across a co-educational sixth form, with specialist status as a Music College. Located in Kentish Town, north London, the school ranks 340th for GCSE outcomes, placing it in the top 7% of schools in England (FindMySchool ranking). At A-level, the picture is equally strong, with students regularly securing places at Russell Group universities and 28 students winning Oxbridge places in the measurement period.

The school's motto, "Onwards and Upwards," captures something essential about the place. Girls here are encouraged to aim higher, to push beyond what they thought possible. Known for strong outcomes, The Camden School for Girls also values breadth; pupils tend to be confident and academically focused. Teachers describe a genuine community where intellectual curiosity is valued and individual potential is actively cultivated.

The campus occupies a substantial site in north London, with Victorian-era buildings providing character and more recent additions ensuring modern facilities. The school uniform maintains tradition, though the environment itself feels contemporary. Students describe a real sense of belonging, where the all-girls environment until sixth form allows genuine focus on academic development without the social complications that sometimes accompany mixed-gender settings.

The school's Music College specialism shapes the atmosphere noticeably. The Camden School for Girls in Kentish Town, London has an active music culture, supported by practice facilities, rehearsals and informal performance opportunities. This is not an add-on; it is woven into daily life. The commitment to music extends far beyond those learning instruments formally, creating a vibrant cultural environment that enriches the entire school community.

GCSE Performance

In 2024, the school achieved strong results across the board. The average Attainment 8 score of 65.4 significantly exceeds the England average of 45.9. Breaking down the grades, 37.2% of all GCSE entries achieved grades 9-8, with a further 17.5% achieving grade 7, placing 54.7% of entries in the top three grades. This compares favourably to the England average of 54% achieving grades 9-7. The Progress 8 score of +0.62 indicates that students make above-average progress from their starting points, a key measure of school effectiveness.

The school's English Baccalaureate performance is particularly noteworthy. With 55.5% of pupils achieving grades 5 or above across the EBacc subjects, the school significantly outperforms the England average of around 40%. This demonstrates strength across the full breadth of academic disciplines, not merely in isolated subjects.

The school ranks 340th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the top 7% of schools. Locally within Camden, it ranks 3rd among secondary schools, a position reflecting consistent quality.

A-Level Performance

The sixth form delivers results that rival the best schools in England. In 2024, 20.1% of A-level entries achieved A*, with a further 31.7% achieving A grades. When combined, 77.9% of entries achieved A*-B, far exceeding the England average of 47.2%. This distribution indicates genuine strength across the full range of abilities, not merely concentration among the most able.

The school ranks 218th in England for A-level outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the top 8% of schools. Locally, it ranks 4th among sixth forms in Camden. The combined GCSE and A-level ranking places the school at 210th in England (FindMySchool composite ranking), solidifying its position among the most academically successful schools in the country.

Oxbridge Success

The school's Oxbridge performance is striking. In the measurement period, 28 students secured places at Oxford and Cambridge from a cohort of approximately 216 leavers. This represents approximately 13% of the year group, a figure that places the school among the top 20 in England for Oxbridge entry (FindMySchool ranking). The school ranks 23rd in England for Cambridge placements and 22nd for Oxford, demonstrating genuine strength at both universities.

The acceptance rate once offers are made is notably high at 90.3%, suggesting that students who receive offers are well-prepared and genuinely suited to the universities' demands.

Beyond Oxbridge

Beyond Oxbridge, leavers progress to a broad range of leading universities. The 2024 leaver data indicates that 53% of the cohort progressed to university, with a further 9% entering further education and 19% moving into employment. The universities attracting Camden students include Imperial College London, UCL, Durham, Edinburgh, and Bristol, reflecting the school's strength in preparing students for highly selective institutions across multiple disciplines.

Teaching at Camden is characterised by high expectations and rigorous subject knowledge. Classes are structured to allow genuine depth of study rather than superficial coverage. Teachers employ varied pedagogies, moving between direct instruction, collaborative learning, and independent investigation depending on the content and learning objectives.

The curriculum follows the national framework but with meaningful enrichment. Subject departments have developed distinctive approaches. In sciences, for example, practical work is extensive, with students conducting genuine investigations rather than merely following prescribed practicals. In humanities, primary sources feature prominently, encouraging students to engage directly with evidence rather than relying solely on textbook summaries.

The school's Music College status shapes the curriculum meaningfully. Beyond the formal GCSE and A-level music courses, music permeates other subjects. Students in English analyse music's role in literature; historians examine music's social significance; even mathematicians explore the physics of sound. This integration creates a richer, more connected learning experience.

Class sizes at Key Stage 4 average 24 students, allowing teachers to provide individual feedback while maintaining group discussion. At A-level, sets are smaller, typically 12-18 students, enabling more personalised teaching approaches.

Music: A Defining Strength

The school's specialism as a Music College is evident in the breadth and depth of musical provision. The Chamber Orchestra performs at major venues across London, with recent performances at the Barbican Centre and Cadogan Hall showcasing student musicians at near-professional standard. The Symphony Orchestra, a larger ensemble, tackles ambitious repertoire including full symphonies and major concertos.

The Senior Choir performs a cappella and with instrumental accompaniment, with recent concert tours extending to continental Europe. The Jazz Ensemble offers something distinct, allowing students to explore improvisation and contemporary musical styles. For younger students, the Junior Choir provides an accessible entry point into ensemble singing, with many progressing to senior ensembles.

Beyond these flagship ensembles, smaller chamber groups flourish. The String Quartet, Woodwind Ensemble, and Brass Ensemble allow specialist musicians to develop technical excellence. The School Wind Band combines recreational and advanced musicians, creating an inclusive environment where ability ranges from beginner to advanced.

The Cantamus Vocal Group focuses on unaccompanied vocal music, exploring madrigals, contemporary vocal works, and musical theatre repertoire. Students describe the experience as transformative, developing musicianship and confidence simultaneously.

Music tuition is available in all orchestral instruments, piano, guitar, and voice, with many teachers being professional musicians performing in London's concert halls. The school's investment in music facilities includes dedicated teaching studios, a rehearsal hall with professional-standard acoustics, and practice rooms allowing individual and group work.

Drama and Performing Arts

The school's drama programme extends well beyond formal qualifications. The major production each year involves 80-120 students across cast, orchestra, technical crew, and front-of-house roles, creating a genuinely inclusive experience. Recent productions have included full-scale musical theatre productions and ambitious straight plays, with students designing and building sets, managing lighting and sound, and handling all production aspects.

The Lower School Drama Society provides an accessible entry point for younger students, with termly workshops and performances. The Sixth Form Drama Society tackles more experimental and contemporary work, including student-devised pieces and adaptations of classic texts.

The school's theatre, a dedicated performance space with proper staging, lighting, and sound facilities, hosts regular performances. Beyond school productions, it hosts visiting theatre companies and provides a venue for student-run workshops and showcases.

STEM

The Coding Club introduces students to programming across multiple languages, with projects ranging from simple algorithms to game design and app development. The Robotics Club builds and programmes robots for competitions, developing problem-solving skills through hands-on engineering challenges.

The Science Society organises lunchtime workshops and demonstrations, making science tangible and exciting. Recent activities have included chemistry practicals, biology dissections, and physics demonstrations. The school's laboratory facilities are well-equipped, with separate dedicated spaces for biology, chemistry, and physics, allowing specialist teaching and genuine investigative work.

The Mathematics Club runs problem-solving sessions and competition preparation, with students regularly entering the UK Mathematics Trust competitions and the Intermediate Mathematical Olympiad. The school's mathematicians have achieved gold, silver, and bronze awards in recent years.

Sports and Physical Education

The school offers a broad range of sports, with both recreational and competitive pathways. Netball is particularly strong, with the First VII competing at a high level in local and regional competitions. The volleyball team similarly competes at advanced level. Badminton, basketball, and table tennis offer alternative options for students seeking individual or small-group sports.

Athletics is well-supported, with students competing in track and field events at borough and regional championships. The cross-country running programme allows students to develop endurance and compete in open-air settings. Swimming, though not featuring a dedicated pool on campus, is offered through partnerships with local facilities, with students competing in competitive galas.

The school's PE curriculum emphasises both skill development and understanding of the principles underlying physical activity. Dance is offered as a distinct pathway, with students exploring contemporary, ballet, and street dance styles.

Debating and Public Speaking

The Debating Society is highly active, with teams competing in local and national debating competitions. Students develop argument construction, evidence evaluation, and public speaking skills through weekly meetings and competitive fixtures. The Model United Nations club allows students to explore global affairs through role-play, with participants attending regional and national conferences.

The Public Speaking Club provides a lower-pressure environment for students developing confidence in speaking. Students deliver prepared speeches, participate in impromptu speaking challenges, and provide peer feedback, creating a genuinely supportive community.

Community Service and Leadership

The Student Leadership Programme develops skills in younger students who show potential for greater responsibility. Sixth-formers serve as mentors, academic tutors, and peer supporters, with formal training in mentoring approaches. The Community Service Committee coordinates fundraising and volunteering activities, with students organising charity events and volunteering in local community organisations.

The Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme is well-established, with students completing Bronze and Silver awards. The expeditionary elements take groups to challenging terrain, developing resilience and teamwork.

Creative and Cultural Clubs

The Art Society showcases student work and organises visits to galleries and museums, connecting classroom learning to the broader art world. The Photography Club explores visual storytelling through digital and darkroom techniques. The Creative Writing Club provides a space for students to develop writing skills across genres, from fiction to poetry to journalism.

The Book Club meets fortnightly to discuss literature, with student recommendations shaping the reading list. The school's library hosts author visits and reading events, fostering genuine engagement with literature beyond the curriculum.

The Filmmaking Club produces short films and documentaries, with access to editing software and equipment. Recent student films have been screened at school events and submitted to youth film festivals.

Secondary Admissions (Year 7)

The school operates a standard London admissions process through the local authority. In the most recent data available, the school received 582 applications for 117 places, representing a subscription proportion of 4.97 (nearly 5 applications per place). The school is oversubscribed, reflecting its reputation and desirability.

Admissions are determined by distance from the school gates, with no formal catchment boundary. The school serves families across a wide area of north London and beyond. First preference applications are particularly strong, with the proportion of first preferences to first preference offers standing at 1.98, indicating that the majority of admitted students listed the school as their first choice.

Parents should verify their distance from the school and the likelihood of securing a place based on current distance data. The admissions process is handled entirely through the local authority; applications cannot be made directly to the school.

Sixth Form Entry

Entry to the sixth form is open to internal students and external applicants. Internal students progress automatically, subject to achieving appropriate grades in their GCSEs. The school typically requires grade 5 or above in subjects students wish to study at A-level, though this can be flexible depending on individual circumstances and the subject.

External applicants are welcome and assessed based on GCSE results and an interview process. The school admits approximately 80-100 external students into the sixth form each year, bringing fresh perspectives and expanding the cohort.

The school's pastoral system is structured around form groups and year-based pastoral teams. Each form has a dedicated form tutor who knows students well and provides ongoing support for academic and personal development. Year heads oversee broader pastoral matters and coordinate support for students facing difficulties.

The school employs a trained counsellor available to students on a referral basis. The counselling service is confidential and provides support for students navigating personal, social, or emotional challenges. The school also works with external agencies when students require specialist support beyond school provision.

Mental health is taken seriously, with staff training in recognising signs of concern and pathways to support clearly established. The school's approach emphasises early intervention and preventative work, with assemblies and form time discussions addressing wellbeing proactively.

Behaviour expectations are high but fair. The school operates a clear behaviour policy with consistent consequences for breaches. Most students respond well to these expectations; exclusions are rare, reserved for serious breaches of policy.

The school day runs from 8:35am to 3:20pm, Monday to Friday. No wraparound care is offered, though the school is located within easy reach of public transport, with buses serving the site regularly and the Northern Line (Kentish Town station) approximately 15 minutes' walk away.

Lunch is provided daily, with options including hot meals, salads, and packed lunch alternatives. The school operates a cashless catering system, with meals charged to student accounts.

Uniform is required, with the school maintaining traditional expectations of appearance and dress. The uniform includes a blazer, with the school badge featuring a 'buss' (an ancient sailing ship) commemorating the founder's surname.

Distance and admissions pressure: With nearly 5 applications per place, entry is highly competitive. Families should verify their distance from the school before relying on a place. The oversubscription means that many families seeking entry will not secure places, and living within the catchment provides no guarantee.

All-girls environment until sixth form: The school is single-sex for Years 7-11, with co-education beginning in the sixth form. Some students thrive in this environment; others prefer mixed-gender settings from the outset. Families should consider whether this aligns with their child's preferences and needs.

Music specialism implications: While the Music College status enriches the school for all students, it does mean that music is particularly prominent. Students not interested in music should not feel pressured to engage at a high level, though they will encounter music throughout their education here.

The Camden School for Girls represents excellent value within the state sector, combining academic rigour with genuine breadth of opportunity. The school's 150-year legacy of advancing girls' education remains evident in its ambition and achievements. Results place it among the top 7% of schools in England, with particular strength in Oxbridge entry and progression to leading universities. The Music College specialism, combined with strong drama, sports, and enrichment provision, creates a genuinely well-rounded experience. Best suited to academically able girls within the catchment who will engage with the school's intellectual culture and take advantage of the extensive opportunities on offer. The main barrier is securing a place; once admitted, the education is exceptional.