The Cavendish School, London Review 2026: Independent Girls' School with Outstanding 11+ Results in Camden

The Cavendish School brings together nearly 150 years of heritage in girls' education with a contemporary "Where Girls Dare" ethos that celebrates confidence and intellectual curiosity. Founded in 1875 by Cornelia Connelly and the Society of the Holy Child Jesus, this independent Catholic day school relocated from Cavendish Square to its current Camden Town home in 1970, where it now operates as a charitable trust. Serving girls aged 3 to 11, the school combines a broad curriculum aligned with the National Curriculum – enriched with French, Mandarin, and Latin – with a supportive atmosphere focused on confident senior-school transition. Located at 31 Inverness Street in the heart of Camden, the school holds Green Flag Eco-Schools status and was rated excellent across all categories in its 2023 ISI inspection. With 187 pupils, two-form entry, and a non-selective admissions policy, The Cavendish School offers an independent prep-school option for families who should confirm current fees and inclusions directly with the school.

The school's modern tagline – "Where Girls Dare" – honours Cornelia Connelly's founding mission to "meet the wants of the age," a principle established when the school opened in Cavendish Square in 1875. After 95 years in central London, the school moved to Camden in 1970 and transitioned from religious governance to a charitable trust structure, maintaining its Catholic character while broadening access. Today, the community prioritises "fun, kindness and laughter" within a framework that encourages girls to take intellectual risks and flourish as resilient learners. Staff are described as genuinely caring and deeply invested in each pupil's individual development, fostering an atmosphere where small class sizes (averaging 14 pupils) enable strong pastoral relationships. The school's ownership of its premises – unusual for an independent prep school in central London – allows it to direct resources toward educational provision rather than property costs, contributing to its value proposition for families.

The curriculum follows the National Curriculum structure but extends beyond it with reasoning, PSHE, and a language programme that introduces French from early years, Mandarin in the middle school, and Latin in upper years. The 2023 ISI inspection praised the school's ability to develop "resilient, curious, open-minded learners who engage enthusiastically with the joy of learning," and specifically highlighted mathematics teaching, noting that "well-planned and ambitious investigations support pupils in developing a strong understanding of numeracy." Inspectors also commended the breadth of extracurricular opportunities – from pottery and circus skills to Arabic and music technology – that allow talents to develop to advanced levels. All pupils learn an instrument in class, and around half take individual lessons from Year 3; the school supports three choirs, two orchestras, and several instrumental ensembles. Drama and dance form part of the core co-curriculum, with regular opportunities for performance.

The school does not publish SATs data as an independent institution, so families should treat senior-school destinations rather than statutory test results as the main outcome signal. Most girls transition to selective independent or high-performing state schools including Camden School for Girls, Channing School, City of London School for Girls, Francis Holland (Regent's Park), Highgate School, Queen's College, and South Hampstead High School. Occasional leavers gain places at North London Collegiate School, St Paul's Girls' School, and prestigious boarding schools including Sevenoaks, as well as international schools. The school emphasises balanced preparation over intensive test cramming, encouraging girls to maintain extracurricular commitments throughout the admissions process.

The school occupies spacious modern facilities on Inverness Street, a short walk from Camden Town tube station. Ownership of the premises has enabled targeted investment in teaching spaces and resources. Wraparound care extends from 7:45 am to 6:00 pm, with flexible collection times particularly valued by working families. Pupils benefit from 5 to 10 different extracurricular academic or hobby clubs, regular educational trips for all year groups, and residential trips from Year 4. The school holds Green Flag Eco-Schools status, reflecting its environmental education programme. Holiday clubs operate during all school breaks, offering activities ranging from music, art, and drama to sport, language enrichment, individual tennis coaching, and Friday forest school sessions.

The school explicitly notes that it is not a feeder for any particular senior school, instead preparing girls for a wide range of destinations suited to individual strengths and family preferences. Recent leavers have transitioned to both selective independent and state schools across north London and beyond, including Channing School, Highgate School, South Hampstead High School, Francis Holland School (Regent's Park), Camden School for Girls and Queen's College. A minority of families opt for boarding schools, international schools, or specialist music and drama schools.

The Cavendish School operates a non-selective admissions policy, allocating places in order of registration date, with sibling priority where possible. The main entry point is 3+ into the Nursery, with some additional places typically available at 4+ and 5+. The school participates in the government's 15-hour universal entitlement for 3- and 4-year-olds. As an independent school, admissions are managed directly rather than through the local authority. Prospective families are encouraged to contact the school office (020 7485 1958 or office@cavendish-school.co.uk) to arrange a visit and discuss registration. While the school draws many families from Camden Town and the immediate vicinity, a considerable proportion of pupils also come from Primrose Hill and Islington, attracted by the school's ethos and results. Given the first-come allocation system and the school's reputation for strong 11+ outcomes, early registration is advisable.

The Cavendish School offers a compelling proposition for families seeking a nurturing, non-selective independent girls' education in a central London location with a clear focus on senior-school preparation. The combination of nearly 150 years of heritage, a values-driven "Where Girls Dare" ethos, excellent ISI inspection outcomes, and a broad enrichment programme makes it an attractive option for families who value pastoral care, small class sizes, and academic rigour. The school's ownership of its premises and charitable trust structure underpin its ability to deliver value while maintaining high standards. For parents prioritising a supportive environment where girls build confidence, curiosity, and resilience before transitioning to a range of senior schools, The Cavendish School merits serious consideration. Early contact is advisable for families interested in entry.

Is The Cavendish School a good school?

The Cavendish School is rated excellent across all categories by the Independent Schools Inspectorate, most recently in its 2023 educational quality inspection. Inspectors highlighted the school's success in developing resilient, curious learners with excellent mathematical skills and social awareness. The combination of non-selective entry, small class sizes, a broad curriculum enriched with languages and the arts, and a clear focus on 11+ preparation suggests the school adds value for families seeking a supportive prep environment. Its Catholic ethos, "Where Girls Dare" philosophy, and emphasis on pastoral care create a supportive atmosphere that parents and inspectors consistently commend.

How do I apply to The Cavendish School?

Families should contact the school office to arrange a visit and discuss the current registration process. The school operates a non-selective admissions policy, so early contact is advisable for families interested in Nursery or later entry. Parents should confirm current entry points, any priority arrangements, funded-hours eligibility and bursary provision directly with the school before applying.

What are the fees at The Cavendish School?

Families should confirm current fees, inclusions, registration charges and deposit requirements directly with the school before applying. The school's charitable trust status and ownership of its premises may contribute to its ability to manage costs, but fee levels and bursary arrangements should be checked against the latest schedule. Families requiring financial assistance are encouraged to contact the school directly to discuss bursary provision and any funded nursery entitlement that may apply.

What are the main secondary schools that girls go to from The Cavendish School?

The school is not a feeder for any particular senior school and is known for preparing girls for a range of destinations. Regular destinations include Channing School, Highgate School, South Hampstead High School, Francis Holland School (Regent's Park), City of London School for Girls, Queen's College, and the state school Camden School for Girls. Some girls gain places at North London Collegiate School, St Paul's Girls' School, and boarding schools such as Sevenoaks, Headington, and St Martha's. Occasional leavers attend specialist music or drama schools, international schools, or French and German schools.