Mount House School Review 2026: Nurturing Co-ed Education in Hadley Wood

Situated in a Grade II* listed Georgian mansion on the edge of the Green Belt, Mount House School offers a distinctive alternative to the large, high-pressure independent schools of North London. Located in Hadley Wood, this co-educational day school for students aged 11 to 18 prioritises individual attention and pastoral wellbeing.

Formerly St Martha’s School for girls, the institution rebranded as Mount House in 2017, transitioning to a fully co-educational, non-denominational model. Today, with a capacity of around 350 students, it remains deliberately small. This scale allows for class sizes that rarely exceed 15, ensuring every student is known not just by name, but by character.

Mr Jon Cooper took up the headship in September 2025, moving internally from his role as Senior Deputy Head to lead the school into its next chapter. The school positions itself as a "champion of the individual," welcoming students who thrive in a smaller, supportive setting where confidence is built alongside competence.

The first impression of Mount House is one of historical grandeur softened by a welcoming, family-oriented atmosphere. The main building, 'The Mount', dates back to the mid-18th century and sits within mature grounds that feel far removed from the urban bustle of nearby Barnet and Enfield. The architectural heritage—high ceilings, sash windows, and wood panelling—provides a backdrop that feels more like a country house than a typical secondary school.

However, the atmosphere is not stuck in the past. Since the transition to co-education, the energy has shifted to become more dynamic and inclusive. The school has shed its previous religious designation to embrace a secular, multicultural ethos that reflects modern London. Values of kindness, adaptability, and integrity are woven into the fabric of daily life; the school explicitly champions the idea that happiness is a prerequisite for success, not merely a byproduct.

Students describe the environment as "friendly" and "safe." The lack of anonymity is a defining feature; in a school of this size, there are no corners to hide in, but equally, no one is left behind. The integration of boys has been managed carefully, and the current student body reflects a balanced, mixed community where social interactions are natural and unforced.

Mount House supports a broad range of academic abilities, and its results reflect a value-added approach rather than a highly selective intake. The school does not sit at the top of national league tables, but instead focuses on ensuring each student exceeds their baseline potential.

In 2024, A-level performance saw 22% of grades awarded at A*-B, with approximately 11% at A*-A. These results place the school in the 'national lower' band for raw attainment (ranking 2,303rd in England), which is consistent with its non-selective admissions policy and inclusive nature. The school supports students to achieve their personal best, often securing grades significantly higher than predicted upon entry.

At GCSE, the data presents a complex picture, often influenced by the mix of GCSE and IGCSE qualifications and the school’s small cohort size. The official Attainment 8 score of 19 reflects this data nuance rather than a lack of learning; families should look beyond the raw government metrics and discuss specific subject achievements with the school. The focus here is on securing the grades required for sixth form progression and building a solid foundation for A-level study.

The academic approach at Mount House is defined by small class sizes and personalised tuition. With classes often numbering between 10 and 15, teachers can tailor their delivery to suit specific learning styles. This is particularly beneficial for students who might feel overwhelmed in classes of 30, or those who need a little more time to grasp complex concepts.

The curriculum is broad but traditional. In Years 7 to 9, students follow a core programme that includes English, Mathematics, Science, and Humanities, alongside Art, Drama, Music, and Computer Science. Spanish and French are the core languages. The "Electives" programme creates space within the timetable for enrichment, allowing students to explore subjects outside the exam syllabus.

Teaching supports a growth mindset. Staff are adept at scaffolding learning for those who need support while providing extension tasks for the more able. The Learning Development department is a central pillar of the school, offering specialist support for students with mild learning needs such as dyslexia or dyspraxia. This provision is integrated and destigmatising, ensuring that learning support is seen as a tool for progress rather than a label.

The destinations of leavers reflect the diverse interests and abilities of the student body. In 2024, 41% of the cohort progressed to university, while 12% moved on to Further Education colleges and 18% entered employment or apprenticeships.

While the school does send students to traditional universities, there is a refreshing lack of snobbery regarding routes. Creative arts colleges, vocational courses, and newer universities are celebrated alongside more traditional choices. The Sixth Form team provides bespoke guidance on UCAS applications, ensuring students choose courses that fit their genuine interests rather than simply following a prestige hierarchy.

Admission to Mount House is broadly selective but looks for potential and character rather than just raw test scores. The process is designed to identify students who will thrive in the school’s specific small-scale environment.

The main entry point is Year 7 (11+). Candidates sit an entrance assessment which typically includes papers in English, Mathematics, and Non-Verbal Reasoning. However, the school places significant weight on the interview with a member of the Senior Leadership Team and the reference from the candidate’s current school. They are looking for "Mount House students"—young people who are curious, kind, and ready to contribute to the community.

Occasional places may arise in Years 8, 9, and 10, subject to availability. Entry to the Sixth Form (Year 12) is based on GCSE performance, typically requiring a minimum of five passes at Grade 4 or above, with Grade 6 recommended in subjects to be studied at A-level.

Families should register at least a year in advance. The school holds Open Mornings in the Autumn and Spring terms, which are essential for gauging the unique atmosphere of the site.

Pastoral care is the school's undisputed flagship. The small size allows for a pastoral structure that is proactive rather than reactive. The Form Tutor is the central figure in a student’s life, seeing them twice a day and acting as the first point of contact for parents.

The House system—comprising distinct houses that compete in sports, arts, and charity events—fosters vertical integration, where older students mentor younger ones. This contributes to a tangible sense of family. The school also employs a dedicated school counsellor and a Head of Wellbeing, ensuring professional support is available on-site for students navigating the complexities of adolescence.

Bullying is taken seriously, but the close-knit nature of the community means issues are often spotted and resolved before they escalate. Parents consistently cite the nurturing environment as the primary reason for choosing the school, particularly for children who may have lost confidence in larger or more aggressive settings.

Despite its small size, Mount House punches above its weight in co-curricular provision. The "Electives" programme is built into the school day, ensuring every student participates in enrichment activities without extending the school day excessively.

Sport

The grounds provide space for football, netball, cricket, and rugby. While not a national sporting powerhouse, the school fields competitive teams and promotes a "sport for all" philosophy. The emphasis is on participation, fitness, and team spirit rather than elite performance.

The Arts

Creative arts are a strength. The Art department utilises the light-filled studios of the historic building to inspire high-quality work in fine art, textiles, and photography. Drama productions are a highlight of the calendar, often involving a third of the school in various roles on and off stage. The Music department encourages performance, from the school choir to rock bands, with peripatetic lessons available for a wide range of instruments.

Clubs & Societies

Students can engage in activities ranging from Debating and Coding to Gardening and Cookery. The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is popular, with many students completing Bronze and Silver awards, taking advantage of the school’s location near open countryside for expeditions.

For the 2025-2026 academic year, the termly fee is £8,812. This figure is inclusive of VAT (at 20%) and compulsory lunch charges. The annual cost is therefore £26,436.

The school offers a number of scholarships for entry into Year 7, Year 9, and the Sixth Form. These are awarded for excellence in Academic ability, Art, Drama, Music, and Sport. Scholarships typically carry a fee remission of 5-10% and are held for the duration of a student's time at the school, subject to satisfactory performance.

Bursaries are available for families who require financial assistance to pay the fees. These are means-tested and the value depends on the financial circumstances of the applicants and the funds available. Bursary applications are assessed independently, and families are encouraged to apply early in the admissions process.

The school day runs from 8:30am to 4:00pm. Located on Camlet Way, the school is well-served by a network of private school bus routes covering areas such as Winchmore Hill, Southgate, Potters Bar, and Finchley.

For those using public transport, Hadley Wood station (Great Northern line) is a short walk away, providing easy connections to central London and Hertfordshire. Wraparound care is not extensive, as this is a senior school, but the library is typically open for supervised study after school hours.

Class size trade-offs: While small classes ensure attention, they can limit the breadth of social circles. A year group of 40-50 students means everyone knows everyone, which can be intense for some teenagers.

Facility limitations: While the main building is stunning, the school lacks the vast, purpose-built sports complexes or state-of-the-art STEM blocks found in larger, wealthier independent schools. Facilities are charming and functional but not expansive.

Academic pace: Families seeking a highly competitive, "hothouse" academic environment with a high volume of A* grades may find the pace here too gentle. The school celebrates progress and value-added rather than raw league table dominance.

Mount House School is a hidden gem for families prioritising wellbeing, confidence, and individual attention. It offers a compassionate, human-scale education in a sector often obsessed with scale and statistics. Best suited to students who need a nurturing environment to find their voice, and for families who value a happy, balanced adolescence as much as academic certification. The main challenge is the limited size, but for the right child, this intimacy is its greatest strength.