Founded in 1905 by Alice Hum, Palmers Green High School (PGHS) occupies a deceptive footprint on Hoppers Road. What appears from the street to be a modest Edwardian establishment reveals itself, upon entry, to be a hive of focused academic energy. With a capacity of just under 300 girls aged 4 to 16, this is a school where anonymity is impossible. The vibe is less 'hallowed halls' and more 'bustling family home', albeit one where the GCSE results consistently outpace giants of the sector.
Ms Sarah Proudlove (headmistress since Jan 2023) leans into the benefits of small numbers: with just under 300 girls, pupils are easier to track, and support can be personalised. The school operates as a cohesive all-through unit, though physically and operationally divided into the Lower School (Prep) and Senior School. While it lacks the sprawling acreage of home counties boarding schools, PGHS leverages its London location and a close-knit community spirit to deliver an education that feels bespoke rather than processed. The school was recently named 'Independent 11-16 School of the Year' in the 2026 Sunday Times Parent Power Guide, a testament to its academic consistency.
The school’s motto, By Love Serve One Another, is etched not just into the crest but into the daily rhythm of the corridors. There is a palpable absence of the sharp-elbowed competitiveness found in some London day schools. Instead, the atmosphere is one of collaborative ambition. The buildings are a patchwork of history, with the original house expanded over decades to include science blocks and creative wings. It creates a labyrinthine feel that pupils navigate with ease, adding to the sense of a secret garden of learning.
Sensory details matter here. The sound of the Senior Choir rehearsing in the hall often drifts up to the classrooms, and the walls are plastered with student artwork rather than just administrative notices. The uniform—distinctive teal blazers—is worn with pride, but not stiffness. Inspection reports confirm this observation, noting that pupils display "high levels of self-confidence and self-esteem" without arrogance. The relationship between staff and students is less formal than in traditional public schools; it is a partnership focused on the shared goal of achievement.
Academically, Palmers Green High School punches significantly above its weight. In 2024, results told a consistent story of excellence. At GCSE, 71.6% of all grades awarded were 9-7 (A*-A), a figure that places the school firmly in the top 10% of schools in England, outperforming 90% of schools in England (top 10%).
The school ranks 194th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking) and ranks 3rd among secondary providers in Enfield, confirming its status as a local academic powerhouse. The published figures suggest deep strength at the very top, with 44% of grades securing a 9 or 8.
These statistics are achieved without an aggressive 'hothouse' environment. The school attributes this success to small class sizes—often in single digits for optional subjects—which allow for a tutorial style of teaching usually reserved for university.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
GCSE 9–7
71.6%
% of students achieving grades 9-7
The curriculum is broad but rigorous. In the Lower School, the focus is on building solid foundations in literacy and numeracy, but specialist teaching is introduced early. By Year 5 and 6, girls are taught by subject specialists for Science, Music, Art, PE, and Languages, smoothing the transition to the Senior School.
In the Senior School, the pace accelerates. The approach to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) is particularly robust. Unlike many girls' schools that talk about empowering women in science, PGHS simply does it; the uptake of triple science is high, and the labs are busy hubs of experimentation.
Languages are another pillar. French is taught from Reception, with Spanish introduced in Year 7 and Latin in Year 8. The teaching style is interactive; you are as likely to see girls performing a play in French as you are to see them reciting verb tables. According to the March 2025 ISI inspection, teachers know their pupils well and use this knowledge to plan lessons that are well matched to their aptitudes.
Since PGHS concludes at Year 11 (age 16), the "Next Step" is a significant focus of the pastoral and academic programme. The school views this not as an end, but as a launchpad. Because there is no automatic drift into an on-site Sixth Form, every girl makes an active, supported choice about her future.
Destinations are impressive and varied, reflecting the individual character of the students. Leavers consistently secure places at highly selective sixth forms and colleges. Woodhouse College is a popular destination for those seeking a large, high-performing sixth form environment. Many girls move on to prestigious independent schools — for example North London Collegiate, Haileybury, Queenswood and St Albans High School for Girls. Others secure places at selective state grammar schools like Dame Alice Owen's and The Latymer School. The school provides intensive support for 16+ applications, including interview practice and reference writing.
Admissions are selective but holistic. For entry into the Nursery (age 3+), the process is informal, often involving a 'stay and play' session to ensure the child is ready for a school environment.
Entry to the Lower School is by assessment. Girls are invited for a friendly assessment session in the January preceding entry, where staff observe their social interaction, language skills, and readiness to learn.
The main entry point for the Senior School is Year 7. Candidates sit an entrance examination, typically held in mid-November of Year 6. For 2026 entry, exams were held on 15 November 2025. Papers cover English and Mathematics, alongside a computer-based reasoning test. A reference from the current school is required, and all candidates are interviewed. The interview is designed to spot potential and character, not just rehearsed answers.
In a school of this size, pastoral care is organic rather than bureaucratic. The "School Mom" system pairs older girls with younger ones, fostering a genuine sense of sisterhood across year groups. Form Tutors are the first point of contact and see their forms twice daily, allowing them to pick up on minor wobbles before they become major issues.
The Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education programme is comprehensive, tackling modern challenges from online safety to mental health resilience. The school also employs a school counsellor for those needing professional support. The latest ISI inspection (March 2025) identified the provision for pupils with SEND as a "significant strength" of the school, noting that these pupils make rapid progress and develop high levels of self-esteem.
For a small site, the extracurricular offering is surprisingly dense. The "Alice Hum" enrichment programme encourages girls to look outwards.
While on-site space is at a premium, the school makes excellent use of local facilities. The netball courts are on-site, but girls travel to Southbury Leisure Centre for swimming and athletics, and use the expansive Broomfield Park for cross-country and rounders. Fixtures against local schools are regular and competitive.
Music is central to school life. The Chamber Choir, Orchestra, and Wind Band perform regularly, including at external venues. Drama productions are inclusive, ranging from Shakespeare to modern musicals, often involving cross-year collaboration.
The list is extensive. From the LEGO League robotics team (who compete regionally) to the Debating Society and Dissection Club for budding medics, there is a niche for everyone. The Eco-Committee is particularly active, driving sustainability initiatives across the school.
Fees for the 2025-2026 academic year are £5,988 per term for Reception to Year 2, £6,420 per term for Years 3 to 6, and £8,515.20 per term for the Senior School (Years 7-11). These fees are inclusive of VAT.
Scholarships are available at 11+ entry for Academic excellence, as well as Art, Drama, Music, and Sport. These awards typically carry a value of up to 10% of fees. A limited number of means-tested bursaries are also available for entry at Year 3 and Year 7, designed to assist families who would not otherwise be able to afford the fees. Applications for bursaries must be submitted by the registration deadline in November.
*Bursaries may be available for eligible families.
Basis: per term
The school day runs from 8:30am to 3:45pm for the Senior School, with slightly staggered times for the Lower School. Wraparound care is available; the Breakfast Club opens at 7:30am, and the After School Club runs until 6:00pm, providing a boon for working parents.
Located on Hoppers Road, the school is well-connected. Palmers Green station (Great Northern line) is a short walk away, offering direct links to Moorgate and Hertford North. Several bus routes serve the area. The school encourages sustainable travel, with many local girls walking or cycling.
No Sixth Form: The school ends at Year 11. While this allows for a dedicated focus on GCSEs and creates a "top of the school" confidence in Year 11s, it does mean a move at 16 is inevitable. Families seeking a consistent run through to 18 in one building will need to weigh this.
Compact Site: The site is charming but tight. There are no sweeping playing fields or Olympic pools on the doorstep. Sport involves travel, which eats into the day. However, many families feel the intimate scale of the campus compensates for the lack of acreage.
Fees: As an independent school, fees apply. While competitive for London, families must budget for annual increases and the additional costs of uniform, trips, and 1:1 music lessons.
Palmers Green High School is a gem for families who value individual attention over grand facilities. It provides a nurturing, rigorous, and highly successful environment where girls are known, not just taught. The academic results speak for themselves, but it is the confident, articulate, and kind nature of the leavers that truly defines the school's success. Best suited to girls who thrive in smaller, supportive environments and are ready to work hard in a community that cheers them on.
Yes. The latest ISI inspection in March 2025 found the school met all standards, highlighting SEND provision as a "significant strength". Academic results are consistently strong, with 71.6% of GCSE grades at 9-7 in 2024, placing it in the top 10% of schools in England.
For the 2025-2026 academic year, fees are £8,515.20 per term for the Senior School (Years 7-11), £6,420 per term for Years 3-6, and £5,988 per term for Reception to Year 2. All fees quoted include VAT.
No, Palmers Green High School educates girls up to age 16 (Year 11). The school provides extensive support for 16+ transition, with leavers progressing to top selective sixth forms, grammar schools, and colleges across London and Hertfordshire.
Entry is selective. For Year 7 (11+), candidates sit entrance exams in English, Maths, and Reasoning. While not as fiercely oversubscribed as some North London consortium schools, standards are high, and the school looks for girls who will thrive in an academic environment.
Despite its size, the school offers a wide range of clubs including LEGO Robotics, Debating, Choir, Orchestra, Netball, and Drama. The Duke of Edinburgh Award is popular in the Senior School.
*Bursaries may be available for eligible families.
Basis: per term
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