Lady Margaret School Review 2026: A Century of Academic Excellence in Fulham

In September 1917, when Enid Moberly Bell rescued pupils from the closing Whitelands College School, Lady Margaret was born on a patch of Parsons Green that remains its home today. The school is named after Lady Margaret Beaufort, mother of Henry VII and founder of two Cambridge colleges. Now spanning over 100 years, this Church of England academy for 750 girls aged 11–18 has become one of London's most accomplished state schools, named Comprehensive School of the Year by The Sunday Times Parent Power Schools Guide in 2024. Outstanding across every category in the November 2023 Ofsted inspection, Lady Margaret delivers exceptional academic results paired with a vibrant extracurricular culture. The school occupies interconnected Georgian townhouses facing Parsons Green itself — an intimate setting that belies the rigorous, ambitious education delivered within.

The school's physical fabric tells its story. The original Belfield House, dating from 1917, stands alongside Elm House (renamed Lupton House in 1937 after patron Anne Lupton). These three historic Georgian properties facing the green have been expanded with modern additions, including the striking Olivier Centre, opened in 2010 and named after former headmistress Joan Olivier. This building houses the sixth form with dedicated study spaces, kitchen facilities, and music practice rooms; its auditorium, the Busby Auditorium, seats 180 and features a full lighting rig and tiered seating for drama productions.

Under the leadership of Elisabeth Stevenson, who took over in 2015 from Sally Whyte, the school embodies its motto: "I have a goodly heritage." This phrase captures the institutional identity precisely. The Christian ethos, rooted in the Church of England's founding vision, permeates daily life without excluding those of other faiths or none. Girls speak of a "sense of joy" about the school. The six-house system (Moberly Bell, Marshall, Lyttleton, Carver, Chirol, and Kensington) provides vertical integration and identity; houses are named after benefactors and early headmistresses, each with their own colour and competitive spirit during house competitions.

Behaviour is exemplary. Girls move purposefully between lessons; there is an atmosphere of genuine academic engagement. The November 2023 Ofsted inspection confirmed this, noting that pupils feel empowered to express themselves, that teaching inspires a love of learning, and that the school operates as a nurturing, close-knit community. A notable recent development is the introduction of a smartphone-free policy. From July 2025, students in Years 7–11 secure their phones in Yondr pouches during tutor time, creating distraction-free learning and stronger peer relationships.

The school community is ethnically and socially diverse. Just under 54% of pupils are from minority ethnic backgrounds, reflecting the cosmopolitan character of West London. Free school meals eligibility sits at 16%, slightly below the national average, suggesting a mixed socioeconomic intake. The school welcomes girls of all academic abilities and takes genuine pride in inclusive practice.

GCSE Performance

Lady Margaret's GCSE results place the school comfortably in the elite tier nationally. In 2024, 53% of grades achieved 9–7 (A*/A), well above the England average of 54%. At grades 5 and above (pass standard), 84% of pupils achieved this, significantly above the England average. The Attainment 8 score of 65.4 substantially exceeds the England average of 49.7. Progress 8 stands at +0.75, indicating that pupils make well-above-average progress from their Key Stage 2 starting points.

The school ranks 384th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the top 10% nationally and 5th within the local authority. The English Baccalaureate entry is strong, with 54% of pupils achieving grades 5 and above across the core subjects (English, mathematics, sciences, languages, and humanities), well above the England average of 41%.

These metrics reflect a school that combines high expectations with effective teaching. The curriculum is ambitious, offering separate sciences as standard. Girls study two modern foreign languages (French and Spanish), providing breadth. Religious Studies is compulsory at GCSE, reflecting the school's Church of England character but taught openly to pupils of all beliefs.

A-Level Performance

The sixth form is a particular strength. In 2024, 40% of grades achieved A*–A, well above the national average of 28%. 70% achieved A*–B. 48% of students attained at least three A*–B grades, an exceptional achievement. The school ranks 335th in England for A-level outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the top 25% nationally. Eighteen subjects are offered at A-level, including Psychology, Politics, Economics, History of Art, and Sociology — subjects not available at GCSE, offering intellectual breadth in the sixth form.

The A-level curriculum is rigorous and traditional, emphasizing depth of study. Students typically take three A-level subjects, though the Extended Project Qualification (equivalent to half an A-level) is available for those managing well, requiring substantial independent research. Teaching is consistently strong; staff know students individually and tailor guidance around university pathways.

Lady Margaret has an outstanding record of university progression. The 2024 cohort shows 74% progressing to university, 11% to employment, and 4% each to further education and apprenticeships. Consistently, students gain places at Oxford and Cambridge each year; in the most recent cycle, one Cambridge acceptance was recorded from four applications (25% offer rate). Beyond Oxbridge, leavers regularly secure places at Russell Group universities including Imperial College, UCL, Durham, Edinburgh, and Bristol.

Medical and dental schools are particular success points. Students also pursue Art Foundation courses at specialist institutions and competitive degree apprenticeships with major employers including the BBC. The school's engagement with higher education programmes is extensive: sixth formers access outreach from Oxford (Pembroke College Arts & Humanities), King's College London (Medicine and STEM), LSE Pathways, and Imperial College STEM programmes. This direct university engagement ensures students understand their options fully and prepare applications rigorously.

Lady Margaret's academic success reflects consistent, strong teaching. The school emphasises high expectations and explicit curriculum design. Subject leaders have carefully structured what students need to know and remember across KS3 and KS4, moving away from vague "topics" to precise, sequenced learning. Teachers bring subject expertise and passion; across inspection feedback and student testimony, teaching inspires genuine engagement.

The curriculum at KS3 follows the national framework but with careful extension. All students study core subjects (English, Mathematics, Science), foundation subjects (Religious Studies, MFL, History, Geography, Drama, Art, Design & Technology, Computer Science, Music, PE), and PSHE including citizenship and well-being. At KS4, core subjects are compulsory (English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, Combined or Triple Science). Religious Studies and PE are also required. Girls then select additional subjects from a broad range, allowing meaningful choice whilst maintaining subject breadth.

In the sixth form, the extended project qualification, paired with a well-being programme and careers guidance through Unifrog, supports students beyond A-level grades. The school's approach to careers is systematic: Year 9 hosts a careers fair; Year 11–13 benefit from dedicated careers day; UCAS support is comprehensive. Staff engage parents in university decision-making, and there is active liaison with universities through mentoring schemes and summer programmes.

Music: A Defining Strength

Music has been designated as a specialist second specialism (alongside mathematics and computing) and remains one of the school's most vibrant pillars. Around one-third of the school receives individual instrumental or vocal tuition from a dedicated team of tutors. ABRSM and Trinity exams are organised in-house multiple times per year. The school maintains a strong choral tradition, with four separate ensembles: Year 7–8 Choir, Gospel Choir, Senior Choir, and an auditioned Chamber Choir. The Chamber Choir has the distinction of performing Choral Evensong at St Paul's Cathedral, a regular annual honour. Christmas Carol Service is a major school event drawing families and local community.

Beyond choirs, the orchestra and wind band are both popular and perform regularly. Smaller ensembles include a flute choir, ukulele club, and guitar ensemble. The Inter-house Music Festival provides competitive opportunity, whilst Summer Sessions offer informal outdoor lunchtime concerts. Performance opportunities are woven throughout the school year: concerts, recital evenings, and regular assemblies featuring student musicians.

Drama: Professional Ambition

The drama department operates from purpose-built facilities comprising a dedicated teaching room and the Busby Auditorium (seating 180, with full lighting rig and black box curtains). The main school hall, with large stage, full lighting rig, and upgraded sound system, hosts the annual school musical production. In 2024, this involved over 150 students from all year groups.

Drama provision balances accessibility and excellence. Junior and senior drama clubs meet regularly. Year 10 students devise and perform house pantomimes as part of a House Drama competition (recent productions include feminist retellings of classic tales). The main school production typically features well-known musicals or contemporary pieces; past productions include Daisy Pulls It Off and Little Women the Musical, each requiring substantial cast, orchestra, and technical coordination.

The Activities Week (five days in summer term) is particularly distinctive. Students attend matinee and evening theatre productions at prestigious venues including the Globe Theatre, West End musicals, the National Theatre, and open-air theatres. Morning workshops explore improvisation, makeup and hair for stage, and musical theatre technique. The week concludes with students performing devised pieces to family and friends.

Sport: Excellence and Participation

Physical activity is compulsory for all, and competitive sport is well-organised. The PE department offers extensive lunchtime and after-school clubs across a broad range of sports: netball, football, cricket, tennis, rowing, and dance. The school boasts a strong partnership with Fulham Reach Boat Club, enabling rowing for talented participants. Netball is particularly strong, with annual residential tours where Year 7–10 teams compete nationally. The under-13 football team achieved recent success, winning a London-wide competition at QPR's Loftus Road stadium.

Dance has grown substantially, culminating in the Dance Live! competition (formerly Rock Challenge), which the school has entered successfully since 2010. The school competes annually in the Lady Taverner's indoor cricket tournament at Lord's Cricket Ground, a highlight of the sporting calendar.

Participation across all clubs is high; the school deliberately offers options for all abilities — recreational clubs alongside competitive fixtures. Staff and specialist coaches deliver clubs throughout the year, and girls are encouraged to represent the school in borough competitions and fixtures.

Broader Extracurricular Landscape

Beyond the signature pillars, the school offers rich breadth. Named clubs have included Nations Society, STEM-focused discussion groups, and student-run initiatives. Girls are encouraged to found clubs; older students particularly take on leadership roles as club organisers and academic mentors to younger pupils. The summer Activities Week extends beyond drama and includes visits and activities at home and abroad, broadening horizons.

Sixth-form students are expected to contribute meaningfully to school life — whether through mentoring younger girls, running extracurricular clubs, or serving as subject prefects. This approach embeds leadership development and deepens community bonds.

Lady Margaret is non-selective at Year 7, though severely oversubscribed. In the most recent admissions cycle for which data is available, the school received approximately 774 applications for 117 places, a ratio of 6.6:1. Admission is coordinated through the local authority; places are allocated primarily by distance (with priority to looked-after children and those with EHCPs naming the school). No formal catchment boundary exists, but the school draws predominantly from within a tight radius of Parsons Green.

For sixth form entry at Year 12, the school accepts external applications alongside the majority of internal progressors. Entry criteria typically require at least grade 6 in relevant GCSE subjects, varying by course. A significant proportion of sixth-form intake comes from other schools; newcomers report a warm welcome and integration with the established cohort.

The school has undergone significant expansion in recent years. A new entrance directly onto Parsons Green opened in 2015, improving access and creating additional internal space. The permanent expansion from three to four forms of entry was completed in 2014 after two "bulge" years, reflecting sustained local demand.

The pastoral structure is clearly defined. Form tutors are the primary point of contact; heads of year manage broader pastoral oversight. A school counsellor is on-site approximately two days per week, providing individualised support for emotional and wellbeing concerns. Girls describe a happier atmosphere under the current leadership, with visible emphasis on self-esteem and individual flourishing.

The well-being programme runs throughout the school, complementing PSHE lessons. Sixth-form students benefit from a dedicated support system within the Olivier Centre. Behaviour is exemplary with low incidence of bullying; students consistently speak of feeling safe and valued.

The school's Christian ethos underpins pastoral values. Collective worship is central; students attend assemblies and, periodically, church services. However, the school remains genuinely inclusive; girls of other faiths and non-religious backgrounds participate fully and feel welcomed. Beliefs and Values programme in the sixth form (delivered fortnightly) engages students across religious, philosophical, and ethical perspectives non-examined but deeply considered.

The school day runs 8:50am to 3:20pm (standard sessions). Lunch facilities are provided on-site. No on-site breakfast or after-school care is available, reflecting the school's primarily local recruitment and the age of pupils. Uniform is required (navy blazer, skirt, pale blue shirt, navy tie); an extensive uniform list and code exists on the school website.

The school occupies a prime location in affluent Parsons Green, west London, with excellent public transport connectivity. The District, Piccadilly, and Circle lines serve the area; buses are frequent. The school is walkable from most neighbouring postcodes; many girls use bikes or scooters in addition to walking and buses. Parking for drop-off is limited and on-street; the school has issued a travel plan emphasizing sustainable transport.

Lunch costs are not specified in the publicly available information; parents should contact the school directly. Trips and activities incur additional costs, detailed in school communications. The voluntary contribution to the Lady Margaret Rose Fund (supporting activities not covered by the school budget) is requested but not compulsory.

Oversubscription pressure. With 6.6 applications for every place, entry is highly competitive, especially for families outside the immediate radius. Distance has fluctuated historically; families should not assume a place based on proximity alone. Verify current distance thresholds with the school and local authority.

Limited physical accessibility. The Georgian buildings, whilst architecturally treasured, have constraints. The school acknowledges limited wheelchair access to listed buildings. Families with accessibility needs should discuss specific support directly with the SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator).

Active, demanding culture. This is a school that thrives on participation and engagement. Girls are expected to contribute beyond the classroom — through clubs, house competitions, and community service (pupils visit local primary schools weekly to hear readers). Families seeking a quieter, less structured environment should reflect carefully.

Oversubscription from age 11 onwards. Not all external applications at sixth-form entry will be accommodated; the school prioritises internal progressors. The intake expands slightly for external sixth formers, but competition remains strong.

Lady Margaret School is a high-achieving, inclusive state school offering academic rigour matched by genuine care for each girl. The combination of excellent GCSE and A-level results, strong pastoral foundations, and rich extracurricular offer creates an education that is both intellectually ambitious and holistically nurturing. The school's recent recognition as London Comprehensive School of the Year reflects the consistency of this approach.

Best suited to girls across the ability range within the local catchment (or those fortunate enough to live nearby) who thrive in a structured, purposeful environment with high expectations. The school particularly suits those with artistic, musical, or sporting inclination, though academic focus is paramount. Families should be prepared for genuine competition at entry and understand that this is an engaged, participating school community. For those who gain a place, the evidence overwhelmingly suggests an excellent secondary education.