The Godolphin and Latymer School Review 2026: Elite Academic Performance with IB Choice in Hammersmith

The Godolphin and Latymer School stands among the highest-performing girls' schools in England, ranked 3rd nationally for GCSE results and 23rd for A-level outcomes. Founded in 1905 on the site of a former boys' boarding school and supported by the historic Latymer Foundation, this independent day school for 810 girls aged 11 to 18 occupies a six-acre campus in Hammersmith. The school's distinctive feature is its dual qualification pathway in the sixth form, offering both the International Baccalaureate Diploma and A-levels. Fees stand at approximately £9,309 per term (based on annual fees of £27,928 for 2024-25). Dr Frances Ramsey leads the school with an ethos that balances rigorous academics with extensive co-curricular opportunities. The 2022 ISI inspection rated the school "Excellent" across all categories, and in 2023 it was named London Independent School of the Year.

The school's Cornish motto, "Francha Leale Toge" (free and loyal art thou), captures a philosophy that prizes both intellectual independence and community commitment. The institution began as the Godolphin School for boys in 1861, set in fields near the River Thames. When that venture struggled, the site was repurposed in 1905 as an independent day school for girls, merging support from the Latymer Foundation with the Godolphin legacy. Around 200 girls moved into the converted premises in January 1906.

The school's history includes a notable period as a state grammar school from 1944 to 1977, when Dame Joyce Bishop took the decision to offer free places to bright girls regardless of financial background. When grammar status was removed in 1977, the school returned to independence but retained a strong commitment to access through bursaries. The 2005 centenary was celebrated with a service at St Paul's Cathedral.

Today's atmosphere blends high expectations with pastoral warmth. Research-led teaching and intellectual rigour sit alongside a house system, extensive student leadership opportunities, and programmes such as G&L Futures, which develops resilience, collaboration and entrepreneurship. The school describes itself as warm, friendly and supportive, where academic and pastoral care go hand in hand. Parents and inspectors consistently note the nurturing environment, unusual at this level of selectivity, where girls are challenged academically without sacrificing personal development.

Academic performance places Godolphin and Latymer in the elite tier of English schools. At GCSE, 92.8% of grades awarded were 9–8 (A*), and 97.8% were 9–7 (A*–A), compared with a national average of 54%. The school ranks 3rd in England and 2nd in Hammersmith and Fulham. At A-level, 40.5% of grades were A*, 41.1% were A, and 95.3% were A*–B, well above the national average of 23.6% A*–A. The sixth form ranks 23rd nationally and 3rd locally, placing it in the top 1% of all schools.

The curriculum follows the National Curriculum in the early years before broadening into a full range of GCSEs, with EBacc subjects strongly emphasised. In the sixth form, students choose between A-levels and the IB Diploma, a rare flexibility that allows girls to select the best fit for their learning style and university ambitions. The G&L Futures programme, woven through all year groups, complements academic study with explicit development of critical thinking, creative problem-solving and leadership skills.

Teaching is research-informed and forward-thinking. The school holds the Research Mark Teaching accreditation and is a Trinity Champion Centre for music, reflecting its commitment to excellence in specialist areas. Class sizes are modest, and the pupil-to-teacher ratio ensures individual attention even in this high-achieving cohort.

Support for learning differences is available, though the school's academic selectivity means the intake is cognitively strong. Girls requiring extra time or other concessions for entrance assessments are accommodated with appropriate evidence. The school's mobile phone policy prohibits use of personal devices on school premises for Years 7–11, with sixth formers permitted to use phones in designated areas.

The Hammersmith campus, developed imaginatively over decades, offers specialist spaces for sciences, arts, drama and music. A house system provides pastoral structure and drives inter-house competition in sports, debating and performance. Extracurricular life is exceptionally broad: music includes chamber choirs and orchestral ensembles; drama productions range from Year 7 Christmas performances to major theatrical works; sport encompasses cross country at national level, cricket (the school appears in The Cricketer magazine's Top 20 All-Girls Schools), and a full programme of team and individual sports.

Clubs and societies cater to diverse interests, from the Biology Dissection Club and Ancient World Breakfast Club to Model United Nations and Duke of Edinburgh Award schemes. Leadership opportunities abound through student councils, house captaincies and peer mentoring. Visits and trips extend learning beyond the classroom, and recent initiatives include guest lectures on cutting-edge topics such as organ transplant engineering and participation in national mathematics competitions.

The school holds Eco-Schools status and other awards recognising its commitments beyond academics. The vibrant community of 810 girls and 250 staff creates a lively, purposeful environment where girls are encouraged to take initiative and explore their passions.

In the most recent cohort, 9 students secured places at Oxford or Cambridge (4 to Cambridge, 5 to Oxford), representing a 90% acceptance rate among those who received offers. Including Oxbridge, over 90% of UK-bound leavers attend Russell Group universities, with popular destinations including Durham, Edinburgh, UCL, St Andrews, Exeter and Manchester.

More than 20% of each year group pursue university study outside the UK, particularly in North America and Europe. Recent leavers have been accepted to Harvard, Stanford and McGill, reflecting both the breadth of the school's curriculum (the IB option is particularly attractive to US universities) and the ambition of its students. Subjects studied span biochemistry, engineering, philosophy, law, international relations and the full range of humanities and sciences.

Godolphin and Latymer is academically selective, admitting around 120 girls to Year 7 each year. Entry is by examination and interview, normally at 11+ or 16+. At 11+, the school uses the London 11+ Consortium assessment, a shared entrance exam for several leading London girls' schools. The exam, now delivered online, runs for 100 minutes and covers mathematics (based on the National Curriculum for Year 5), non-verbal reasoning, English comprehension, verbal reasoning, and puzzles and problem-solving.

Registration closes at noon on the first Friday of November in Year 6. The Consortium assessment is held in late November or early December, and all candidates are invited to a face-to-face interview in January. The school does not prioritise one element of the process; the reference from the candidate's current head, the assessment result, and the interview are weighted equally. A non-refundable registration fee of £150 is required.

The school does not have a catchment area and draws applicants from across London and beyond. Demand is intense, with many more applications than places from academically able girls. Bursaries are available covering up to 110% of fees (to include incidental costs) for families who could not otherwise afford the school, awarded mostly at Year 7 and sixth form entry. The school does not offer academic scholarships, but music scholarships and art awards recognise outstanding talent.

Occasional places arise in other year groups, and the school accommodates overseas applicants. Open days provide opportunities to tour the campus and meet staff.

The Godolphin and Latymer School delivers elite academic results in a supportive, intellectually curious environment. The combination of top-tier performance (3rd in England for GCSE, 23rd for A-level), rare curricular flexibility (A-level or IB pathways), and a warm pastoral ethos distinguishes it among London's leading independent girls' schools. The school's heritage, rooted in charitable provision, continues through generous bursaries that open access beyond those who can pay full fees.

Parents choosing this school should expect a demanding, fast-paced academic programme, a cohort of exceptionally able peers, and an extensive co-curricular calendar that requires energy and commitment. The lack of a catchment area means families across London compete for places, and success in the entrance process requires strong preparation. For girls who thrive on intellectual challenge, value choice in how they learn, and seek a school that balances rigour with genuine care, Godolphin and Latymer offers one of the finest independent educations in the country.

Is The Godolphin and Latymer School a good school?

Yes, by any academic measure. The school ranks 3rd in England for GCSE results and 23rd for A-levels, placing it in the top 1% nationally. Over 90% of GCSE grades are A* or 9–8, and over 90% of UK-bound leavers attend Russell Group universities, with nine students securing Oxbridge places in the most recent cohort. The 2022 ISI inspection rated the school "Excellent," and it was named London Independent School of the Year in 2023. Beyond results, the school is widely praised for its warm, supportive atmosphere, broad extracurricular programme and commitment to developing well-rounded young women.

How do I apply to The Godolphin and Latymer School?

The main entry points are at 11+ (Year 7) and 16+ (sixth form). For 11+ entry, register by noon on the first Friday of November in Year 6 (a non-refundable £150 fee applies). Candidates sit the London 11+ Consortium assessment in late November or early December, a 100-minute online test covering maths, verbal and non-verbal reasoning, English comprehension, and problem-solving. All candidates are then invited to interview in January. The school considers the head's reference, assessment results and interview equally. The admissions team can be contacted via the school website at www.godolphinandlatymer.com/admissions. Bursaries covering up to 110% of fees are available for families in financial need.

What are the school's term dates and key admissions deadlines?

Term dates are published on the school website each academic year. For 11+ entry, the critical deadline is noon on the first Friday of November in Year 6 for registration. The Consortium assessment follows in late November or early December, with interviews in January. For the most current dates and any changes, parents should consult the school's admissions pages or contact the admissions office directly, as specific dates may vary year to year.

Does the school offer bursaries or scholarships?

Yes. The school offers means-tested bursaries covering up to 110% of fees (including incidental costs) to families who could not otherwise afford to send their daughter to the school. Bursaries are awarded primarily at Year 7 and sixth form entry. The school does not offer academic scholarships, reflecting its view that all pupils are academically able. However, music scholarships are available for outstanding musicians at age 11 and above, and art awards are offered to older students. Details on bursary applications are available from the admissions office.