Elizabeth Garrett Anderson School Review 2026: Outstanding Girls’ Education

Standing confidently in the heart of Islington, Elizabeth Garrett Anderson School (EGA) is a non-selective community school for girls aged 11 to 16. Named after the first woman to qualify as a doctor in Britain, the school wears its feminist heritage with pride, actively shaping students to take their place in a world where barriers are meant to be broken.

The physical environment sets the tone before you even cross the threshold. The award-winning main building, opened in 2012, replaces the grim corridors of 1960s comprehensives with light, glass, and open learning spaces. It feels less like a school and more like a modern university campus or a corporate headquarters; a deliberate architectural choice that signals to the girls that their education is a serious, professional endeavour.

EGA sits in a highly competitive educational landscape. With an impressive inspection history, including a fresh inspection in January 2025 that awarded Outstanding grades across key areas, it remains one of the most sought-after state schools in North London. The school serves a diverse, comprehensive intake where over 50 languages are spoken, yet achieves results that consistently outpace national averages. For families in N1, it offers a compelling proposition: the academic rigour and single-sex focus often associated with the private sector, but rooted firmly in the state system and the local community.

The atmosphere at EGA is distinct. It is purposeful, certainly, but also noticeably supportive. Without boys in the classroom, the dynamic shifts; visitors often remark on the confidence with which students speak up, take risks in their learning, and occupy leadership roles. There is no battling for space or voice here. The "EGA way" is a phrase you hear often, referring to a culture of high expectations combined with kindness.

Leadership plays a central role in the school's identity. Ms Sarah Beagley, the Headteacher since 2018, leads with a clear vision that education is about more than just examination passes; it is about agency. The school explicitly teaches leadership skills, not just to the prefect team but throughout the year groups. You get the sense that the school is acutely aware of the "confidence gap" that often affects young women and is systematically dismantling it.

The student body is vibrant and reflective of modern London. While the academic pressure is real—this is a high-performing school—it does not feel like an exam factory. The corridors are calm, monitored by staff who know the students well, but they are also filled with the buzz of conversation. The uniform is worn smartly, a symbol of belonging to a community that views itself as elite in aspiration if not in selection.

Music and performance are woven into the fabric of the school. The distinct lack of bells in many areas and the reliance on students managing their own time fosters a sense of maturity. It is a place that treats 11-year-olds like young adults, and for the most part, they rise to the occasion.

In 2024, Elizabeth Garrett Anderson School continued its trajectory of strong academic performance. The school achieved a Progress 8 score of +0.24, indicating that students here make above-average progress from their primary school starting points compared to peers across England.

The Attainment 8 score stood at 54.0, significantly higher than the England average of 45.9. This metric measures the average grade across eight key subjects, and EGA's score reflects a cohort achieving strong passes across the board.

In terms of high grades, the school ranks 731st in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking) and ranks 3rd among secondary schools in Islington. This performance places it in the "national strong" band, outperforming the majority of schools in the country.

Crucially for a school that champions social mobility, the English Baccalaureate (EBacc) entry rate is 40.5%, with an average point score of 5.12 (England average: 4.08). Over 41% of students achieved a Grade 5 or above in the EBacc suite of subjects, ensuring they leave with the rigorous qualifications preferred by top universities.

The curriculum at EGA is designed to be broad but rigorous, with a clear emphasis on the core subjects that open doors. Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9) is protected as a three-year programme, avoiding the trend of starting GCSEs too early. This allows for depth in subjects like History, Geography, and Modern Foreign Languages before the narrowing of options occurs.

Teaching is structured and collaborative. Teachers here are subject specialists who are evidently passionate about their fields. In science, for example, the uptake of Triple Science is healthy, challenging the national trend of girls disengaging from STEM. The school leverages its location and reputation to attract high-quality staff, and retention is generally good, providing stability for the students.

Classrooms are equipped with modern technology, but the pedagogy relies on interaction. Questioning is targeted and probing; "no hands up" policies in many lessons ensure that everyone is expected to think, not just the loudest extroverts. Homework is set regularly and is seen as an integral part of the learning loop, not an optional extra.

The library is a focal point of the school’s learning strategy. It is well-stocked and heavily used, hosting regular author visits and reading challenges. Literacy support is robust for those arriving with lower reading ages, ensuring that the ambitious curriculum remains accessible to all.

As an 11-16 school, EGA does not have its own Sixth Form. While some parents initially view this as a drawback, the school frames it as a strength: by Year 11, students have outgrown the school and are ready for a new environment. It forces a moment of maturity and decision-making that students in all-through schools do not face until 18.

The destinations list is impressive. A significant number of leavers progress to the nearby City and Islington College (Angel Campus) for A-levels, which has a longstanding relationship with the school. Others secure places at highly selective sixth forms including Camden School for Girls, Woodhouse College, and the London Academy of Excellence.

The school has a dedicated careers team that begins working with students in Year 7, ramping up support significantly in Year 10 and 11. Mock interviews, application workshops, and taster days ensure that every student has a clear post-16 plan. The published figures suggest this works: NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) figures are consistently negligible.

Admission to Elizabeth Garrett Anderson School is coordinated by the London Borough of Islington. It is a community school, meaning there are no entrance exams or interviews. However, its reputation means it is consistently oversubscribed.

In 2024, the school received 433 applications for just 174 places, resulting in a ratio of approximately 2.5 applications per place. It is a popular choice, and competition is stiff.

Oversubscription criteria follow the standard Islington model: priority is given to looked-after children, siblings of current students, and then those living nearest to the school. In 2024, the last distance offered was 1.136 miles. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place.

Families living outside this radius often apply, but realistic expectations are important. The "catchment" is not a fixed line but a fluid boundary determined by the applicant pool each year. Parents should use the FindMySchoolMap Search to check their precise distance from the school gates compared to the last distance offered.

Pastoral care is the engine room of EGA. The school operates a year group system, with Heads of Year staying with their cohort as they move up the school. This continuity allows for deep relationships to form; the Head of Year becomes a significant figure in the student’s life and the primary contact for families.

The school is acutely aware of the pressures facing teenage girls in London, from social media to mental health. There is a dedicated team of non-teaching pastoral managers who are available throughout the day to deal with immediate issues, ensuring that teachers can focus on teaching.

Counselling support is available on-site, and the school works closely with external agencies for more complex needs. The Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) curriculum is responsive and frank, tackling issues like consent, body image, and online safety head-on.

Bullying is taken seriously. While no school is immune, parents report that when issues arise, they are dealt with swiftly. The "tell us" culture is encouraged, and the school uses peer mentors—older students trained to support younger ones—to bridge the gap between students and staff.

The extracurricular offer at EGA is extensive, designed to ensure that students leave with more than just a set of grades. The school day often extends well beyond the final bell, with clubs and societies catering to a wide range of interests.

Arts and Performance

The school has a formidable reputation for the arts. The annual school production is a major event, often involving over 100 students in cast and crew roles. The music department is vibrant, offering tuition in instruments ranging from the violin to the steel pans. The EGA Steel Pans band is a particular highlight, performing regularly at community events.

Sport

Despite the urban location, sport is taken seriously. The facilities include a sports hall, dance studio, and rooftop sports pitch. Netball, football, and basketball teams compete in borough and London-wide leagues. The emphasis is on participation as much as excellence, trying to keep girls engaged in sport through the critical teenage years.

Debating and Leadership

The Debating Society is one of the most popular clubs, with students competing in national competitions like the English-Speaking Union’s Mace. This aligns perfectly with the school's mission to give girls a voice. There are also numerous leadership opportunities, from the School Council to the digital leaders programme.

Trips and Visits

London is used as an extension of the classroom. Visits to the nearby Almeida Theatre, Sadler's Wells, and the British Library are common. Residential trips include outward bound experiences in Year 7 to build cohesion, and overseas trips for languages and history in older years.

The school is located on Donegal Street, a stone's throw from Angel tube station and the transport hub of King's Cross. It is incredibly well-connected, making it accessible for staff and students alike. The "School Street" scheme, which restricts traffic on Donegal Street during drop-off and pick-up times, creates a safer and calmer environment at the school gates.

The school day typically runs from 8:45am to 3:15pm, though many students arrive earlier for breakfast club or stay later for enrichment activities. The site is secure, with a staffed reception and gated entry.

There is no on-site parking for parents, and the surrounding streets are subject to strict controls. The school strongly encourages walking, cycling, or using public transport.

No Sixth Form: The most significant structural feature is the end point at Year 16. While this allows for a distinct "senior" status for Year 11s, it does mean students must navigate a move at a critical time. Families should be prepared for the college application process in Year 11.

Urban setting: This is an inner-city school. While the building is a sanctuary, the surrounding area is busy and urban. Students learn street smarts quickly, but for families used to leafy suburbs, the intensity of the location can be a shift.

Mobile Phone Policy: The school has strict rules regarding mobile phones, which must be off and away all day. This is strictly enforced to protect focus and wellbeing, but can be a culture shock for students used to constant connectivity.

Competitive entry: Getting in is not guaranteed, even for those relatively close by. The 1.1-mile distance in 2024 is generous for London but can shrink. Families should always have a backup plan.

Elizabeth Garrett Anderson School is a shining example of what state education can achieve. It offers a sophisticated, empowering, and rigorous environment that allows girls to thrive without the distraction or dominance of boys. It demands ambition from its students and gives them the tools to realise it. Best suited to families who want a dynamic, modern education that champions female leadership, and who are ready to support their daughters in a high-achieving, fast-paced environment. The main challenge is securing a place.