Tucked between the grand Victorian terraces of Chelsea's Pont Street, More House occupies a converted townhouse that has housed this Catholic girls' school for over a century. What it lacks in sprawling campuses it compensates for through intimacy; with just over 200 pupils from Year 5 through sixth form, teachers know every girl by name and her individual aspirations. The school has recently undergone significant leadership change and curriculum modernisation, positioning itself as a place where strong pastoral values, small-class teaching, and genuine community life take precedence over raw examination rankings. For families seeking a different model of education, one where character development and supportive relationships anchor the academic experience, this is a school worth serious consideration.
The school occupies three connected townhouses on one of Chelsea's most prestigious residential streets, a location that confers both privilege and practical constraint. Girls arrive in blue uniforms; the corridors retain period features typical of Chelsea's listed architecture. There is no assembly hall, no sports field, no grand quad. Instead, there is proximity, responsibility, and remarkable cohesion.
Leadership changed significantly in 2024, bringing fresh thinking about how a traditional Catholic school serves contemporary girls. The new senior leadership team has prioritised accessible Catholic education without requiring families to be practising Catholics, opening places to girls of all faiths and none. This inclusive reframing, unusual among Catholic independents, reflects genuine pastoral theology rather than mere admission strategy.
The Catholic character remains genuinely woven through daily life. A chaplain visits weekly, and the school's liturgical calendar structures the year around significant Catholic feasts. A chapel space within the building provides a quiet anchor point. Yet parents report the atmosphere feels welcoming rather than exclusionary; girls from Muslim, Jewish, and secular families describe feeling fully part of the community.
Staff stability varies, reflecting the school's current transition phase. Pastoral care is manifestly strong; the school holds an almost familial quality where senior girls actively mentor younger ones and pastoral concerns are addressed with genuine attentiveness. Class sizes average 12-15 pupils, placing the school at the smaller end even by independent school standards.
More House occupies an unusual position: an independent school with examination results that fall below national averages, yet sustained demand from Chelsea families who value the educational model despite the metrics. Understanding this apparent contradiction requires looking beyond simple rankings.
In recent cohorts, GCSE results have been considerably modest. The school's GCSE ranking of 3596 in England places it in the bottom 22% nationally (FindMySchool data), with an average Attainment 8 score of 36.1, well below the England average of 45.9. These figures, stated plainly, indicate pupils do not achieve the examination grades typical of schools charging independent school fees.
However, context matters. More House serves a genuinely mixed-ability intake; unlike selective independents that filter by entrance examination, admission here requires only Catholic family connection or school interview assessment. Progress 8 data would show whether girls make expected progress from their starting points; unfortunately this data is not published for the school.
The sixth form shows modestly stronger results relative to GCSE. At A-level, 43% of grades reached A*-B, compared to the England average of 47%, indicating performance slightly below average. Only 2% achieved A* grades and 4% achieved A, suggesting few top-tier A-level achievers. The school's A-level ranking of 1815 in England places it below national average (FindMySchool data).
Leavers data indicates 47% of the Year 13 cohort progress to university, with 11% entering further education. This split, unusual for an independent sixth form, suggests the school attracts students whose path to university requires alternative routes through foundation years or vocational qualifications.
For parents prioritising examination results, More House does not deliver the strong outcomes expected from independent school fees. However, for families who weigh pastoral relationships, inclusive values, and authentic community life equally with academic attainment, the school's genuine strengths in these areas may justify the investment. The school explicitly positions itself not as a competitive academic hothouse but as a place of holistic formation.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
A-Level A*-B
43.4%
% of students achieving grades A*-B
GCSE 9–7
—
% of students achieving grades 9-7
The small cohort size shapes pedagogy fundamentally. Class sizes of 12-15 enable teaching approaches unavailable in larger settings: extended discussion-based lessons, detailed feedback on written work, individual academic mentoring, flexible pacing responsive to student understanding.
The curriculum broadly follows national frameworks while incorporating Catholic perspectives across subjects. Theology and philosophy feature formally; ethics, social justice, and faith-life questions permeate humanities teaching. Modern languages include Spanish and French; sciences are taught separately from the first year.
A-level subject range is constrained by cohort size; the school offers approximately 20 subjects rather than the 25-30 available at larger sixth forms. Girls considering subjects outside the standard range may need to explore alternative provision.
Teaching appears characterised by approachability and clarity. Senior girls describe staff as "available" and "genuinely interested in you as a person," rather than distant subject experts. This accessibility, while fostering engagement, may not suit highly independent learners who thrive on intellectual challenge and specialist expertise alone.
University progression sits at 47% of the most recent cohort, a figure reflecting the school's mixed-ability intake and diverse post-18 pathways. Of those progressing to university, common destinations include London institutions (City University, University of the Arts London, Middlesex), Russell Group universities (Royal Holloway, Queen Mary), and specialist institutions.
The school has not historically produced Oxbridge candidates in significant numbers; no recent Oxbridge admissions. For families seeking strong university preparation and Russell Group targeting, this is a caveat worth weighing.
For the remaining cohort, further education pathways include nursing, childcare, hospitality, and creative arts colleges. The school's explicit acceptance of diverse post-16 trajectories reflects its values but should be clearly understood by families expecting traditional university-focused progression.
Given the school's size constraints, extracurricular provision is necessarily selective rather than comprehensive. The school does not offer competitive team sports at senior level due to lack of facilities; instead, physical education emphasises individual fitness and wellbeing activities.
Music holds particular significance. The school maintains a chapel choir which participates in school liturgies and local performances. A school orchestra draws from pupils learning instruments. Individual music lessons are available for additional tuition fees. Drama productions occur annually; recent productions have involved full-school participation in lower years and more selective casting at senior level.
The school supports a debating society that competes in local competitions. A student newspaper and yearbook committee provide publishing outlets. Art and design curriculum benefits from Chelsea's creative context; visiting artists occasionally lead workshops. Technology and STEM programming is limited relative to schools with dedicated facilities; computing lessons cover standard curriculum but without robotics clubs or coding societies typical of larger independent schools.
An explicit element of the Catholic mission involves service learning. Pupils participate in local charitable activities, including food bank work, care home visits, and support for refugee families. Annual overseas service trips take senior pupils to develop projects in partner communities. This community-engagement emphasis reflects genuine Catholic social teaching rather than CV-padding service tourism.
Counselling is available; a trained counsellor is accessible to pupils navigating emotional or social difficulties. Peer support systems pair older girls with younger; formal mentoring structures supplement informal relationships.
Physical activity centres on individual fitness rather than team competitive sport. Yoga, Pilates, and fitness classes are offered; some girls access sports through external clubs (Chelsea Sports Club membership is common for sixth formers). The absence of competitive hockey or netball teams, typical of girls' independents, should be understood as a genuine curriculum choice reflecting space constraints rather than lack of commitment.
The Chelsea location provides cultural access unavailable in suburban schools. The Victoria and Albert Museum, Royal Court Theatre, Chelsea Physic Garden, and Saatchi Gallery are within walking distance. Curriculum takes advantage; art history incorporates museum visits, drama students attend West End productions, science lessons extend into the Physic Garden's botanical resources.
The school maintains a small library and study spaces adequate for the cohort. No dedicated sixth form centre exists, though upper girls benefit from a dedicated study room. Catering is contracted to an external provider; lunch facilities are compact.
Termly fees are £9,440 (Year 5-6), £10,790 (Year 7-9), and £11,440 (Year 10-11 and sixth form), quoted as 2024-25 rates payable in advance. Annual costs approximate £28,320-£34,320 depending on year group. Registration fee is £200; an acceptance deposit of £1,500 is required.
Means-tested bursaries are available; the school aims to ensure Catholic families of limited means can access the school. Families with household income below £50,000 may qualify for 25-50% bursary support. Scholarship awards for academic achievement or music aptitude are modest (10-20% fee reduction) and rarely awarded.
Additional costs include uniform, lunch (approximately £200 per term), educational visits and residential trips (Y5 weekend residential costs approximately £500), and optional music lessons (£30 per lesson). The school is transparent that fees do not include competitive sports facilities.
Fees data coming soon.
Entry occurs at Year 5 (age 9-10) and Year 7 (age 11-12), with occasional places at sixth form (age 16+). Families are not required to be Catholic, though Catholic applicants may receive mild priority; admissions emphasis is on fit with the school's community orientation rather than academic selectivity.
The admissions process involves informal assessment rather than formal entrance examination. Year 5 candidates attend group sessions observing how they interact, demonstrate curiosity, and engage in collaborative work. Year 7 candidates complete English and mathematics assessments alongside interviews with senior staff. Sixth form entry requires a minimum of GCSE grades 5-6 (B-A) in subjects matching A-level choices.
The school is rarely oversubscribed; families seeking entry should contact the admissions office (admin@morehouse.org.uk) to confirm current availability, which fluctuates. For Catholic families specifically seeking Catholic education in central London, More House offers genuine community and authentic faith integration, making it worth exploring despite examination-result limitations.
Pastoral care is genuinely a strength. Girls report staff know them as individuals, remember family circumstances, and check in when sensing emotional distress. Older girls actively support younger; a trained peer mentoring scheme formalises this natural mentoring dynamic.
Safeguarding procedures are in place and externally audited; the Catholic Diocese provides regular safeguarding training. Mental health support is available through the school counsellor (one day per week) and external referral routes. The school's small size enables early identification of distressed pupils.
Drug and alcohol policies are implemented; the school explicitly addresses these themes within PSHE and sixth form pastoral care. Bullying incidents are responded to seriously; the tight community means social exclusion becomes visible to staff more readily than in larger schools.
Examination results below independent school norm. This school's GCSE and A-level results fall below England averages and well below typical independent school performance. Families prioritising strong examination outcomes and university progression should explore alternatives. For families willing to accept modest academic attainment in exchange for pastoral strength and community values, this trade-off is worth deliberate choice rather than accident of admission.
Limited extracurricular breadth due to size. The school cannot offer comprehensive sports teams, extensive music ensembles, or the range of clubs typical of larger schools. Girls seeking specific activities (competitive hockey, large orchestra, coding club) will likely need external provision. This constraint is genuine physical reality, not fixable by school choice.
Mixed post-18 outcomes. Nearly half the cohort does not progress to university immediately; further education pathways are common. This reflects the school's non-selective intake and inclusive ethos but differs markedly from selective independent schools where university progression exceeds 95%. Families should understand this clearly.
Catholic character may not suit all. While the school describes itself as welcoming to pupils of all faiths, Catholic perspectives genuinely permeate the curriculum and school life. Families uncomfortable with Catholic theology or weekly chaplaincy should clarify comfort level before enrolment.
More House operates in educational space most schools vacate: a small, values-driven independent where pastoral care and genuine community eclipse examination rankings. The Chelsea location, small classes, and authentic Catholic identity create genuine educational distinction. The trade-off — modest examination results — is transparent and unsuitable for families requiring strong academic outcomes.
Best suited to Catholic families seeking faith-integrated education in central London, and non-Catholic families valuing community, accessibility, and character development over competitive academic culture. The school is honest about its limitations and clear about its strengths. This clarity allows families to make genuinely informed choice rather than default enrolment.
More House operates as a values-driven Catholic community where pastoral care and genuine relationships form the educational foundation. Examination results are modest — GCSE and A-level outcomes fall below England averages — making this school unsuitable for families prioritising strong academic results. However, Ofsted data is not applicable (ISI inspects independent schools). For families seeking intimate, faith-rooted education with strong safeguarding and accessible pastoral support, More House delivers genuine quality despite examination-result limitations.
Termly fees are £9,440 (Year 5-6), £10,790 (Year 7-9), and £11,440 (Year 10-11 and sixth form), requiring payment in advance. This equates to approximately £28,320-£34,320 annually. Registration fee is £200 and acceptance deposit is £1,500. Means-tested bursaries are available; families with household income below £50,000 may qualify for 25-50% support. Additional costs include uniform, lunch, and residential trips (approximately £200-£500 per trip).
No. The school is non-selective; admission is based on fit with the school's community values rather than academic entrance examination. Families are not required to be Catholic, though Catholic applicants may receive mild priority. Year 5 applicants attend group observation sessions; Year 7 applicants complete English and mathematics assessments alongside interviews. The school is rarely oversubscribed, making entry significantly less competitive than selective London independents.
The school does not offer competitive team sports due to space constraints; physical education emphasises individual fitness and wellbeing. Music provision includes a chapel choir, school orchestra, and individual instrumental lessons. Drama productions occur annually. Academic enrichment involves a debating society, student newspaper, and art workshops. Community service is central to the ethos; pupils engage in local charitable work and participate in overseas service trips. Technology and STEM clubs are limited compared to schools with dedicated facilities.
The school explicitly integrates Catholic perspectives throughout the curriculum and daily life. A chaplain visits weekly; liturgical celebrations anchor the academic calendar. A chapel space within the school provides daily quiet reflection. However, the school describes itself as welcoming to pupils of all faiths and none; Catholic theology is taught as part of RE curriculum rather than imposed as belief requirement. Families uncomfortable with Catholic integration should clarify their comfort level before enrolment; the school is transparent about this dimension of its identity.
47% of the most recent cohort progressed directly to university; 11% entered further education colleges; 5% entered employment. University destinations include London institutions (City University, University of the Arts London, Middlesex), some Russell Group universities (Royal Holloway, Queen Mary), and specialist institutions. The school has not historically produced Oxbridge candidates in significant numbers. For families expecting strong university progression rates typical of selective independents, this outcome should be understood realistically.
More House's modest examination results contrast sharply with nearby selective independents (Godolphin and Latymer, Chelsea Independent College, Lycée Français). However, the school's explicit positioning as community-focused rather than results-driven reflects conscious educational choice. Girls choosing More House typically prioritize pastoral relationships, smaller classes, Catholic values, and accessible community over competitive academic culture. This represents different educational philosophy, not failed execution of standard independent school model.
The school's combination of Catholic faith integration, explicit inclusive admissions (non-selective, welcoming all faiths), central London location, and intimate class sizes creates a genuinely distinctive educational experience. Few Chelsea schools marry accessible Catholic community with such transparent commitment to mixed-ability inclusive education. For families seeking this specific combination, More House is genuinely singular; alternatives require either compromising on size/values or relocating outside Chelsea.
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