Channing School

The School

Channing School is summed up by its Vision, ‘Girls Enjoying Success’. In our latest ISI report educational quality we were given the highest grading possible. Not only has the quality of the pupils’ academic and other achievements been graded as excellent but also the quality of their personal development.

Girls at Channing enjoy academic success from a tailored educational programme that encourages confidence, independent thinking and provides girls with life skills to take on the next stage of their education as thoughtful, responsive, socially aware adults, prepared for the challenges of the world today.

Founded in 1885 by Unitarian sisters and supported by Rev. Robert Spears, Channing School, named after notable American Unitarian William Ellery Channing, has been known as a successful, happy community. Remaining true to our Unitarian foundation, the School is an inclusive community that values the individual skills, spiritual beliefs, achievements and contribution of all members of the school community.

Going beyond Academic Achievement

We believe that examination success is not solely the end goal of a pupil’s journey through school, rather that it should be an enriching academic and extra-curricular experience that allows girls to develop skills, confidence, creativity and character, instilling in pupils a lifelong love of learning and a firm belief that anything is possible.

Experienced, dedicated teachers offer a supportive, encouraging and challenging learning environment that allows pupils to achieve success beyond what they might have thought possible.

Virtually all pupils leaving at the end of Sixth Form go on to study at top universities, both in the UK and further afield.

Community Spirit

Though large enough to ensure academic rigour and excellent facilities, the school is small enough for the Head and members of staff to know every girl personally and as an individual.  We have a strong family tradition and a supportive Parents' Association.  The atmosphere is happy and purposeful.  We set high standards emphasising concern and respect for the needs of others.  A major feature of the school is the huge range of extra-curricular activities on offer to pupils and it is expected that all staff will contribute in some way to this aspect of school.  Opportunities exist for involvement in cultural, dramatic, sporting and intellectual pursuits and staff assist in areas where they have a genuine interest and enthusiasm.

Exceptional Setting

The school is in an attractive part of Highgate, with convenient transport links by road and underground.  Visitors are often surprised at how light, green and open our site is.  We have preserved the character of the older buildings, but completely refurbished and redesigned them to provide bright and spacious teaching rooms. Our ambitious £13m building programme, completed in 2017, has provided us with excellent dining facilities, a Music School, a new Sixth Form Centre, Sports Hall with fitness suite and a Performing Arts Centre on the senior school site, but available to the whole school.

Channing Junior School

Channing Junior School has been housed in the gracious Victorian family home known as ‘Fairseat’ built by Sir Sydney Waterlow, former Lord Mayor of London since 1926. The School is situated in extensive gardens at the top of Highgate Hill with spectacular views over London. The house is well-maintained with light, spacious and elegant rooms.  Renovations have led to the provision of a Music Studio, Drama Studio, practical room for Design Technology, as well as a multi-purpose hall.

The Junior School provides a happy, stimulating and secure environment for some 336 girls aged 4 to 11.  Entrance is at 4+ and is selective. The broad-based curriculum recognises the importance of the core subjects of English, Mathematics and Science and delivery is through a mix of form teaching and subject specialism.  The curriculum is supported by local trips and outings, to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the capital.  There is a strong tradition in Drama, Music, Art and Sport and Computing and Forest School also form a key part of the curriculum.  In Reception and KS1, pupils are taught mainly by their form teachers supported by teaching assistants. We aim to provide small children with a strong sense of security during their first years in the school and as a result, the school is a happy place to learn.  As girls progress into KS2, the teaching remains form-based but with additional specialist teaching in Music, PE, Art, DT, and Modern Languages. The girls are encouraged to become independent learners and, through a variety of teaching strategies, to achieve an increased love of learning and knowledge of the wider world.

The school is very well-resourced and fortunate in its light and airy buildings and in its attractive situation on Highgate Hill. Virtually all full-time staff contribute in some way to our extensive and important extra-curricular programme and raising money for charity, community service, the Duke of Edinburgh Award and Young Enterprise are highly valued. The staff-room is friendly and mutually supportive, and cross-curricular involvement is welcomed and encouraged, particularly in activities outside the classroom. The girls are receptive and well-motivated, and conditions for staff are excellent; we pay London salaries and there is generous provision made for INSET and professional development.