Teacher of Biology

Francis Holland, Sloane Square, is an independent, selective, Church of England school for girls aged 11-18 with Sixth Form situated in Belgravia. There are currently over 570 students on roll. The School was named Sunday Times Independent Secondary School of the Year 2023 and is in the top 13 independent schools nationally for GCSE and A Level results, and in the top 8 in London.

Francis Holland, Sloane Square was founded in 1881 by Reverend Canon Francis Holland. Three years later, the School moved to its current site on Graham Terrace, where it has since expanded to include a Junior School, the RIBA award-winning Centre for Creative Learning, a Centre for Creative Enterprise, and a transformational Sixth Form Centre, the Old School House, which increased the school site’s footprint by 15% in 2021 (909sqm). In September 2024, the Junior School relocated to a new location just off the King’s Road and became Francis Holland Preparatory School. The School is governed by the Francis Holland Schools Trust along with its sister school Francis Holland, Regent’s Park and Francis Holland Preparatory School.

Head

Mrs Alexandra Haydon (MSc Oxon, BSc Durham)

Values and Vision

Francis Holland is rooted in its Christian ethos, but welcomes girls of all nationalities and faiths. The School’s vision is to provide an inspiring, holistic education in a community which empowers girls to become the leaders, thinkers, innovators, designers, entrepreneurs, and game-changers of tomorrow. We offer an outstanding experience of learning and culture by putting curiosity, critical thinking and problem-solving at the heart of our approach to learning as well as encouraging entrepreneurship through our double award-winning Creative Enterprise programme. Sixth Formers enjoy abundant leadership and entrepreneurship opportunities within the Old School House, a state-of-the-art learning environment which offers the perfect transition from school to university-style learning and the world of work beyond.

The School’s public exam results (75% of GCSE grades were A* in 2023, while 62% of A Level results were A*-A and 29% A* in 2023), have been on a dramatic upward trajectory over the last five years and we are now rank amongst the top independent schools nationally. However, what really sets FHS apart is our exceptional pastoral care and strong sense of community. Girls are robust and resilient because they feel supported and confident in taking risks in order to reach their full potential. Infused with passion, purpose and a sense of joy, FHS is a school where children flourish, often achieving far more than they could ever have imagined.

ISI Report

Francis Holland was reported as ‘Excellent’ in all areas of Educational Quality and met all Regulatory Compliance Inspection standards (ISI Inspection Report, April 2017).

The quality of the pupils’ academic and other achievements is excellent.

· Girls entering GCSE, IGCSE and A Level examinations achieve high grades that are above average for pupils of similar ability. Girls make strong progress at all ages

· The school is notably successful in fulfilling its aims to provide an education which promotes independent thought, enthusiasm for learning and leadership skills

· Girls show very high levels of skill, knowledge and understanding in all areas of learning and in their extra-curricular activities

· Girls demonstrate outstanding attitudes to learning throughout the school

· Many girls achieve very high standards in extra-curricular activities, particularly in ballet, sport, music, drama, and debating

The quality of the pupils’ personal development is excellent.

· Girls develop outstanding self-confidence and strong social skills

· Girls have excellent spiritual understanding and a well-developed sense of moral integrity. They treat each other and staff with kindness and consideration

· Girls have a very strong sense of community and are proud of their school. They are respectful of the beliefs and heritage of others, and their behaviour is exemplary

· Girls fully understand the need to establish balance in activities to stay physically and mentally healthy