Channing School The Good Schools Guide Review

Independent Day School for Girls aged 4-18

The Good Schools Guide to Channing Junior and Senior Schools

“You have no difficulty believing that her ambition - ‘I spend my life trying to give girls the absolute best’ – is fully realised.”

Channing Junior School Good Schools Guide review Head Since 2008, Louise Lawrance B Prim Ed, 40s. Mrs Lawrance grew up in South Africa, where she trained as an English specialist. Then spent five years in the state sector in Burton on Trent before taking a ‘gap’ year (‘I was in my late 20s and working every evening’), realising in the process that ‘I was really meant to be in teaching’. Returned to the UK, where she spent seven years at Gems Hampshire School in Chelsea (now the Hampshire School), the last three as head of the pre-prep. A relaxed and sympathetic presence, she continues to teach the youngest, and you have no difficulty believing that her ambition - ‘I spend my life trying to give girls the absolute best’ – is fully realised.

Married, with a young son.

Entrance Main entry at 4+. About 200 assessed (ie observed performing a range of ‘nursery tasks’) for 48 places (two classes of 24) in January before entry, then whittled down in a second round. ‘We’re looking for bright girls, who are interested, engaged and willing to have a go,’ says the head. The school’s increasing popularity means they’re now first choice for most applicants. A further handful of places at 7+ (but this entry point is ending in 2018), and a smattering of vacancies higher up. Most families, however, are here for the duration.

Exit The mode’ is ‘all-through’, and the focus is to prepare girls well for the next stage, not for admissions elsewhere. (‘We don’t provide extra tutoring or practice papers’). The assumption is that all girls will proceed to the senior school without further entrance testing. (‘Not having to do the 11+ is a real advantage,’ said one mother. ‘It enables you to have a longer term view of education, which is very appealing.’) Last year a handful left for other schools. Some to board, some to the state (including highly competitive selective schools, like Henrietta Barnett and St Michael’s Catholic Grammar), one or two to other leading independents. Children who would really struggle at the senior school are also gently guided elsewhere. ‘It isn’t a question of having a bar that has to be met,’ says the head. ‘We want girls to thrive. Some children find the academic pace a challenge and flourish nonetheless, but if a girl’s self-confidence starts to dip, we help the family find the best alternative.’

Our View Set opposite its senior school, behind high walls and tall gates in Highgate’s traffic-packed high street, the school’s rather forbidding exterior belies the pleasures within. Located in what was once Fairseat, the fine Victorian mansion of the Waterlow family, the junior school moved into its current accommodation in 1926, retaining a generous slice of the original gardens (the remainder was donated to the community to become adjoining Waterlow Park). The expansive house (with far-reaching views) now contains large, light classrooms, a performing arts studio, music rooms, a practical room for science, and plenty of elbow room for all. The gardens, with their mature trees, also house an adventure playground. ‘It gives them a freedom rarely found in London,’ says the head.

‘They can go into the bushes and make dens and still feel totally safe.’

A fundamental aspect of the school’s approach is its personalised attitude to the academics; all are taught to a high standard, but not all are taught in the same way. (‘One of my daughters needs – and gets – much more support than the other,’ said a parent.) Bright and breezy

teaching moves at a brisk, imaginative pace. (We watched girls create a ‘storm’ using a variety of sounds, for example, for a lesson on weather.) Specialists in ICT, modern languages. Art, DT, PE, drama and music throughout. Innovative Spanish language programmed planned for 2016 onwards to engage all pupils in ‘Spanish language and culture’. French also added in year 3.

“A fundamental aspect of the school’s approach is its personalised attitude to the academics”

IT firmly embedded from the off, with a dedicated IT room lined with Apple Macs, and iPads used as ‘learning tools’.

‘Somehow they see them as something completely different from the tablets at home,’ says the head. ‘Here they’re used as dictionaries, for creativity and for research.’

Reasonably heavy homework load. (‘My daughter couldn’t manage more,’ said the mother of a girl in year 5), but it’s cool to work hard and parents, pupils and students all have high aspirations.

‘The school manages a good balance between stretching them academically, while still nurturing them and treating them as individuals,’ said one parent. ‘I feel my daughter’s pushed about the right amount,’ said another.

“...it’s cool to work hard and parents, pupils and students all have high aspirations.”

Designated additional learning coordinator works with classroom teachers to put together appropriate learning plans. Children are sometimes withdrawn from lessons to work in a quieter space, but always follow the same work as their classmates. Gifted and talented also given additional stretch.

Attractive, well-used library with dedicated librarian, encouraging even the youngest to borrow, express opinions, and carry out research.

Music undoubtedly a strength, with enthusiastic head of music working closely with her equally energetic colleague in the senior school. Regular music lessons, plus plenty of opportunities to perform in music assemblies, orchestra, brass and wind bands, string quartet, and choir. Wide range of individual music lessons, with vast majority taking classes in anything from saxophone to harp. (The school currently has four harpists.) Does its best to ensure girls find an instrument that ‘fits their character’ and lets parents borrow rather than buy in the early stages.

Three girls recently invited to join the National Children’s Orchestra and last year junior school pupils won one music scholarship and five music awards to the senior school. Art, with its own designated room, also vibrant.

Large sports hall on site (recently vacated by senior school, which now has its own, that junior girls can also take advantage of), plus well-used netball and tennis courts. Swimming takes place elsewhere, and the schools has its own playing field a brisk walk away used for sports days and rounders matches. Pupils have competed at regional and national level in tennis, swimming and crosscountry.

Girls are well behaved – leaping to their feet to chorus ‘Good Afternoon’ – but building confidence is as critical as good manners. ‘My daughter used to be very shy,’ said a parent, ‘but performing in everything from music assemblies to poetry readings has made her much more self-assured.’ The atmosphere is friendly and bustling, girls engaged and enthusiastic. ‘My daughter loves the school,’ said one mother. ‘If we ever discuss moving, she says she doesn’t want to leave. She has a wide variety of friends - the school’s not cliquey at all.’

“The atmosphere is friendly and bustling, girls engaged and enthusiastic.”

Channing used to be very much a local school, but the increased intake and improved academic reputation mean that, while there are still plenty of locals (some whose families have attended the school for generations), the pool now spreads out five miles, with plenty arriving from Islington and beyond.

Families are also more international than before, though still largely made up of a solid core of affluent professionals. Active parents' association arranges regular events and last year also helped raise £17,000 or so for charity.

Head has significantly boosted the extracurricular offering introducing in- and after-school clubs ranging from judo and gymnastics to fencing, ballet and chess (with one Grand-Master-in-the-making competing in the under-11 World Chess Champions). Busy schedule of visits (Neasden Temple, Sky Studios, engineering workshop) and residential trips for older pupils.

“...a firm advocate of girls-only education. ‘I’ve seen girls in co-educational schools sitting silently for years. Girls here are not without an interesting social life, but here they have the freedom to be themselves and try new things.’”

Channing Senior School Good Schools Guide review

Headmistress Since 2005, Mrs Barbara Elliott, MA PGCE (50s). Mrs Elliott attended a girls’ grammar school in Lancashire, then read French and Spanish at New Hall, Cambridge. Taught in both the independent and state sectors before arriving at Channing a decade ago. Much liked by pupils and parents (‘She brought new life into the school.’) Gets to knows pupils well at the outset by inviting year 7s in for a chat. With experience of all-boys, all-girls and mixed schools, she remains a firm advocate of girls-only education. ‘I’ve seen girls in co-educational schools sitting silently for years. Girls here are not without an interesting social life, but here they have the freedom to be themselves and try new things.’ Like her pupils, there’s nothing of the wallflower about Mrs Elliott, whose fashionable red glasses and stripy tights signal her buoyant and breezy personality. Pomp and distance play no part in her regime (recently, for example, she happily sat crossed legged for morning assembly in a charity swop with a junior pupil), and she runs the school with a light touch. It’s clear, however, she remains devoted to its future. ‘I’m not about to leave,’ she says firmly. ‘Why would I go anywhere?’ With four adult sons, all now successfully established, she’s recently become a grandmother. Lives locally, and spare moments are spent walking (with her dog) on Hampstead Heath, ‘making the most of London’, and travelling further afield.

Academic Matters Channing is an academic school, but not one where academic achievement overrides all else. The intake here is slightly broader than at some of the local competition, and not every pupil will be cut out for straight A*s. (‘Here, if a girl is outstanding at art, but not at maths, it’s not the end of the world,’ says the head. ‘Some are exceptionally bright; others, exceptional at something, but not everything.’) Every girl, however, should get the best she’s capable of, and often significantly more than might be expected. (‘Some achieve more than you’d have ever have thought possible.’)

At GCSE, most garner a pleasing string of A*-As (86 per cent in 2015); at A levels, the dominant alphabet is again A*-A (58 per cent).

The sixth form is not huge – about 60 in each year – and nor is the subject range (19 on offer), but the core is serious stuff and the conventional arts/science divide is roughly in balance, with biology and economics attracting similar numbers to history and English. Maths tops the popularity stakes; biology and politics take away the highest grades.

Good spread of languages, with Spanish, French, German, Latin and Greek all on offer at GCSE and A level, and

the head is about to introduce a new language programme running throughout the school, ‘to ensure every girl leaves proficient in a Spanish.’ Art history recently reintroduced to the post-GCSE mix.

The school prides itself on the quality of its teaching. (‘We teach our teachers to teach,’ says the head.) The Independent Schools inspectors found teaching ‘excellent’, and also waxed lyrical about the ‘exceptional’ quality of ‘pupils’ learning and achievement’. No doubt at all that value is added here - in every direction. Good take up, for example, of the research-directed Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). Technology, too, thoroughly embedded, with all girls issued with a school iPad ‘to support research, investigation, creativity and communication’.

Special needs addressed by a qualified Senco, called on to assist a range of difficulties, from the profoundly deaf to 30-or-so girls with mild visual impairment, dyslexia, or processing issues. ‘We carry out appropriate assessment, but it’s as much about helping teachers to adapt their teaching.’

“Channing is an academic school, but not one where academic achievement overrides all else. �

Games, Options, the Arts Art and music both unusually strong. Art (‘absolutely amazing,’ said one pupil) is housed in roof-top studios with stunning views across London. Strong emphasis on drawing as the basis of it all, but art rooms are lined with Macs and scented by oil paint. Plenty achieve external glory, with recent prize winners in ‘Young Art’ at the Royal College of Art and Haringey schools’ film competition. Student work also displayed (and sold!) at a north London gallery. Music, always strong, has undoubtedly been enhanced by the completion of the new music school, which has added 10 practice rooms, a technology room and a sound-proofed percussion studio. Record numbers now take external exams, including the first set of musical theatre awards (with 23 distinctions). Plenty of opportunity to perform in-house - annual and lunchtime concerts, plus informal recitals – and in formats that range from string quartets and guitar ensembles to a jazz band and contemporary music group. Recent finalists, too, in Voice Festival UK. Limited running around space on site, so probably not a first-choice for those who live for goals and glory. ‘We have county level sportswomen, but they don’t

necessarily train here,’ says the head. But if go-fight-win is not top of the agenda, keeping fit and healthy definitely is. PE compulsory throughout and the sleek and spacious new gym (nominated for an architectural award) and independent multi-gym make this a pleasure, with vastly improved opportunities for volleyball, badminton, cricket and dance.

“Staggering range of school trips and activities”

Staggering range of school trips and activities, from history in Berlin and classics in Greece to a music tour to Madrid and regular theatre outings to the West End. Clubs follow prevailing interests and currently include feminist society, robotics, chemistry, classics, life drawing and creative writing.

Background and Atmosphere School housed in four tall and graceful Georgian buildings on Highgate Hill overlooking one of London’s most beautiful and under-visited parks. Backing these, head has done a serious job of rearrangement, making the most of a relatively small site with the addition of a brand new complex (containing the music school, the gym and a sixth form centre). ‘If you’re investing in your daughter’s education you expect 21st century facilities,’ she says. Now in the process of producing a £3m theatre.

‘We’ve dug the foundations - all we need to do is raise the money.’

Established in 1885 by a Unitarian minister and two members of his congregation to educate the daughters of Unitarian ministers, the school’s clientèle has broadened, but it retains the founders’ values of liberalism, democracy and religious tolerance. There’s no prize-giving, for example, and the most valued award is a Conabor Badge, bestowed on ‘girls of good character’ (or, as one recipient phrased it, ‘for being good’). ‘Girls really aspire to be awarded a badge,’ says the head.

‘That’s what most embodies the spirit of the school.’

Pupils are active and engaged, participating enthusiastically in both academic and extracurricular activities (15, for example, gained D of E gold last year, impressive numbers even for a much larger school) .‘I’ve never worked in a school where the focus on advancement and learning is so great,’ says the head. ‘They all have a common purpose.

They’re very ambitious and focussed.’

“Pupils are active and engaged, participating enthusiastically in both academic and extracurricular activities”

Pastoral care, well-being and discipline This is a calm and orderly place, but this has little to do with a system of tight rules and stern warnings. ‘I’m not quite sure how the detention system works,’ admits the head, who oversees ‘a record of serious discipline’ going back nine years which takes up just two pages.

Strong emphasis on student leadership, with two officers in every form - ‘they hunt in packs’ – including two head girls. Older girls also apply to become ‘school officers’ with designated areas of responsibility. ‘A lot of girls aspire to the leadership team,’ says the head. ‘They have real influence.’ As well as ‘advising constructively’, year 12s set up and run clubs and have recently sat on a panel interviewing a teacher for a job. ‘I hadn’t done this before,’ says the head, ‘but they were so clear in their thinking, so mature and perceptive.’ The code of behaviour is also co-written by the girls. ‘We live together in this community.’

Head’s priorities are ‘integrity, loyalty, scholarship and honour’ – old fashioned virtues, adapted to a more complex modern setting. She acknowledges that the pressures on her students are greater than ever before -

‘Not all girls sail through life without hitting stormy waters.’ - and the school works with parents all the way, helping minimise screen time and maximise mental and physical health. ‘They believe in happy girls, rather than ones who are pushed,’ says one mother. Girls generally get on with minimal bullying and cliques.

‘You know everyone here, you feel very comfortable and there is a real sense of joining together.’ ‘It’s a very safe place,’ said one parent. ‘If your child is slightly quirky, you know they will still be fine.’

Pupils and Parents Essentially a local school, so no fleets of coaches to far-flung locations. Most pupils walk or come by public transport, from a broad sweep round the gates. ‘Mainly north and west, though we do get a few from east London.’ Parents are cosmopolitan (South African, European, North American, Asian), highly educated (‘At careers fairs, if you shout, “Is there a doctor in the house?”, there’s a rush’) and value education (‘expectations are very high’). They’re also ‘tremendously supportive’. Pupils, quite often the daughters of old girls, are confident and motivated, thriving in this relatively small school.

Entrance

Money Matters

At 11, 300-400 sit the North London Independent Girls’ Schools’ Consortium exams for between 70-75 places, joining those coming up from the junior school to form four forms of 24. (‘Junior school pupils don’t have to sit 11 plus - it’s a dream ticket,’ says the head.) For sixth form entry, applicants are interviewed and expected to achieve nine or 10 A*s and As in GCSEs, with a minimum of A in the subjects they intend to study. ‘I can sometimes bend the rules for existing students,’ says the head, ‘but we’d turn away someone from outside who didn’t have the grades.’

Not a hugely rich school, but still does its bit, with five per cent of annual income devoted to ‘supporting families, who hit hard times’. Academic scholarships at 11 worth 10 per cent off the fees, but music scholarships (grade 5 with merit minimum required) are particularly good, with up to 50 per cent discounts. In the sixth form, art, music and academic scholarships (of up to 50 per cent off tuition fees) on offer to existing (‘We want to recognise their talent and not find them sloping off elsewhere.’) as well as external students. Bursaries also available at this point.

Exit A few leave at 16 - to board, to co-ed, to local state schools. The rest depart two years later for serious subjects at predominantly Russell Group universities.

Six last year to Oxbridge, then UCL, Nottingham, Leeds, Exeter, Bristol. About half go onto science-related degrees (with a good smattering of medics and vets). The head takes a personal interest in all applicants, interviewing each girl.

Our View A vibrant, local school in a very attractive setting, with high academic standards, up-to-date facilities and happy, motivated girls.

Independent Day School for Girls aged 4-18 Headmistress: Mrs B M Elliott MA (CANTAB) The Bank Highgate London N6 5HF T: 020 8340 2328 E: admissions@channing.co.uk

www.channing.co.uk