Letter from the Chair of Governors

Letter from the Chairman of Governors

Each year as I write this letter, I am struck by the challenges the academic year has presented and the resilience and agility with which the community of NLCS has weathered them. In this year, the sometimes vertiginous turnarounds as lockdown restrictions were eased; a lack of certainty about the public exams, and the sudden change in school leadership have been significant challenges. Yet as ever, the School has negotiated these with aplomb. My thanks are particularly due to the leadership which Dr Bagworth-Mann has displayed in stepping in as Interim Head and steering the School so skilfully through these ever-changing times.

As an academic girls’ school, our focus is always on ensuring the continuity of our student’s education, equipping them to gain the academic credentials they need to open the doors to the next stage of their education. Yet for the 21-22 cohort of GCSE, A Level and IB students, this year’s exam season was a particularly fraught experience. Some in Year 13 were in the unique position of having never prepared for a formal or public examination. Students and staff alike deserve our praise and respect for their hard work and resilience in this daunting situation.

Without doubt the School’s programme of pastoral resources and positive mental health strategies contributed to the calm and focused approach demonstrated by NLCS students. It is inspiring to observe how the Pastoral team have communicated positive messaging about mental health and stress management across all age groups of the school. This has clearly proved effective as the 2022 cohort of examination candidates maintained NLCS’s record of excellence in public examinations, in GCSEs, A Levels and IB. Knowing how to access the broadest and most engaging subject knowledge is something on which we pride ourselves at NLCS. Our sophisticated and ambitious enrichment programme returned this year, largely in person, enabling our students to explore their subject passions beyond the confines of any curriculum.

One such passion, consistently ranked as the most important current world issue by our students, is the Environment. Strengthening our eco credentials continues to be a priority as we consider how best to lessen our environmental impact while maintaining our beautiful building and grounds. It was pleasing, therefore, in Summer 2022, to see the School’s efforts rewarded by being shortlisted by the Independent Schools Awards, as one of the top schools in the country for sustainability – no small challenge for a London school. Rich though the School is in talent, success and resources, this year has seemed proof of the old adage that the only thing we can reliably expect in life is change. I would like to thank the whole community of North London Collegiate School for their work this year. The versatility, creativity and commitment of the teaching and support staff; the dedication of our student body and the support of our parents have enabled us once again to flex and adapt to the changes we are learning to expect. It is the interplay between these elements of our community, working together with one aim, which allows us to continue to provide an unashamedly academic education for the girls in our care.

ROBERT HINGLEY

Chairman of Governors