Aims and ethos

We want our pupils to be kind and respectful of others at school and in the world beyond, to appreciative of difference, and to develop the perspective to live fulfilled lives in the world beyond school. At South Hampstead we believe that education should be a truly enriching experience, a gift for life. We want our pupils to develop some sense of the sheer size of the world and all there is to learn about it – past, present and future. We believe in the power of knowledge as a tool for thought and creative endeavour, and a source of lifelong inspiration and curiosity.

In and out of the classroom, we want our pupils to find their voice, spoken and written. We want them to explore the big questions, the searching questions, the difficult questions. Debate and discussion lie at the very heart of a South Hampstead education. We aim to create abundant opportunities for creative output and to encourage pupils to take risks. In our teaching, we do what we know works and put research and reflection at the heart of our professional development. Teaching is a noble profession and our staff are central to our success.

We aim to provide outstanding breadth of opportunity in our curricular and co-curricular programme and to open our pupils’ minds to a myriad of possibilities. We believe that involvement in school life is a key factor in our pupils’ happiness. But it’s not just about taking part; we aim to instil in pupils a sense of purpose, pride and determination and the belief that they can compete on the biggest of stages.

We aim to create a warm, tolerant and kind community where girls can be themselves and make friends for life. We want them to play their part in our community and in the community beyond South Hampstead. The 21st century is a time of unique opportunities and challenges; we have a critical role to play in preparing our young women to live and thrive, work and lead in tomorrow’s world.