North London Collegiate School (NLCS)

London, Great Britain

Type of institution:

Boarding school
School
Private school

Age range:4+

Type of training:

Full-time
Part-time

Language of instruction:

english

Year of foundation:1850

About the North London Collegiate School (NLCS)

North London Collegiate School (NLCS) was founded in 1850 by educational reformer Frances Mary Buss and remains one of the most prestigious and high-achieving independent day schools for girls in the United Kingdom. Located in Edgware, North London, it educates around 1,100 students from ages 4 to 18. The school has a reputation for academic excellence and intellectual ambition. It consistently ranks among the top UK schools for GCSE, A-Level, and IB results. Students may choose between A-Level and International Baccalaureate Diploma pathways in Sixth Form. NLCS’s educational philosophy centers on cultivating intellectual independence, curiosity, and leadership. The curriculum is enriched by extensive extracurricular offerings, including music, drama, sport, debating, public speaking, and leadership initiatives such as the Ideas Hub and Duke of Edinburgh Award. The school fosters an inclusive, supportive environment where girls are encouraged to aim high and think critically. Graduates go on to top universities in the UK and worldwide, often including Oxford, Cambridge, Ivy League institutions, and other elite destinations.

Admission conditions in North London Collegiate School (NLCS)

Brief Overview: Admissions are selective and competitive. Entry points include Reception (age 4), Year 3 (age 7), Year 7 (age 11), and Sixth Form (age 16). Required Exams: Year 7: Reasoning test, Mathematics, English papers, followed by interview Sixth Form: Written exams in chosen A-Level or IB subjects and interview Lower years: Age-appropriate assessments and informal interviews Minimum Age: Reception: 4 years old Year 7 entry: turning 11 before 1st September Sixth Form: 16 years Application Process: Register online by deadline (usually autumn term of year before entry) Sit entrance tests (typically in January) Attend interview if shortlisted Receive offers in early spring; confirm place thereafter Educational Qualifications: Strong academic performance at current school; ability to meet entrance exam standards Required Documents: Recent school reports Academic references Exam results Interview performance Requirements for International Students: NLCS is a day school, so students must reside locally. Strong proficiency in English is essential. The admissions process is the same for international applicants. Financial Requirements: Fees range from approximately £18,800 to £22,300 per year depending on the year group. Means-tested bursaries are available, especially at Year 7 and Sixth Form. Application Deadlines: Typically, applications close in the autumn of the year prior to entry. Assessments take place in winter (December–January). Testing or Interview: Yes – both are required for most entry points Qualifications or Experience: Not essential, but extracurricular strengths and interests are considered at interview Notification of Results: Results are usually communicated within 4–6 weeks after assessments. Offers must be accepted by a set deadline (often early March).

Minimum rating for admission to North London Collegiate School (NLCS)

NLCS does not publish a minimum required score, but admitted students typically perform in the top 10–15% of their age group in cognitive and academic assessments. Academic excellence and strong reasoning are essential.

Prospects after completing studies in North London Collegiate School (NLCS)

NLCS alumnae are accepted into top universities in the UK and abroad. Many go on to study at Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London, LSE, and top US universities including Harvard, Yale, Princeton, and MIT. Careers span medicine, law, engineering, politics, arts, finance, and academia. Graduates are known for their leadership, creativity, and intellectual depth.