Record numbers of candidates are applying for this high-flying Sloane Square school, which is a renowned hub of creativity, innovation and enterprise. This is demonstrated by TIPS week in the summer term, when girls are urged to ‘think innovatively and problem-solve’, and are thus engaged in all manner of group activities, from swing dancing to gardening on a budget and stage combat. Creativity and novel thinking has also been applied to the climate crisis: FH’s first walk or cycle to school week was accompanied by a pledge to become net zero by 2030. Meanwhile, two girls designed T-shirts that were featured in the Pupil Power Roadshow – a student anthology competition run by Planetary International and UK Schools Sustainability Network – and worn at COP26. Another noteworthy initiative is the creative enterprise programme, which has seen girls set up a diverse roster of businesses: student florists, jewellers, candle- makers and fashion designers are now publicly trading; and an alliance with TERN, a charity that supports refugee entrepreneurs, is in the mix. This forward-thinking education is housed within a particularly beautiful set of buildings. Undoubtedly, it’s a rarified educational environment, but dynamic head Lucy Elphinstone isn’t in thrall to well-groomed mothers driving Chelsea tractors. In fact, Francis Holland is totally committed to doubling its bursary provision, ensuring even more diversity among its student body.
Location: 39 Graham Terrace, SW1W 8JF
Head: Lucy Elphinstone, MA, since 2012; previously Senior Leader and Head of Sixth Form at Downe House
Pupils: 551 day girls
Ages: 11–18
Term fees: £7,750
Oxbridge: 10%
Admission: 11+ Consortium exam and interview
Alumni: Jemima Goldsmith, Sienna Miller, Emerald Fennell
Prep head: Suzy Dixon
Prep Pupils: 169 day girls
Prep Ages: 4-11
Prep Term fees: £7,050