Channing is consistently recognised as one of the best independent schools in North London; an independent school for girls aged 4 to 18, based in Highgate, where every pupil is encouraged to discover their interests, develop their talents, and build lasting friendships. Our inspiring environment fosters academic achievement and personal growth.
The school actively prepares pupils for the future.
A visionary all-girls school full of extremely confident, capable and engaging young women.
‘Fearless’ teaching and learning, encouraging girls to step out of their comfort zone and be ‘10 per cent braver’, is reaping academic rewards. It is a useful life lesson too, but not at the expense of school being fun.
Excellent academics, fantastic pastoral care and a wonderful way of imbuing girls with self-confidence, Channing makes a strong argument for single-sex education.
Girls throw themselves into all aspects of school life, and teacher commitment goes way beyond the classroom.






2025 - 2026 Highlights: Psychology
It has been an outstanding year for Psychology at Channing, shaped by curiosity, ambition and enthusiasm for understanding the human mind. Year 13 students explored neuroscience and human-computer interfacing with Dr Guy Sutton during Brain Day, while distinguished lectures from Professors Francesca Happé MBE and Tali Sharot examined autism research and optimism bias. Students also demonstrated their independent scholarship through new editions of the departmental magazine, Neuro Narratives, covering topics from procrastination to family breakdown. Using virtual reality headsets, they explored innovative approaches to exposure therapy, combining established psychological theory with emerging technology and gaining valuable insight into future clinical practice.
2025 - 2026 Highlights: Politics
It has been a dynamic year for the Politics Department, with students engaging in debate, analysis and political events beyond the classroom. Visits to Parliament, the Supreme Court and the POLECON Student Conference offered valuable insights into democracy, justice and political debate. Channing students also attended three Model United Nations conferences, with Alex and Phoenix receiving individual awards. Sixth Form students welcomed former Liberal Democrat leader Sir Vince Cable for a thought-provoking talk and question-and-answer session. New co-curricular opportunities included the PPE Society and Channing Sunrise, where students discuss global issues and debate the day’s headlines over breakfast each week.
2025 - 2026 Highlights: Junior School Music
Music at Channing Junior School has flourished through a joyful, hands-on approach that encourages every pupil to listen, create, perform and participate. Highlights included orchestral storytelling in Reception, original compositions in Year 1, a new Year 2 wind and brass programme, folk dancing, djembe performances and an energetic Year 5 samba parade. Key Stage 2 pupils developed ambitious digital compositions, while Young Voices, excellent ABRSM results and the Folk Band’s public debut provided memorable performance opportunities. Performing Arts Leaders championed music across the school, supported by a thriving programme of choirs, orchestras, chamber groups and specialist ensembles for all pupils.
2025 - 2026 Highlights: Music
Music has been at the heart of Channing life this year, with students sharing their talent through concerts, masterclasses, tours and performances. Highlights included an inspiring practice masterclass with Dr Cameron Roberts, an unforgettable tour to Croatia, spectacular orchestral and choral concerts at St Joseph’s and St Michael’s, and vibrant evenings celebrating jazz, chamber music and musical theatre. From emerging GCSE performers to accomplished A Level musicians, students demonstrated confidence, creativity and commitment. We are immensely proud of everyone who contributed, supported one another and created so many memorable musical moments for performers, families and audiences across the Channing community.
2025 - 2026 Highlights: MFL and Inclusion Highlights
From Reception to Year 6, pupils enjoy a rich Modern Foreign Languages curriculum designed to build confidence, curiosity and cultural understanding. Spanish begins through songs, games and everyday vocabulary before progressing to grammar, verbs, practical communication and the study of Spanish-speaking countries. French is introduced in Year 3, developing from greetings and numbers to family, leisure, daily routines and increasingly complex grammatical structures. Beyond the classroom, Inclusion Week and International Women’s Day activities celebrated individuality, equality and ambition. Together, these experiences encourage pupils to communicate confidently, appreciate different cultures and recognise that every member of the school community is valued.
This year, we have continued to champion philosophical enquiry as an essential tool for personal growth and lifelong learning. Our mission at Channing Junior School is to develop a culture of ambitious and inspirational teaching,...
This academic year has been another outstanding one for Psychology at Channing, characterised by intellectual curiosity, academic ambition and a genuine enthusiasm for exploring the human mind. Our students have embraced academic challenge at every...
It has been an absolute whirlwind of a year in the Politics Department. Against a backdrop of non-stop political drama in both the UK and the US, our classrooms have been alive with fierce debate,...
Making Music at Channing Junior School: A Year of Doing At the heart of our Junior School Music Department sits a simple but powerful belief: you learn music by doing music. Listening carefully, staying focused...
Music has once again been at the heart of life at Channing this year, bringing students together through a vibrant programme of concerts, tours, masterclasses and performances. Whether on stage, in rehearsal or performing abroad,...
