50 Facts About North London Collegiate School

A Legacy of Excellence

North London Collegiate School (NLCS) has a storied history of providing top-tier education for girls. Founded in 1850, the school has grown and evolved, maintaining its commitment to academic excellence and personal development.

1. Founding: North London Collegiate School was founded in April 1850 by Frances Mary Buss in Camden Town, London.
2. Founder: Frances Mary Buss was a pioneering educator who believed in the importance of education for girls. She was a strong advocate for women's rights and education.
3. Initial Location: The school initially operated from Buss's family home at 46 Camden Street, Camden Town.
4. Early Pupils: The first pupils were 35 daughters of gentlemen and respectable tradesmen. The school quickly gained popularity due to its innovative approach to education.
5. Support from Clergy: The Vicar of St. Pancras, Canon Thomas Dale, and the Vicar of Holy Trinity, Kentish Town, David Laing, provided significant support to the school.

Innovative Curriculum and Teaching Philosophy

NLCS has always been ahead of its time with a curriculum designed to foster critical thinking and creativity.

6. Curriculum: The school's curriculum included Latin, French, natural science, and periods of recreation. German, Italian, and music were also taught as extras.
7. Teaching Philosophy: The teaching encouraged thought and observation rather than learning by rote, which contributed to its immediate success.
8. Pupil Numbers: By December 1850, there were 115 pupils, and Miss Buss had established the school as a model for girls' day schools throughout the country.
9. Social Class: The pupils were mostly from the upper middle class, but any girl of good character was admitted, regardless of her social background.
10. Education Standards: Miss Buss believed that girls could learn anything if taught in an interesting manner and with a motive to work. However, she noted that science instruction might be more about interesting knowledge than mental training.

Discipline and Pastoral Care

Balancing strict discipline with strong pastoral care has been a hallmark of NLCS.

11. Mathematics: Full mathematics was not taught, but arithmetic was included in the curriculum. All girls learned French, and 50 learned Latin. Some studied political economy.
12. Discipline: The school had a strict discipline policy, with talking being the main evil. Every moment and almost every movement were ordered, and there were many rules to follow.
13. Homework and Cheating: Elaborate measures were taken to ensure homework was properly done and cheating was prevented. Ink was normally prohibited in school.
14. Pastoral Care: Despite the strict discipline, the school emphasized the importance of pastoral care. The staff and pupils felt they were pioneers in the campaign against sex discrimination in education.
15. Succession: Miss Buss designated Mrs. Sophie Bryant as her successor as early as 1878. Mrs. Bryant was a mathematician and a brilliant teacher who became the first woman D.Sc. in 1884.

Leadership and Expansion

The school has been shaped by visionary leaders who have expanded its reach and influence.

16. Mrs. Bryant’s Achievements: Mrs. Bryant was appointed to the Bryce Commission on secondary education in 1894 and served on the Senate of London University and the L.C.C. Technical Education Board.
17. Headmistress Drummond: Miss I. M. Drummond, who succeeded Mrs. Bryant, was a former member of the staff and had been the headmistress of Camden School. She relaxed some of the regulations and encouraged creative activities.
18. Acquisition of Canons: In 1929, with the assistance of the Middlesex County Council, the school acquired 'Canons,' its current home in Edgware.
19. Post-War Restoration: After World War II, the new headmistress, Dr. Kitty Anderson, made every effort to restore normal conditions of work. The school was decorated for the first time, and tennis courts and games fields were laid out.
20. Recognition as Direct Grant School: The school continued to be recognized as a direct grant school, providing financial support from the government.

Facilities and Extracurricular Activities

NLCS offers state-of-the-art facilities and a wide range of extracurricular activities to enrich student life.

21. Mary Done Swimming Pool: In 1955, the Mary Done swimming pool was opened by the Duchess of Gloucester, President of the school.
22. Drawing School: In 1959, a new Drawing school was erected, enhancing the school's arts facilities.
23. Pupil Numbers by 1964: By 1964, there were 860 girls in the school, with 228 in the Sixth Form and 109 in the preparatory department.
24. Dr. Anderson’s Achievements: Dr. Anderson was President of the Association of Head Mistresses from 1954 to 1956 and served on several educational committees. She was awarded a D.B.E. in 1961.
25. International Baccalaureate Diploma: In the Sixth Form, students can study the International Baccalaureate Diploma, a highly regarded qualification prized by Ivy League, Russell Group, and European universities.

Global Perspective and Sister Schools

NLCS has a unique global perspective, with sister schools around the world.

26. Global Perspective: NLCS has a global perspective unique among London day schools. The school offers exchange and collaboration opportunities through its sister schools in Jeju, Dubai, and Singapore.
27. Sister Schools: Associate schools are located in South Korea (Jeju Island), Dubai, Vietnam, and Singapore. These schools are co-educational day and boarding schools offering the British curriculum.
28. NLCS Jeju: Founded in 2011, North London Collegiate School Jeju is a boarding school for girls and boys aged 4 to 18. It provides a stimulating and diverse experience, challenging and supporting students to realize their potential.
29. Principal of NLCS Jeju: The principal of NLCS Jeju is Ms. Lynne Oldfield. The school follows the IGCSE and IB Diploma curriculum, which are two of the most globally robust academic examination programs available worldwide.
30. Teacher-Pupil Ratio: The teacher-pupil ratio at NLCS Jeju is 1:7, ensuring personalized attention and support for each student.

Academic Excellence and Pastoral Care

NLCS Jeju continues the tradition of academic excellence and strong pastoral care.

31. Academic Excellence: NLCS Jeju has achieved an average IB Diploma score of 36 points in 2023, placing it among the top 70 global IB schools. This is an impressive achievement, especially considering most students are non-native English speakers.
32. Pastoral Care: The school emphasizes pastoral care, ensuring that every student has a balanced approach to their school years, including appropriate levels of sleep, exercise, social activity, and academic pursuits. Extra-tuition is discouraged in evenings, weekends, and holidays.
33. House System: The school operates a house system, where every student is a member of a house that provides a sense of belonging and identity. Faculty staff are also members of a house, supporting students in their academic and pastoral development.
34. Boarding Experience: NLCS Jeju offers a full boarding experience from Junior School onwards. The highest standards of pastoral care are maintained to ensure every child is happy, comfortable, and nurtured.
35. Safeguarding Award: In 2023, NLCS Jeju won the International Schools Award 'Safeguarding' category, recognizing its commitment to student safety and well-being.

Enriching Student Life

NLCS provides a vibrant environment with numerous activities and opportunities for personal growth.

36. Leisure Activities: The school takes advantage of its rich natural and cultural environment on Jeju Island. Students participate in a wide variety of leisure activities, including student-led house competitions, academic societies, and school productions.
37. Facilities: The school offers outstanding facilities, including a Performing Arts Centre that hosts over 50 productions and concerts each year. The campus also features tennis courts, games fields, and a swimming pool.
38. Founder’s Day Prayer: The school remembers its founder in a special prayer, emphasizing the importance of using the gifts given to make a positive impact on the world.
39. Social Responsibility: The school encourages students to develop a sense of social responsibility and learn how to make a practical difference in the world around them.
40. Independent Schools Inspectorate: The school is praised by the Independent Schools Inspectorate for its relaxed self-confidence among pupils and the close collaboration between academic and pastoral staff to ensure no pupil is without support.

Celebrating History and Tradition

While looking forward, NLCS also celebrates its rich history and traditions.

41. History and Tradition: The school celebrates its rich history and tradition while remaining forward-thinking and outward-looking. It believes fundamentally in what students 'can do' and never places ceilings on them nor labels them.
42. Educational Committees: The school's headmistresses have been active members of various educational committees, contributing to the development of education policies and practices.
43. Dame Kitty Anderson’s Legacy: Dame Kitty Anderson's headship was characterized by her brilliant mind, warmth in relationships with pupils, and tireless service to the school and wider education. She was awarded a D.B.E. in 1961.
44. Miss Eileen Harold’s Leadership: Miss Harold’s leadership during World War II was marked by her sound learning, courtesy, gentle firmness, and sense of humor. She guided the school as it settled into Canons during difficult times.
45. Miss Madeline McLachlan’s Vision: Miss McLachlan preserved the traditions and values of NLCS while moving the school forward. She introduced GCSE examinations and opened the Junior School and First School to enhance the school community.

Modern Achievements and Programs

NLCS continues to innovate with new programs and achievements.

46. Mrs. Bernice McCabe’s Achievements: Mrs. McCabe believed in subject rigour, depth of subject knowledge, and the ability to communicate a love of subject to students. She introduced the International Baccalaureate Diploma alongside A levels and the Pre-U.
47. Mrs. Sarah Clark’s Leadership: Mrs. Clark was headmistress from 2018 to 2022. She continued the school's tradition of excellence and innovation in education.
48. Bryant Programme: The school offers a unique Saturday morning 'Bryant' program, which provides additional academic support and enrichment activities for students.
49. Extracurricular Activities: The school offers over 50 clubs and societies, creating a vibrant atmosphere that helps students develop relaxed self-confidence and enjoy their time at Canons. Students participate in student-led house competitions, academic societies, and school productions.
50. Global Recognition: North London Collegiate School is included in The Schools Index as one of the 150 best private schools in the world and among the top 30 senior schools in the UK. Its sister school, NLCS Jeju, is also recognized for its academic excellence and pastoral care.

Celebrating a Legacy of Excellence

North London Collegiate School (NLCS) stands as a beacon of academic excellence and innovation. Founded in 1850 by Frances Mary Buss, NLCS has consistently pushed the boundaries of girls' education. From its early days in Camden Town to its current home in Edgware, the school has maintained a commitment to rigorous academics, pastoral care, and social responsibility. With a curriculum that includes the International Baccalaureate Diploma and a global perspective fostered through sister schools in Jeju, Dubai, and Singapore, NLCS prepares students for success on an international stage. The school's rich history, combined with its forward-thinking approach, ensures that students are not only well-educated but also well-rounded individuals ready to make a positive impact on the world. NLCS remains a top choice for families seeking a supportive, challenging, and enriching educational environment for their daughters.