Senior School Curriculum: Empowering Futures
The Senior School at St Margaret’s Hampstead is a transformative journey from Year 7 to Year 11, designed to empower every girl to find her passions, achieve academic excellence and build the confidence to succeed in the world. Our curriculum is dynamic, challenging and engaging, with the syllabus serving as just the starting point for a deep-rooted love of learning that lasts a lifetime.
Inspiring Minds
Academic excellence & exceptional results
We are proud to offer a broad and balanced curriculum combined with ample teacher contact time, ensuring that every pupil can achieve her full potential in each academic discipline. With an average class size of around 15 students, our high teacher-to-pupil ratio means that nobody is missed and every girl receives the support she needs to excel to the best of her abilities.
Our commitment to a personalised, nurturing education does not come at the expense of academic rigour. In fact, it is the direct driver of our success. We’re proud that our GCSE results have been assessed as "excellent".
Outstanding grades
In 2025, 54 per cent of all GCSE grades achieved were at grade 9-7 (A*–A equivalent).
Proven progress
Value-added data, stretching back over a decade, demonstrates that our girls "make notably more progress than pupils of similar abilities attending other schools" according to a recent Good Schools Guide report. This is the ultimate proof that our supportive environment is a direct path to tangible academic achievement.
Future pathways
Our girls are given the confidence to apply for high-achieving schools post-GCSE, with so many of them winning scholarships for their chosen Sixth Forms. We have a personalised programme of one-to-one pupil and parent consultations on the selection and application process, supporting our girls to secure their first-choice Sixth Form.
The Senior School curriculum: a broad and balanced Programme
Our dynamic curriculum is designed to prepare girls for life, providing a firm academic foundation while allowing them to explore their unique interests.
In addition to core subjects, all pupils choose three to four optional subjects from a wide range of disciplines, allowing them to tailor their learning to their strengths and passions.
English Language
English Literature
Triple Science (three separate GCSEs in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics)
Art & Design
Design & Technology
Modern Languages (French, Spanish)
A dynamic approach to learning
We believe that learning extends beyond the confines of the syllabus. Our engaging teaching methods bring subjects to life and make them relevant to the world. For example, Year 7 pupils don't just learn about Shakespeare in the classroom; they visit Shakespeare's Globe and work with actors on stage to experience a text as the writer intended. This creative and dynamic approach supports a deep-rooted love of learning for life.
Unwavering support for every girl
Our dedication to each pupil's academic journey is matched by our commitment to her wellbeing. All girls are screened for learning needs on entry to the school. Our SEND provision (special educational needs and disabilities) provides ongoing practical, emotional and academic support to girls with a range of learning needs.
Our SENDCO (special education needs and disabilities coordinator) works closely with teaching staff to ensure that lessons are appropriately differentiated, and a continuous cycle of monitoring and feedback ensures every girl makes excellent academic progress.
Beyond the classroom: a world of discovery
Senior School life at St Margaret's Hampstead is rich with opportunities to explore passions and develop new skills. Our extensive co-curricular programme offers a diverse range of activities, from competitive sports and captivating performing arts to a wide array of clubs and enriching expeditions.
We encourage every girl to 'have a go at everything,' developing enthusiasm and excellence in equal measure. This broad exposure helps girls build teamwork, resilience and a lifelong love for discovery, ensuring every girl stands out.
Co-curricular life: beyond the classroom
The co-curricular programme in the Senior School is the key to unlocking student potential, with a diverse range of activities that support leadership, creativity and resilience.
Academic enrichment
Clubs for ambitious academic extension include Ancient Greek, STEM, Law Society and the Biomedical Society.
Discussion & debate
Pupils can join clubs like the Model United Nations (MUN), History Discussion Group and Philosophy Club.
Creative pursuits
Our specialist spaces for Art and Drama host everything from annual art exhibitions to school productions and 'coffee house' drama workshops.
Sports & wellbeing
The Sports programme offers numerous opportunities to represent the school in sports such as netball, football and cross country. For wellbeing, girls can join clubs for yoga, meditation and physical training.
Inspire your daughter’s Senior School journey at St Margaret’s Hampstead
We invite you to visit St Margaret's Hampstead and experience firsthand how our Senior School empowers girls to excel academically, grow personally and prepare for a bright future