Development Director

The Henrietta Barnett School (HBS), a selective state grammar academy in London, is a warm and friendly school that prides itself on fulfilling the legacy of Dame Henrietta Barnett to provide educational opportunities of the highest quality for girls regardless of social, economic, cultural, ethnic or religious background.

At HBS, we believe in the power of education to shape students’ lives and are consistently recognised as one of the top state schools in the country with an exemplary reputation for academic excellence. We are also committed to developing the whole person, encouraging students to explore their interests in a wide variety of ways and promoting curiosity of mind, independence of spirit and a love of learning.

The school is currently home to just over 800 students aged between 11 and 18. We are a four form entry school with 103 students in each year group from Year 7 to 11 and just under 300 students in our Sixth Form.

Founded in 1911, the school is a charming Lutyens-designed Grade II* listed building situated in the peaceful surroundings of the Hampstead Garden Suburb. Over recent years we have completed ambitious refurbishment and new build projects, including the complete refurbishment of the Queen Mary Science Wing involving the replacement of 6 outdated labs with 8 contemporary ones and the opening of two new state-of-the-art buildings that house a new Music and Drama School and an Art and Design & Technology Centre, with a Mac Suite and Cafe. Our most recent development is the extension and refurbishment of our Library.

Our team of exceptional staff has extensive and varied experience. Both teaching and non-teaching staff share a commitment to high standards of learning and care for each student and each other. Professional development is a priority within the school and great importance is placed on staff wellbeing.

Ofsted 2022

“Senior leaders and governors share a strong vision to provide high-quality academic education. This vision is being realised. Staff are committed to the school’s mission. They form a united and hard-working team.”

“Pupils are very keen to acquire knowledge in a broad range of subjects, which include Latin, ancient Greek and classical civilisation…their behaviour, attendance and attitudes to learning are excellent. Pupils maintain their focus in lessons for long periods of time and enjoy thinking about the questions teachers pose.”

“Throughout the school, pupils behave exceptionally well. This is because leaders have created an environment where pupils’ desire to learn trumps everything else. Pupils’ confidence is enhanced through strong participation in the school’s wide ranging extra-curricular provision. This includes debating clubs and a symphony orchestra, as well as sports, drama and engineering provision.”