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Sydenham High School

Girls 4-18
Day
700 to 1,000 pupils
South East London
Photo: Tom Soper
/ Independent Schools Guide / South East London /

Sydenham High School

Sydenham High School is an independent day school for girls aged 4 to 18 in South East London. The school was founded in 1887 and prides itself on 'enriching young minds in a way that will endure a lifetime.'

Key facts

· Sydenham High School is a day school.

· It is a pre-prep through to senior school and is for girls only.

· The school welcomes girls aged 4 to 18 years.

· Sydenham High School has 700 to 1,000 pupils.

· The school is located in 19 Westwood Hill in South East London.

Photo: Patrick Harrison
Photo: Patrick Harrison
Photo: Tom Soper

Why choose Sydenham High School?

Sydenham High is 'selective and diverse, welcoming girls with wide-ranging talents and backgrounds into a close community that is large enough to offer choice and flexibility but compact enough to ensure that no girl is overlooked.'

Head Antonia Geldeard says: '135 years ago four pioneering women championed the unfashionable cause of education for women, with the aim to provide an academic grounding, first-class teaching and an environment that developed character and personality.

'Radical at the time, but a shining example of the values of courage, resilience and determination that Sydenham High School is built upon. Our motto of “Fear Nothing” emboldens pupils as they forge their own path through life.'

Attain asked the school, what makes Sydenham High School different – and why should parents consider it?

Sydenham High actively encourages its pupils to step outside their comfort zones, developing independence, curiosity of mind and the courage to take risks. This mentality is fostered throughout the school, allowing every pupil to develop academic enthusiasm and the ability and awareness to stand up for what is right. Ready to call out inequality or injustice in whatever form it may present itself, pupils have strong moral compasses, and are accepting and respectful of themselves and others.

A Sydenham High education is about so much more than an excellent set of results. The inclusive nature of the school is a point of pride, and a lifelong love of learning is fostered through tailor-made enrichment opportunities such as their Lecture Series, Socrates Programme, Plato Programme and #700STEMChallenge.

Alumnae have gone on to become climate change consultants, doctors, authors, scientists, artists, Grammy Award-winning musicians and even a horse-racing icon. Our girls value remaining true to themselves even if that means going against the grain.

There is no mould for a Sydenham High pupil and that’s what makes the school so special.

Sydenham High School Videos

Governance, Inspections and the Head

When reviewing details about a particular school, prospective parents should always ensure they have looked at the governance details, reviewed recent inspections and read about the Head's vision for the school.
Governance

The school is part of the Girls' Day School Trust, a registered charity. Read more on the Charity Commission website.

Read about the governance of Sydenham High School
Inspections

The school was last inspected in January 2020. Read the inspection reports on the school's website.

Read inspection reports for Sydenham High School
Head

Antonia Geldeard is Head of Sydenham High School.

Meet the Head of Sydenham High School, Antonia Geldeard

Sydenham High School Fees

Photos: Tom Soper
No items found.

Leavers' Destinations from Sydenham High School

When pupils leave Sydenham High School, they go on to a number of senior schools including:

No leavers' destinations information is available.

Feeder Schools for Sydenham High School

Pupils who attend Sydenham High School have joined from a number of prep schools including:

No feeder prep school information is available.

Sydenham High School Open Days

No forthcoming Open Day dates are available.
Photo:
Sydenham High School
Sydenham High's STEM writing competition
A group of finalists gathered to discover their positions in the U14, U16 and U18 tranches of three essay categories: Science, Technology & Engineering and Maths for this year’s Sydenham High STEM writing competition. It was masterminded by a Year 12 student in 2018 with hundreds of entries since.
Read more about this news story
Photo:
Sydenham High School GDST
Sydenham High crowned Mock Trial winners
A group of Sydenham High pupils have won the Independent School Mock Trial competition for their region, held at the Inner Crown Court in London. It is the second year in a row in which Sydenham High pupils have won.
Read more about this news story
Photo:
Sydenham High School GDST
Sydenham High School announces Antonia Geldeard as Head
Following an extensive recruitment process by the Girls’ Day School Trust, Sydenham High School have announced Antonia Geldeard as Head from September.
Read more about this news story

More about Sydenham High School

Sydenham High School's address is 19 Westwood Hill, London, SE26 6BL. To discover more, visit the Sydenham High School website and contact the Admissions Department to arrange a visit.

Next steps

If you think Sydenham High School might be of interest to your child, visit the Sydenham High School website and make contact with the Admissions Team to arrange a time to visit.

You can also discover more private schools in South East London – or explore independent schools in London – and compare these to see if they should be considered as options for your family.

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