Francis Holland School
School summary
Founded in 1878, Francis Holland is a Church of England girls' school in Westminster that has built a reputation for academic strength without losing sight of the individual. With around 570 pupils and a pupil-to-teacher ratio of roughly seven to one, classes are small and teaching attentive. The Independent Schools Inspectorate awarded its highest grade of 'excellent' for both education quality and personal development, with compliance requirements met. Under Head Mrs Katharine Woodcock, the school combines a thoughtful pastoral ethos with a notably structured approach to mobile phones, easing screen-free habits in the younger years before allowing more freedom in the sixth form.
Where every mark matters.
Places are limited and demand is high, so exam performance is what sets candidates apart. Passmate turns the months ahead into ten focused minutes a day on the exact topics this school tests.
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Latest results
GCSE grade 9-7
78%
National average 23%
A-level A*-A
57%
National average 28%
A-level A*-B
87%
National average 55%
Inspection reports
- ISI rating
- excellent
- ISI personal development
- excellent
- Last inspected
- 18 March 2025
Teaching & academics
Results sit well above national benchmarks: 78% of GCSE entries reached grades 9-7 against a national average of 23%, and at A-level 57% achieved A*-A compared with 28% nationally. The curriculum is broad and traditional, with Latin and Classical Civilisation alongside sciences, modern languages and a wide A-level offer spanning Psychology, Economics, History of Art and Further Mathematics. The EPQ is available for those wanting to pursue independent research. With around a quarter of pupils receiving SEN support, the school clearly invests in tailored help alongside high expectations.
Languages
GCSE subjects
Head · Mrs Katharine Woodcock
Sixth form
- Sixth-form pupils
- 120
A-level subjects
Qualifications offered
Beyond the classroom
Sport is well established, with netball, hockey, tennis, rounders and swimming all on offer. Drama features prominently across both GCSE and A-level, reflecting a strong creative streak. Scholarships in academics, art, music and sport (the last at sixth form only) recognise particular talents.
Main sports
School life & ethos
- Founded
- 1878
- Religious character
- C of E
- Boarding
- No
- SEN support
- 27.54%
- EHC plans
- 0.18%
Mobile phone policy
Mobile phone free school. Pupils in years 7 and 8 lock their mobile phones in Yondr pouches each morning, unlocked after school. In years 9 and 10, mobile phones are collected daily and returned after school. Pupils in year 11 are permitted to keep their mobile phones, which must be switched off whilst at school. Sixth form students may use their mobile phones in the common areas of Linhope House.
Fees & bursaries
- Day fees (per year)
- £31,104
Schools nearby
Abingdon House School
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Sylvia Young Theatre School
Greater London
Queen's College Prep School
London, Greater London
Wetherby Senior School
London, Greater London
Queen's College, London
London, Greater London
Saint Christina's School
London, Greater London
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A small, high-achieving girls' school in the heart of Westminster, where academic ambition is matched by genuine care for the individual. Annual day fees reach £31,104, and entry at 11 is selective.
That’s where Passmate comes in. Tutoring is the most effective thing in a child’s preparation - a well-tutored child can outperform the vast majority of their peers. Passmate works alongside your tutor, not instead of them: it learns how your child thinks, finds the gaps, and shows the tutor exactly where to spend each session - so the limited time you have lands on what actually decides a place.
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Francis Holland School 11+: frequently asked questions
Compiled from public data. Last checked 5 June 2026.