Godolphin and Latymer School

Overview of Godolphin and Latymer School and 11 Plus information

Godolphin and Latymer School – Overview

Godolphin and Latymer School, situated in an urban setting in west London, is an independent girls’ day school for pupils aged from eleven to eighteen. It was built in 1861 as the Godolphin School (a boys’ boarding school), and became a girls’ school associated with the Latymer Foundation in 1905 when it adopted its current name.  The Godolphin and Latymer School Foundation, which is comprised of fifteen governor’s serves as the school’s governing body and is now its sole trustee.

The school aims to provide a stimulating learning environment in which pupils strive for academic excellence while developing self-respect and self-reliance. It encourages girls to serve the community and aims to equip them to become responsible adults and active citizens.  It seeks to offer high standards of pastoral care, a broad and balanced curriculum with many sporting and cultural opportunities, and a wide range of extra-curricular activities.

Entry to the school is by selective examination at the age of eleven. In addition, between ten and fifteen pupils enter the Sixth Form from other schools each year.  A similar number leave through relocation or to take up places at boarding or co-educational schools.  The ability profile of the school is far above the national average.

Pupils generally come from professional and highly educated families. Around four fifths join from other independent schools.  Financial support is granted to just under one tenth of pupils per year group on entry.  Since 1977, when the school moved from voluntary aided status to full independence, there has been a strong emphasis on encouraging access regardless of financial background.  The school is supported by and active parents’ teachers’ and friends’ association and a committed old girls’ association.  Virtually all pupils take up places at universities in the United Kingdom or the United States of America, sometimes after a gap year.

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