Schools in Hampstead: A Guide for New Families

Education is one of the most important considerations for families moving to Hampstead, and the picture is more complicated — and more positive — than the headlines suggest. Here's an honest assessment.

State Primary Schools

New End Primary School (Streatley Place) consistently performs strongly and has a genuine community feel. Catchment is tight — typically within 300–400 metres of the school. Ofsted rating: Outstanding.

Christ Church CofE Primary School (Hampstead Square) is a faith school with strong academic results and a warm reputation. Priority is given to regular churchgoers (worshipping at Christ Church Hampstead or elsewhere), but the non-faith allocation takes children from across the NW3 area depending on year.

The Orley Farm School is technically in Harrow but draws from the wider North London area and is worth investigating for families willing to travel.

State Secondary Schools

Parliament Hill School on Highgate Road is an all-girls comprehensive with an excellent academic record and a strong arts programme. Transport from Hampstead is straightforward — bus or Northern line to Gospel Oak. Consistently oversubscribed.

William Ellis School (Highgate Road) is an all-boys comprehensive with strong results, particularly in sciences. A short bus journey from Hampstead village.

Independent Options

North London has an exceptional concentration of independent schools. University College School (Frognal) and South Hampstead High School are both within walking distance of the village. Channing School for girls is on the Highgate Road. The Hall School on Crossfield Road is a highly regarded prep school with an excellent feeding relationship into North London's top independent secondary schools. All are heavily oversubscribed and selective — start the application process early.

Admissions Timing

For state primary schools, Camden Council operates a single admissions round in January for September entry — apply online via the Camden admissions portal. For state secondaries, applications open in September for September the following year. Independent schools operate on individual timelines — typically assessments in November/January for the following September. For the most competitive schools, registration often needs to happen before the child's third birthday.