Our purpose is to support students to see them flourish and develop into socially responsible, kind-hearted, self-motivated, and authentic young adults.

We pride ourselves on producing informed, globally minded young adults; fostering self-awareness and instilling the school motto, learning to make a difference.

Our Academic Ethos

The academic ethos is characterised by a rigorous work ethic with each student taking responsibility for their educational journey. Independent critical thinking and inquiry-based learning are key to the academic success that students aspire to at Herschel.

Determination & Work Ethic

Our students’ ambition cultivates a phenomenal work ethic which is applied to all areas of school life. We reject common stereotypes about what girls should like or where they should excel, and instead encourage consistent and conscientious application across all subjects, whilst honing each student’s particular strengths and interests.

Success in STEM Subjects

Herschel acknowledges the poor representation of women in STEM majors and careers (science, technology, engineering, and maths). By promoting a genuine interest in these subjects and fostering self-confidence early on, we strive to unlock the full spectrum of career opportunities for our students, including those in fields requiring STEM subjects.

Humanities and the Power of Imagination

Equally, the importance of the humanities and arts cannot be overstated. All students are encouraged to engage in languages, literature, the arts and history to invoke the power of the imagination, and enrich their understanding of who they are in the world.

Student Leadership

Herschel provides many opportunities for leadership, extending to the pastoral care and culture of belonging that we advocate and including sport, cultural, house, grade, tutor and family group leadership opportunities. Our duty of care drives our pastoral care and we are committed to developing an environment in which all students feel safe, self-confident, and free to be exactly who they are.

Our Head Student, Deputy Students and Leaders fulfil a critical role in linking student leadership with School Management in a consultative and relational collaboration to support our common goals.

We encourage bold, authentic, and value-based leadership, and this is evident in the opportunities to learn to lead through the multiple formal and informal structures that exist across all aspects of school life.

A Sense of Community

Our students enter fully into the spirit of community engagement, wanting to make a difference and develop sustainable partnerships. Girls tend to display high levels of cultural competence, express strong community involvement and often exhibit increased political engagement. Plus, in an all-girls’ environment, they often may feel more empowered to defy gender stereotypes.

Herschel prepares girls for the real world and many Old Herschelians attribute their success to the quality of the education they received at Herschel. We take enormous pride in this and do all we can to maintain and exceed expectations of our students and parents alike.

Ad Dei Gloriam!