JOINING NLCS

NLCS has been named The Sunday Times Independent Secondary School of the Year 2026 and ranked the number one independent girls’ school in the UK. We are proud to be recognised as a school where academic excellence sits alongside intellectual adventure, ambition, independence and a remarkable breadth of opportunity.

Choosing a school is a significant decision. At NLCS, girls benefit from an education that reaches far beyond the classroom, combining exceptional academic foundations with opportunities in leadership, the arts, sport, service, intellectual life and real-world learning.

The value of that education can be seen in our alumnae, known as ONLs, who go on to make their mark across an extraordinary range of fields, from science, business and public life to the arts, medicine, technology, academia and social impact. Every student who leaves NLCS becomes part of this lifelong ONL community, a powerful network of friendship, mentorship and connection that continues long after school.

We welcome new students at 4+, 7+, 11+ and 16+, with occasional places available in selected year groups. Our admissions process is designed to help us understand each applicant’s academic potential, intellectual curiosity, character and readiness to contribute to the life of the School.

The best way to understand NLCS is to experience it in person. Our School in Action Mornings offer prospective families the opportunity to explore our grounds, meet staff and students, and see the School at work.

Please use the links below to register your interest, begin an application, book a visit, or find out more about scholarships and bursaries.

To support our commitment to excellence, we offer a range of scholarships. These include music scholarships, sports scholarships, and the Sophie Bryant Scholarship. These are available to pupils joining the Senior School at key entry points, 11+ and 16+, helping talented girls to thrive and reach their full potential at NLCS.