City of London School for Girls sits in one of the capital’s most distinctive spots, beside the Barbican Centre in the heart of the City. Here are five things to know.
1. It began with a bequest
The school opened in 1894 thanks to William Ward, who believed girls deserved a broad and liberal education and left a third of his fortune to the City of London to found a girls’ school. It’s still run by the City of London Corporation, and has close links with the boys’ City of London School nearby.
2. The setting is unique
Since 1969 the school has been part of the Barbican Estate, looking out over the Barbican Centre’s lakes and fountains and nestled between brutalist architecture and the old Roman walls. The school uses its location to give pupils access to every cultural opportunity London offers.
3. It’s academic yet unstuffy
The school describes itself as academic yet unstuffy, and inspectors have praised how pupils are given freedom to explore, discover and create in lessons. In 2025, 95.7% of A-level grades were A* to B. Pupils are known for being politically engaged, on issues from sustainability to equality.
4. It draws girls from across London
Pupils come from all over Greater London and beyond, and the school’s diversity reflects the city around it. Around 20% of senior school girls receive some form of financial help, and 100% bursary holders also get support towards uniform, travel and trips.
5. Entry is at 11+ and 16+
City of London School for Girls is a day school for girls aged 11 to 18. The main entry points are 11+ and 16+, through assessments and interviews. Music scholarships are available at both, with art, drama and sport scholarships at 16+, plus means-tested bursaries of 25% to 100% of fees.
Find out more
City of London School for Girls, St Giles’ Terrace, Barbican, London EC2Y 8BB. Telephone 020 7847 5500. Visit clsg.org.uk for admissions and open events.