FAQs

At Francis Holland, we welcome girls with curiosity, imagination and a willingness to try new things. We are looking for pupils who are ready to explore, learn and grow, and who want to discover their strengths, talents and voice. Our supportive and inclusive environment helps every girl belong, believe in herself, and flourish. We encourage initiative, creativity, collaboration, and resilience, while celebrating academic ambition, artistic talent and co-curricular achievement. In short, we seek girls who are ready to be brave, embrace challenges, and take the steps they need towards achieving their best.

Excellence in pastoral care is one of the hallmarks of FHS. Every girl is a member of a form group with two tutors, which meets on a daily basis. Any girl seeking advice can talk to her form tutor or Head of Year. We have a dedicated pastoral hub, Cornerstone, in the heart of the school that houses our pastoral team and is the place to go to when concerns arise. Cornerstone is also home to our six-person school counselling service, ContemPlace, and the important seventh member of the team, Kanga, our Hungarian Vizsla therapy dog!

Pupils in Years 7-11 are issued with a Yondr pouch to securely lock their mobile phones away on arrival to school. Their phones remain locked away for the duration of the school day and the girls unlock their pouches before they go home or to their co-curricular club. The Sixth Form may use their mobile phones only in their year group areas at break or lunchtimes. If parents need to contact their daughter during the school day, they can contact our School Office who will be happy to help.

Girls travel to us from across London, taking advantage of our excellent central location. The school is just a short walk from Sloane Square Underground station and within easy reach of Victoria mainline station, with numerous bus routes serving the area. We encourage pupils to use public transport or walk wherever possible!

In Year 7, classes have around 24 girls in each. By the time the girls are opting for GCSEs, classes are smaller and in the Sixth Form smaller yet again.

School is open at 7.45am and registration is 8.20am. Lunch is 12.55pm to 2pm and school finishes at 4pm. However, there are many after-school and lunchtime clubs and activities. Girls are allowed to stay in the library after school until 5pm.

The school is renowned for its varied and imaginative menus, seasonal local (or British) produce, free range British meat where possible, delicious vegetarian options, outstanding salad bar and fresh bakery. Themed and topical menus feature regularly and girls are welcome to give their opinions and suggestions about food. There is also a tuck shop available at break time and the school cookies are legendary.

Every pupil at FHS has their own one-to-one device, and we prioritise the thoughtful use of technology to enhance, not replace, meaningful learning. From Year 7, pupils gradually build the skills to use digital tools effectively, making informed decisions with purpose and confidence. We want our pupils to leave Francis Holland as adaptable, digitally literate learners who have also developed the qualities that go beyond technology – creativity, curiosity, critical thinking, resilience and self-belief.

The school is affiliated to the Church of England. Naturally, girls of all faiths, and none, are equally welcome. A variety of faiths are represented in every year group. All girls attend assemblies and church services.

All girls in Years 7-11 are required to wear the school uniform which is available from Schoolblazer. The Sixth Form wear their own clothes. We encourage our girls to take pride in their appearance both inside and outside school. All clothes and personal belongings should be marked with the owner’s name. Lockers are provided. A second-hand uniform sale is held twice a year, where clothes in good condition may be obtained.