Built in 1861 as The Godolphin School it became an independent day school for girls, associated with the Latymer foundation and taking the name of the Godolphin and Latymer School, in 1905. One of the most popular – and oversubscribed of the London girls’ day schools – Godolphin & Latymer occupies six acres of prime real estate close to the river in Hammersmith. It is surprisingly beautiful and serene in feel, given its proximity to bustling Hammersmith roundabout. It is an academic heavy-hitter – just under a quarter head to Oxbridge, and a good percentage to the ivy league – without as much overt pressure as places like St Paul’s girls and city.
Humanities continue to be popular, with a high take-up of subjects like English, history and philosophy. The school also has an interesting language curriculum : compulsory mandarin in year 7, plus Latin, plus optional French, German or Spanish.
Facilities here are excellent. The school already boasts a full size astroturf hockey pitch, three netball courts and 12 tennis courts, but there’s more to come. A new £6m sports centre offers badminton courts, volleyball, trampolining, a climbing wall, fitness room and a dance studio. Lots of extracurricular options on offer too with around 12 sports teams per year group and a really inclusive nature.
