North London Collegiate is one of the most academically successful schools in England, having been placed in the top two in the Daily Telegraph exam league tables every year for over a decade. It has been an International Baccalaureate World School since October 2003 . Girls may choose to take the traditional A Levels or the Pre-U or the IB curriculum. The girls are also encouraged to participate in non-academic pursuits. The Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme is available similarly to all independent schools. They may also take part in activities such as World Challenge Expeditions, Young Enterprise, Model United Nations and various community service projects. Alleged malpractice in deciding teacher-assessed grades In December 2022 the Guardian revealed that the school had been the subject of an investigation by an A-level examination board into the teacher-assessed grades given to pupils in 2021. These replaced the formal exams that were cancelled due to Covid. In 2021 90% of its A-level entries got A* grades - the highest in the country - whereas in 2019 the figure was only 34%. The investigation, which has concluded, found that there had been no centre malpractice by the school. North London Collegiate School was not the only private school under investigation. In 2021, the percentage of A* grades from English private schools was 39.5%, but only 16.1% in 2019. Dr Jo Saxton, Ofqual’s chief regulator, confirmed in October 2022 that private schools were being investigated when she appeared before the education select committee. Headmistresses Frances Mary Buss (1850 – December 1894) Sophie Bryant (1895–1918) Isabella Drummond (1918–1940, previously Head of Camden School) Eileen Harold (1941–1944) Dame Kitty Anderson DBE (1945–1965) Madeline McLauchlan (1965 – December 1985, previously at Henrietta Barnett School) Joan Clanchy (1986–1997) previously Head of St George's School, Edinburgh Bernice McCabe OBE (1997–2017, previously at Chelmsford County High School) Sarah Clark (2018–2022, previously at Queen's School, Chester) Notable former pupils Notable former staff Edith Aitken (founding head of Pretoria High School for Girls) Peggy Angus (artist, tile and wallpaper designer), teacher 1947-70 Edward Aveling, teacher of elementary physics and botany (1872-1876) Bibliography The North London Collegiate School 1850–1950: A Hundred Years of Girls' Education Includes 'Essays in honour of the Frances Mary Buss Foundation' together with an appendix section that includes Royal Patrons, The School Prospectus, Prize Day List, Links to Girton College and the University of London, and regulations concerning Prefects and