History of the School

The school was founded in 1887. the year of Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee, by the Girls' Day School Trust, to provide an excellent academic education for girls. Originally named Brixton Hill High School, numbers soon necessitated the erection of a fine new building in Wavertree Road, (which is now the Junior Department). Renamed Streatham Hill High School, its academic and sporting reputation grew.

In 1938 Streatham Hill merged with Clapham High School, but the war created many challenges. Some girls were evacuated while others continued their schooling in London in often difficult conditions. Misfortune struck on July 27th 1944 when a V1 damaged the school badly. Fortunately the school was on holiday, and there were no casualties.

Following rebuilding, the Duchess of Gloucester opened the School in 1952. In 1979 Miss G. M. Ellis became Headmistress and her determination and dedication led to the acquisition of our present large site in Abbotswood Road in 1994.

Since then a new Sports Hall, Art Suite, Sixth Form Centre and Music Suite with a large Recital Hall have been built, giving the School unrivalled facilities. The School now numbers over 800 and fulfils the high aspirations of the Girls' Day School Trust: a distinctive educational experience with a broad, inclusive curriculum and a culture of high expectation.