From humble beginnings
The school was founded in 1885 by Rev Robert Spears (1825-99), and two sisters, Miss Emily Sharpe (1828-1914) & Miss Matlida Sharpe (1830-1916.) The school was initially founded for the daughters of Unitarian Ministers and others. Channing (House) School remains the only Independent Unitarian school in Britain, offering a variety of studies for girls aged 4-18 years.
The school has grown from 35 pupils occupying only 2 houses on The Bank, Highgate Hill & West View, to over 900 students across both the Junior & Senior schools. Although the option to board ceased in 1967, there is still a strong sense of identity and community amongst alumnae and current pupils alike.
Our founding principles
In keeping with the Unitarian principles on which the school was founded, the ethos of the school remains one of tolerance with a vision that all girls at the School will enjoy success.
The School’s overall mission is to ensure that its pupils develop scholarship, integrity, altruism and independence.
Location
Situated on Highgate Hill, the school is split between the Senior school on The Bank, (its original location), and the Junior school opposite on Highgate High Street. Both sites enjoy excellent facilities and a major redevelopment of the Senior school to provide new sports and performing arts facilities has recently concluded.
Archives & artefacts
In mid 2018, a project commenced to digitise the vast archives with the view of sharing the school’s rich history with its students, both part and present, staff, our local community and beyond.
Please enjoy exploring our history and should you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact the Development Office via telephone (020 8340 2328), or email development@channing.co.uk.
Can you help?
Do you have any memorabilia, artifacts or information about your time at Channing that you would like to share via the archival website, especially any literature or photographs? We welcome the opportunity to explore this with you.
Please contact the Development Office via the email or telephone details above, to discuss further.