The Francis Holland (C of E) schools were founded by Canon Francis Holland and are affiliated to the Church of England. The first was opened in 1878 in Baker Street, London, and transferred in 1915 to its present building at Clarence Gate, near Regent's Park. There has been a continuous programme of modernisation and the facilities in its fine buildings are excellent. There are about 385 day girls (ages 11-18). A sophisticated school with high academic standards, it produces first-rate results. Pupils take 9 or 10 subjects for GCSE. The Sciences are taught as separate subjects and other options include German, Italian, Latin, Greek etc. In the Sixth Form the majority prepare for 3 A Levels while others take a combination of A and AS Levels. Economics, History of Art, Politics and Classical Civilisations are A Level options in the Sixth and Spanish for beginners. Girls are encouraged to do some voluntary work. Young Enterprise and Duke of Edinburgh Schemes are running and school trips are held (1994 - 7 to skiing, Cornwall, Italy, Paris, Greece, Rome and Florence). Nearly all pupils go on to University, or to some other form of Higher Education. There is much emphasis on music throughout the school with two orchestras and three choirs. The drama and art departments are strong and active. The school has Apple Macintosh computers and all girls take classes in Information Technology in the first three years. Excellent facilities for sport are provided in Regent's Park and there are regular team fixtures in tennis, rounders, hockey and netball against other London Day Schools. There is a good range of extra-curricular activities. Full use is made of the cultural amenities of the capital with regular visits to museums, art galleries and theatres.
Careers guidance is provided from the third year.
During 1995 the building was extended to include improved rooms for I.T., modern languages and mathematics teaching. An indoor swimming pool has been added beneath the playground. The top floor of the rear wing provides a new Sixth Form Common Room and Study.
