- The girls’ day school was founded in 1878 by the Reverend Canon Francis Holland in Baker Street, and moved to its present site near the park’s Clarence Gate in 1915.
- The Francis Holland motto is taken from Psalm 144: “That our daughters be as the polished corners of the temple.” Compassion, knowledge, perseverance and spirit are the school’s core values.
- Expansion work in recent years has included the opening of new art, drama and music studios, including the Helen McCrory Studio Theatre, and a classics centre in 2021, and a new sixth-form centre, Linhope House, in 2022.
- Alumnae include the actresses Joan Collins, Amanda Donohoe and Emilia Fox, and the actress and author Jackie Collins.
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