Ashmole Primary School, Barnet Review 2026: Elite Performance in North London

A high-achieving school with a modern outlook, Ashmole Primary School has rapidly established itself as a local powerhouse since opening in 2016. Situated in the Southgate area of Barnet, it serves as a feeder for the prestigious Ashmole Academy, creating a seamless and sought-after educational pathway from Reception through to A-level. The 2024 academic data places the school in the elite tier of English primaries, sitting comfortably in the top 2% of schools in England for Key Stage 2 outcomes. With two classes per year group and a capacity of 420 pupils, the school maintains a balance between a competitive academic environment and a structured, supportive community.

The school occupies a contemporary, purpose-built site that shares a campus with its senior counterpart, Ashmole Academy. This physical proximity is a defining feature, providing pupils with access to facilities and a sense of progression that is rare for a standalone primary. The atmosphere is purposeful and energetic, characterized by a clear set of values known as the Ashmole Values, which emphasize achievement, respect, and community.

Mr Christopher Tofallis, the Head Teacher, has led the school since its inception, providing a stable and ambitious vision. Under his guidance, the school has cultivated a reputation for high expectations. The 2025 ungraded Ofsted inspection confirmed that the school has taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection, where it was judged Outstanding. The relationship between staff and pupils is professional yet warm, fostering an environment where children feel secure enough to take intellectual risks.

The school performance is exceptional, consistently outperforming both local and England averages. In 2024, 96% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics combined, a figure significantly higher than the England average of 62%.

Ashmole Primary School ranks 171st in England for primary outcomes (FindMySchool ranking). Locally, it ranks 4th among the many primary schools in Barnet. This places the school in the elite tier, outperforming 98.8% of schools in England. At the higher standard, 52% of pupils achieved greater depth in reading, writing, and mathematics, compared to the England average of 8%. These results indicate that the school is particularly successful in challenging its most able pupils.

The curriculum at Ashmole is designed to be ambitious and broad, with a strong emphasis on core literacy and numeracy skills as the foundation for all other learning. Teaching is highly structured, and lessons are planned with precision to ensure no time is wasted. Specialist teaching is a notable benefit of the school link to the Academy, particularly in subjects like Physical Education and Music, where senior staff and facilities are often utilized.

Reading is a major focus from the earliest years, with a systematic approach to phonics that ensures pupils develop fluency quickly. In 2024, the average scaled score in reading was 110, well above the England average. The mathematics curriculum is equally rigorous, focusing on mastery and problem-solving, resulting in an average scaled score of 110. Teachers use assessment effectively to identify any pupils falling behind, providing immediate interventions to maintain the high pace of learning.

Despite the high academic stakes, the school places significant emphasis on pupil wellbeing. The pastoral system is built around the class teacher, who remains the primary point of contact for families. The school uses a values based reward system that recognizes positive behavior and contributions to school life, rather than just academic success.

Official assessments highlight that safeguarding is a strength of the school, with a culture that ensures pupils feel safe and heard. For pupils requiring additional support, the SENCO works closely with external agencies to ensure that pupils receive the support they need to succeed. The school operates a buddy system where older pupils look after younger ones during break times, reinforcing the sense of a multi-age community.

The extracurricular offer is extensive and benefits significantly from the shared site with Ashmole Academy. The extracurricular programme provides a variety of clubs that run before and after school.

Sport

Pupils use the Academy high quality sports halls and playing fields. Representative teams compete in Barnet leagues for football, netball, and athletics.

The Arts

The school has a strong musical tradition, with a dedicated choir and opportunities for peripatetic instrument lessons. Annual drama productions take place in the Academy professional theatre space.

STEM

Coding clubs and science fairs are regular fixtures, encouraging pupils to apply their classroom knowledge to real-world problems.

Unique Offerings

Notable clubs include the Ashmole Debating Society and the Young Entrepreneurs club, which focus on developing public speaking and leadership skills.

Ashmole Primary is one of the most oversubscribed schools in North London. For the most recent entry cycle, the school received 319 applications for just 60 places. The subscription proportion is 5.32, meaning there are over five applicants for every available desk.

Admissions are managed by Barnet Local Authority. After looked-after children and those with siblings already at the school, places are allocated based on distance from the school gates. The school does not publish a formal catchment map because the last distance offered fluctuates based on the distribution of applicants each year. Parents should use the FindMySchool Map Search to check their precise distance from the school gates.

The vast majority of pupils transition to Ashmole Academy for their secondary education. While this progression is not automatic and is subject to the Academy own admissions policy, the primary school is a designated feeder. This provides families with a level of continuity that is highly prized in the competitive North London secondary market. A small number of pupils annually secure places at local selective grammar schools or independent schools, supported by the school rigorous academic preparation.

The school day runs from 8:50am to 3:20pm. Ashmole offers a Breakfast Club starting at 7:45am (£6.50 per session) and an After School Club that runs until 5:45pm (£12.50 per session), providing essential wraparound care for working parents. The school is easily accessible via Southgate and Arnos Grove tube stations, though parking on Summit Way is restricted during drop-off and pick-up times to ensure pupil safety.

• Extreme Competition: With over five applicants per place, securing entry is the primary hurdle. Families living outside the immediate vicinity of Summit Way may find it difficult to secure a place through distance criteria alone.
• High Academic Pace: The school results are elite because the pace of learning is fast. While this suits many, parents should ensure their child is comfortable in an environment that prizes high achievement and rapid progress.
• Shared Site Dynamics: Sharing a campus with a large secondary academy provides excellent facilities but means the school environment is much larger and busier than a typical standalone primary.

Ashmole Primary School is an academic powerhouse that delivers results in the top 2% of schools in England while maintaining the standards expected of a premier Barnet institution. It offers a unique proposition: the intimacy of a primary school with the facilities and "big school" feel of a top-tier academy. Best suited to families who live very close to the school and are seeking a rigorous, high-achieving environment that leads directly into a successful secondary pathway.