Beyond the gates of this Barnet school sits an education that rarely announces itself. No grand heritage or institutional fanfare, yet the results tell a different story. With 91% of pupils meeting expected standards in reading, writing and mathematics at Key Stage 2, and a ranking in the top 1% of schools in England, Brunswick Park delivers academic performance that rivals much better-known alternatives. The school enrolls 450 pupils aged 3 to 11, split across two forms of entry per year group, alongside an integrated nursery serving younger children. The pupil population reflects the area's character: 42% speak English as an additional language, making this a genuinely multicultural learning environment. Mr Andy Griffiths has led the school through a period of sustained success.
The school's values focus on resilience, creativity, adventure and enterprise. Walk through the Southgate campus and you encounter a place where inclusion genuinely shapes daily life. The school explicitly designates itself as an inclusive community that values difference, and this principle runs through practice, not just policy. Pupils demonstrate remarkable respect and tolerance towards one another. The broader curriculum is enriched through residential trips, cooking projects and hands-on gardening, alongside structured academic work.
The 2023 Ofsted inspection particularly noted the outstanding quality of pupils' personal development, a rare judgement that speaks to how the school balances academic ambition with wellbeing. Staff know families personally. Parents and carers consistently praise the school's caring, family-centred approach where children feel genuinely happy and secure. Behaviour throughout the school is calm. Pupils show enthusiasm for their learning and appear comfortable expressing themselves.
The school operates within a federation alongside Church Hill School, sharing leadership and strategic direction. This federation model brings additional resource and expertise.
At Key Stage 2, results are exceptionally strong. In 2024, 91% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and mathematics combined, compared to just 62% across England. This represents a margin of 29%age points above the national average. The school's reading scaled score reached 111 out of a possible 120, with mathematics at 110 and grammar, punctuation and spelling at 112. All three represent clear outperformance of the England average of 100.
More than half of pupils (51%) achieved greater depth in reading, writing and mathematics, nearly six times the England average of 8%.
Science results were equally impressive. 95% of pupils reached the expected standard in science, compared to the England average of 82%. This demonstrates particular success in building scientific understanding and experimentation skills.
The school ranks 190th in England for primary outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the elite tier among the top 1% of primary schools nationally. Within Barnet, it ranks 6th among the local authority's primary schools, reflecting its standing as one of the strongest performers in the area. These consistent rankings demonstrate that strong results are the norm here, not a one-off year.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
Reading, Writing & Maths
91%
% of pupils achieving expected standard
The curriculum follows the national framework but is deliberately enriched. Music features prominently, with each class receiving weekly music tuition covering genres from African to Brazilian to classical traditions. Reception and Year 1 engage with rapid phonics progression using the Little Wandle Letters and Sounds scheme, supported by catch-up sessions for those needing additional help.
Mathematics teaching has followed a deliberate journey. The school worked with the London South East+ Maths Hub from 2019 to 2022 to introduce Teaching for Mastery approaches, building deeper understanding rather than procedural fluency. This reflects in the strong KS2 results, particularly the above-average progress in mathematics.
Geography learning extends beyond textbooks. Pupils undertake field trips to Eynsford, Deptford Creek, Brockwell Park and local areas. They study locational knowledge, physical geography and develop genuine geographical enquiry skills. The school also operates a specialist PE programme delivered by Southwark Gymnastics Club, supplemented by dance, football, tennis and trampoline coaches using on-site facilities.
Reading receives targeted support. Pupils at risk of falling behind are identified through regular assessment, and the school participates in national reading competitions, developing confidence alongside accuracy.
Quality of Education
Good
Behaviour & Attitudes
Good
Personal Development
Outstanding
Leadership & Management
Good
Music is woven through the fabric of the school. Weekly singing assemblies for Key Stage 1 and 2 provide consistent performance experience. The school runs a growing range of music clubs including the School Choir, Samba Club and Recorder Club, allowing pupils to develop ensemble skills and explore different musical traditions. These clubs operate on a rotating termly basis to ensure maximum access.
Physical education is delivered through a specialist model rather than class teachers alone. The partnership with Southwark Gymnastics Club provides gymnastics coaching across all year groups, whilst specialist dance, football, tennis and trampoline coaches deliver focused instruction. The school's excellent PE facilities support this diverse provision. Connection with the London School PE and Sports Network provides access to Real PE Curriculum resources from Create Development, emphasising physical literacy alongside competitive sport.
The school offers before and after-school care and a structured enrichment programme. Breakfast Club runs from 7:45am (£12-13 per week), accommodating children from nursery through Year 6. After-school clubs operate from 3:45pm to 4:45pm, organised both by school staff and external specialists. The Play Shelter manages extended childcare until 6pm. A Home Learning Club operates alongside sporting and creative activities, rotating termly to allow participation across the school.
Competitive sporting opportunities are embedded. Pupils take part in inter-school competitions reflecting the school's commitment to challenging pupils beyond the curriculum.
The curriculum is deliberately enriched with visits and outdoor learning. Children engage in gardening and growing vegetables, developing practical understanding of agriculture and natural cycles. Cooking projects build life skills and understanding of nutrition. The school hosts visitors to the classroom, bringing expertise and real-world context. This week (January 2026), M&M Theatrical Productions staged Peter Pan in the school's Sports Hall, providing live theatre experience.
For nursery-age children, the school follows the EYFS statutory framework with Foundations for Phonics early introduction. The environment is carefully planned with indoor and outdoor learning spaces, allowing children to develop independence and physical confidence from age 3.
Most pupils progress to non-selective secondary schools in the area. Destination data shows 31% move to Ashmole Academy, 24% to East Barnet School and 24% to St Andrew the Apostle Greek Orthodox School, with the remainder distributed across other local alternatives. For families seeking grammar school education, approximately 15 pupils per year group move to selective schools following 11-plus entry. The school provides 11-plus familiarisation but emphasises this is not formal preparation; families seeking intensive tutoring typically arrange this externally.
This is a state school with no tuition fees. Reception entry is coordinated through Barnet Local Authority. Demand significantly outpaces supply: in 2024, 163 families applied for 43 available places, an oversubscription ratio of approximately 3.8 to 1. After looked-after children and those with EHCPs naming the school, places are allocated by proximity to the school gates. There is no formal catchment boundary, meaning entry depends on living close enough. Families considering the school should register with Barnet Council by the annual deadline and verify their distance during the application window.
The school also operates a nursery for children aged 3 to 4. Nursery provision is funded through government Early Education and Childcare funding for eligible families; exact nursery fees and hourly rates are available on the nursery website.
Applications
163
Total received
Places Offered
43
Subscription Rate
3.8x
Apps per place
The school day runs from 8:50am to 3:20pm. Breakfast Club opens at 7:45am (£12 cash or £13 ParentMail weekly). After-school care until 6pm is managed by The Play Shelter (contact: theplayshelter.co.uk, 07941 315 271). The school operates across a single site on Osidge Lane in Southgate, within walking distance of New Southgate underground station. On-site parking is limited; the surrounding residential area typically accommodates school-related traffic during peak times.
Behaviour is managed through a consistent, values-based approach. The school emphasises mutual respect and responsibility. Leaders place genuine importance on pupils' emotional wellbeing and safety. A trained counsellor visits weekly for pupils needing additional emotional support. Pupils feel able to share concerns with staff, and issues are typically resolved quickly.
Support for pupils with additional needs is systematic. Staff are trained to identify SEND early and plan work that meets individual needs. Approximately 45 pupils receive SEN support coordinated through the school's dedicated SENCO, who works four days per week. The school holds the Inclusion Quality Mark, reflecting commitment to supporting pupils across the full spectrum of need.
Oversubscribed entry. With nearly four applications per place, securing entry depends on living close to school. The last distance offered varies annually based on local applications, so families should verify their specific distance before relying on a place. Proximity provides priority but does not guarantee admission.
English as an additional language is common. 42% of pupils learn English as an additional language. The school manages this well, but families should expect a genuinely multicultural environment where language support is embedded rather than an add-on.
Grammar school culture. With strong academic results, many families pursue selective secondary entry. This creates an 11-plus-conscious atmosphere for some families, although the school does not formally prepare for entrance exams.
Exceptional academic outcomes combined with a genuinely inclusive culture make this school perform at a level most schools aspire to. The combination of high expectations, specialist teaching across PE and music, and real commitment to wellbeing is rare. The Ofsted judgement of Good overall and Outstanding for personal development captures the balance well. Best suited to families within the school's tight admission perimeter who value strong academics alongside genuine pastoral care. Entry is the main obstacle; once secured, pupils join a school where challenge, ambition and kindness are equally valued.
Yes. The school was rated Good overall by Ofsted in March 2023, with Outstanding judgement for personal development. It ranks in the top 1% of schools in England for KS2 results, with 91% meeting expected standards in reading, writing and mathematics compared to 62% nationally.
In 2024, 91% of pupils met expected standards in reading, writing and mathematics (England average: 62%). Reading achieved a scaled score of 111, mathematics 110, and grammar, punctuation and spelling 112 (England average: 100). 95% met expected standards in science.
Entry is oversubscribed at approximately 3.8 applications per place. After looked-after children and EHCPs, places are allocated by distance from school. Families should register through Barnet Council and verify their precise distance from school during the application window.
Yes, the school operates an integrated nursery for children aged 3 to 4. Government-funded Early Education and Childcare hours are available for eligible families. Visit the school website for current nursery fees and funding details.
Music clubs include School Choir, Samba and Recorder, with weekly music lessons for all. PE is delivered by specialists in gymnastics, dance, football, tennis and trampoline. The school partners with Southwark Gymnastics Club and the London School PE and Sports Network, offering competitive sporting opportunities.
The majority progress to local non-selective secondaries: Ashmole Academy (31% of leavers), East Barnet School (24%) and St Andrew the Apostle Greek Orthodox School (24%). Approximately 15 pupils per year pass 11-plus entry to selective grammar schools.
Yes. Breakfast Club runs from 7:45am (£12-13 per week). After-school clubs operate from 3:45pm to 4:45pm termly. The Play Shelter provides extended childcare until 6pm. Nursery children also have access to after-school provision.
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