In one of North London's most sought-after postcodes, Chalgrove Primary School sits at the heart of its diverse Finchley community. With just one class per year group, this intimate community school combines the benefits of smallness (where every child is genuinely known) with the academic rigour of a top-performing primary. Outstanding in all areas at its 2022 Ofsted inspection, Chalgrove ranks in the elite tier nationally: 669th out of 15,158 primary schools in England, placing it in the top 4% (FindMySchool ranking). Its results tell a compelling story. In 2024, 86% of pupils achieved the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics, compared to 62% nationally. At the higher standard, 32% of pupils achieved greater depth, far exceeding the England average of 8%. Reading, writing, and mathematics scaled scores all exceed 108, placing them well above the baseline. The waiting list reflects the school's reputation: 131 applications for just 30 Reception places in 2024, making entry fiercely competitive.
Chalgrove is a genuinely small school, with approximately 224 pupils across seven year groups. Set on beautiful grounds that include substantial playing fields, the campus unfolds in levels from street frontage to expansive outdoor space to the rear. The physical environment deliberately supports the school's inclusive vision: Forest Lodge, the specialist autism-friendly resource provision on site since 2018, operates as a discrete yet integrated unit, home to Blossom Class (Reception and Key Stage 1) and Cedar Class (Key Stage 2).
Mrs Jennifer Gaffney leads the school as headteacher. The atmosphere, as captured in the Ofsted inspection, reflects genuine warmth and serious academic intent in equal measure. Pupils thrive in this environment, where they are happy and safe. The school prioritises outdoor learning with intention: staff make excellent use of the grounds for everything from art activities using natural materials to story time beneath the open sky. The curriculum design emphasises topics and creative approaches rather than subject silos, encouraging curiosity about the wider world. Leadership has high expectations and is actively ambitious to provide pupils with a wealth of experiences across all subjects.
The school's inclusive character runs deep. With a specialist autism provision, designated SEN support staff, and a commitment to ensuring every child finds their place, the school genuinely believes in inclusion. The Forest Lodge classes give children with EHCP-identified autism not separate education but equal partnership in the mainstream: Forest Lodge pupils access their own discrete spaces (sensory room, soft play/therapy space, autism-friendly classroom, kitchen for life skills), yet also participate in mainstream classes where appropriate across the week.
Chalgrove's KS2 outcomes represent the school's greatest strength. In 2024, 86% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics, substantially above the England average of 62%. This represents sustained excellence: pupils develop strong reading skills and a genuine love of stories and books. Reading scaled scores averaged 109, mathematics 109, and grammar/punctuation/spelling 111, all well above the baseline score of 100.
At the higher standard, 32% of pupils achieved greater depth in reading, writing, and mathematics combined, compared to the England average of 8%. This reveals not merely competent teaching but a school cultivating genuine depth. Individual subject performance mirrors this picture: 88% achieved expected standard in reading, 46% reached the higher standard. In mathematics, 88% met expected standard with 38% achieving the higher standard. Grammar, punctuation, and spelling showed particular strength: 88% at expected standard, 62% at the higher standard.
Ranking 669th in England across all 15,158 primary schools, Chalgrove sits in the elite tier. This places the school in the top 2% nationally (FindMySchool ranking). Locally within Barnet, Chalgrove ranks 10th among the borough's primaries. This ranking reflects the consistency of pupil achievement and the school's track record over multiple years. Parents considering Chalgrove should understand that entry to this school is increasingly sought: the subscription proportion in recent years has been 4.37 (meaning 4.37 applications for every place offered), making distance from school a critical factor in admissions allocation.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
Reading, Writing & Maths
85.67%
% of pupils achieving expected standard
Teaching at Chalgrove follows a carefully planned structure balancing rigour with joy. Lessons begin with a soft start at 8:40am, allowing children to settle into focused activities while the formal school day begins at 8:50am. Teaching is underpinned by the understanding that children learn best when engaged in authentic, varied experiences.
The curriculum is organised through creative topics and core texts rather than rigid subject boundaries. Within this framework, discrete subject teaching in music and art ensures specialist knowledge. Physical education is taught with ambition: the school offers between 10 and 15 different sports throughout the year, with representative teams from Year 3 onwards. Design and technology, drama, and dance are integrated into topic-based learning, ensuring breadth. Spanish is taught throughout the school, starting from Year 1. Teachers receive ongoing training and guidance, particularly in areas of less confidence, and leaders regularly check pupils' learning to enable responsive, adaptive planning.
The outdoor environment is actively used. Staff make excellent use of the school grounds for learning: pupils create art using natural materials, inspired by their study of famous artists, and engage in lessons beneath the trees. Educational visits are frequent. Working with visiting scientists and outings to museums, galleries, and historical locations enrich pupils' interests and deepen subject understanding. An extensive range of after-school clubs and sporting activities extends the learning day.
Quality of Education
Outstanding
Behaviour & Attitudes
Outstanding
Personal Development
Outstanding
Leadership & Management
Outstanding
Chalgrove's extracurricular offer provides genuine breadth. The school runs a structured after-school club programme (Kidzone) on weekdays, with breakfast club provision and after-school care available.
Music is taught as a discrete subject, not integrated into themes. The school recognises that pupils benefit from specialist instruction and dedicated time. Music tuition is available, and pupils have opportunity to learn instruments. The curriculum includes developing musical understanding and confidence from the earliest years.
The sporting calendar is comprehensive. Across the year, the school provides opportunities in football (including girls' football clubs run by staff), netball, cricket, tennis, rounders, athletics, swimming, and other activities. Year 3 pupils and above have opportunity to join representative teams competing in local and borough competitions. The outdoor space supports these activities: playing fields to the rear of the school provide extensive scope for practices and fixtures.
Art is taught discretely, allowing pupils to study famous artists, experiment with media, and create works inspired by their learning. Pupils work with natural materials, sketch outdoors, and engage with galleries and museums through visits. Drama and dance, while integrated into topical learning, receive dedicated attention during the school calendar: the school hosts events including a Christmas production, drama performances, and other performance opportunities.
The school offers an extensive range of after-school clubs including:
The after-school provision operates Monday through Thursday from 3:15pm until 6pm, providing a range of fun, creative, and physical activities. The club is located in the Children's Centre on-site, with access to the outdoor garden and community hall. Snacks are provided, with attention to healthy choices and dietary needs. Themed events throughout the year (Chinese New Year, Diwali, Easter, Halloween, Bonfire Night) add richness.
The school calendar is alive with community events. International Evening celebrates the diverse cultures represented in the school community, with families sharing traditional foods, entertainment, and dress. Annual events include Book Fair weeks, Mental Health Coffee Mornings, and celebrations like Odd Socks Day (for Anti-Bullying Week). The Chalgrove School Events Committee (PTA) organises fundraising for curriculum enrichment projects and equipment, while building connections among families. Recent initiatives include Christmas Fair fundraising, "Chalgrove's Got Talent" showcases, and regular parent coffee mornings with school leadership or external specialists (e.g., educational psychologist sessions).
Chalgrove is significantly oversubscribed. The school is administered by Barnet Council, and all Reception applications proceed through the local authority's coordinated admissions system. In the most recent cycle, 131 applications were received for 30 places, a subscription proportion of 4.37. This means securing entry requires careful strategic thinking about distance.
After looked-after children and those with EHCPs naming the school as their placement, offers are allocated primarily by distance from the school gates. The school does not operate a formal catchment boundary; instead, distance determines allocation when oversubscribed. Families applying should register early and understand that last-distance-offered figures vary year on year based on the postcode distribution of applicants. Parents can apply to Chalgrove even if they live outside Barnet; those residing in other London boroughs should apply through their own local authority.
Children transition into Year 1 following Reception. Likewise, progression into secondary school occurs at the end of Year 6. The school provides information sessions to Year 5 parents about secondary transfer. Most pupils progress to local non-selective secondaries (notably Hasmonean High School, Hendon School, and The Henrietta Barnett School are within walking distance), though some families pursue grammar school options through the 11-plus examination.
Parents should contact the school office directly to register interest in a Reception place for 2026.
Applications
131
Total received
Places Offered
30
Subscription Rate
4.4x
Apps per place
The school day begins at 8:50am and concludes at 3:15pm. Soft start provision (from 8:40am) allows early arrivals to settle into quiet, focused activities. Morning breaks vary by year group: Years 1, 2, and 3 have a break at 10:00-10:15am, while Years 4, 5, and 6 break 10:15-10:30am. Lunch is staggered: Reception through Year 3 eat 11:45am-12:30pm, while Years 4-6 have lunch at a later slot (12:30pm approximately).
Breakfast club and after-school care (Kidzone) operate before and after the school day, providing childcare and activities. After-school clubs run Monday to Thursday from 3:15pm to 6pm. The school is located in Finchley, with Finchley Central on the Northern Line the nearest Underground station, approximately 10-15 minutes' walk away. Several bus routes service the area. The school has limited on-site parking, so many families use public transport or walk.
School meals are provided, and dietary requirements (allergies, religious, vegetarian) are accommodated. The school uniform is required.
Wellbeing is embedded in the school's approach. Teachers receive training on safeguarding, and leaders work with external agencies (including Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service) to support families. Behaviour is consistently good: pupils are settled and attentive, often deeply absorbed in their learning. Staff respond quickly to any concerns about unkind behaviour or bullying, maintaining a culture where pupils feel safe.
The school employs a dedicated SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) who works closely with families of pupils on the SEN register (approximately 45 pupils). Tailored interventions are provided: teachers adjust planning to support pupils falling behind, and all pupils receive differentiated support aligned to their starting points.
Mental health is explicitly supported. The school hosts regular coffee mornings inviting parents and carers to discuss strategies for supporting children's wellbeing, particularly around school holidays. Visiting specialists (e.g., educational psychologist) are made available.
Forest Lodge pupils receive additional specialist support through speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, and input from the Autism Advisory Team. Therapy is integrated into the school day rather than provided as separate clinical sessions.
Oversubscription is severe. With a subscription proportion of 4.37 and only 30 Reception places, entry to Chalgrove is highly competitive. Distance from the school becomes the determining factor. Families should verify their postcode distance from Chalgrove Gardens and understand that last distances vary annually. Use the FindMySchoolMap search tool to assess your precise distance compared to previous last-distance-offered figures.
Small school dynamics. As a one-form-entry school, there is only one class per year group. This creates an intimate, known community but means limited peer group diversity within each class. Families should understand that friendships are often stable across year groups and that moving schools mid-cycle would involve leaving an established peer network.
Autism provision may be misunderstood. Forest Lodge is a specialist unit welcoming children with EHCP and autism as their primary need. This is integrated (not segregated) education: children participate in mainstream lessons where appropriate. However, families concerned about specialist provision should be aware the school does place genuine emphasis on supporting this cohort alongside mainstream pupils.
Chalgrove Primary School ranks among the highest-performing primary schools in England, with consistent exam results, strong teaching, and a genuinely welcoming, inclusive character. This is a school that takes both academic excellence and pastoral care seriously, and it lives out its motto: "If you believe you can achieve." The tiny class sizes and beautiful outdoor environment create an atmosphere many families find compelling.
However, securing a place demands a combination of luck (postcode proximity) and persistence (early application). Families should understand that Chalgrove is not a realistic option unless they live very close to Finchley or are willing to relocate. For those within the catchment distance and able to gain entry, the school offers an exceptional primary education grounded in proven results and genuine care.
Best suited to families living within the tight distance band for oversubscribed North Finchley schools who value small-school community, outdoor learning, and strong academic outcomes. The main barrier is entry itself; once achieved, the education is outstanding.
Chalgrove was rated Outstanding in all areas by Ofsted in May 2022. The school ranks 669th nationally out of 15,158 primary schools in England, placing it in the elite top 2% (FindMySchool ranking). In 2024, 86% of pupils achieved the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics, well above the England average of 62%. At the higher standard, 32% achieved greater depth versus 8% nationally. The school is significantly oversubscribed (4.37 applications per place), reflecting its reputation.
Applications for Reception entry are made through Barnet Council's online admissions portal between September and October. Offers are released in April. The school is non-selective and open to families living anywhere (though Barnet residents apply via Barnet). After children with EHCPs and looked-after children, places are allocated primarily by distance. You can apply even if you live outside Barnet by applying through your own local authority. Contact the school office (020 8349 1798) to register interest or arrange a visit.
Chalgrove does not have a formal catchment boundary. Instead, when oversubscribed, places are allocated by distance from the school gates. In recent years, the distance has been very tight due to high demand. Parents should use the FindMySchoolMap search tool to calculate their precise distance from Chalgrove Gardens, Finchley, N3 3PL. Distances vary year on year based on applications, so proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place.
Yes. Chalgrove operates Forest Lodge, a specialist autism-friendly resource provision within the mainstream school. Children with an EHCP naming autism as their primary need can be placed through the local authority's SEND panel. Forest Lodge includes dedicated sensory facilities, soft play/therapy spaces, and life skills kitchens. Children in Forest Lodge also access mainstream classes where appropriate and benefit from specialist speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, and support from the Autism Advisory Team. The school also supports approximately 45 pupils on the SEN register within mainstream classes with tailored interventions and support.
The school operates Kidzone, an after-school club running Monday through Thursday, 3:15pm to 6pm during term time. Children receive a healthy snack around 4:30pm. Breakfast club is also available. Beyond supervised care, the school offers an extensive range of activity clubs including girls' football, hockey (Oxford Hawks), British Sign Language, dance (Performanze lessons Monday after-school), art and craft clubs, and various sports clubs. Clubs vary by term; details are sent to parents at the end of each preceding term. Additional information is available from the school directly.
Given the school's oversubscription (4.37 applications per place), the majority of pupils live quite close to Finchley. The exact last distance offered varies annually but is typically under 1 mile based on recent demand. Families should verify their distance before assuming they fall within the likely admissions boundary. Use the FindMySchoolMap search or contact the school for advice on whether your postcode is likely to be offered a place.
Get in touch with the school directly
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