Monkfrith Primary School Review 2026: Academic Excellence in North London

Just beyond the elegant curve of Knoll Drive in Southgate, a state primary has quietly built a reputation for exceptional results. Monkfrith Primary School ranks 631st in England for primary outcomes, placing it well above England average (top 5%). In Barnet, where competition for primary places runs fierce, this school ranks 9th among 78 primaries. The 2024 KS2 results reveal a striking picture: 88% of pupils met expected standards in reading, writing, and mathematics, compared to the England average of 62%. This is academic performance that rivals selective schools, achieved in a fully comprehensive intake.

The school serves approximately 420 pupils aged 5 to 11 across two-form entry. No entrance test, no fee, and results that place it firmly among the highest-performing state primaries in the capital.

Monkfrith occupies a substantial site in a residential area where 1930s semis and later housing developments create the fabric of suburban north London. The school building has evolved over decades, with successive extensions creating distinct zones for different age groups while maintaining sight lines and flow.

Mrs Ruth Wilks, who became head teacher in 2018, arrived from a deputy headship in Enfield with a reputation for raising standards. Under her leadership, the school maintained its Good rating in the 2022 Ofsted inspection while substantially improving outcomes. Staff stability is notable. Several teachers have worked here for over a decade, providing continuity that benefits pupils and families alike.

The school's core values centre on respect, responsibility, and resilience. These are not simply aspirational words. The behaviour policy references them explicitly, and pupils use this language naturally when describing why they act in certain ways. Classes are calm and purposeful. Pupils describe feeling safe and well supported.

Parents report a strong sense of community. The Parent Teacher Association raises substantial funds annually, supporting additional resources and experiences that enrich the curriculum. Communication between home and school is frequent and detailed, particularly when pupils require additional support.

The 2024 KS2 results tell a story of sustained academic strength across all measured areas. 88% of pupils reached expected standards in reading, writing, and mathematics combined, significantly exceeding the England average of 62%. This places Monkfrith in the top 5% of primaries nationally (FindMySchool ranking). Locally, the school ranks 9th among 78 Barnet primaries.

Reading performance is particularly strong. The average scaled score of 109 exceeds the England average of 104, with 87% of pupils reaching expected standards and 48% achieving the higher standard. In mathematics, 92% met expected standards (England average: 73%), with 50% reaching the higher standard. The scaled score of 109 again exceeds the England average of 105.

Grammar, punctuation, and spelling results stand out. The average scaled score of 111 places pupils well ahead of national expectations, with 88% reaching expected standards and 65% achieving the higher standard. This compares to the England average of 78% reaching expected standards.

At the higher standard, 39% of pupils achieved greater depth across reading, writing, and mathematics, substantially above the England average of 8%. This indicates the school successfully extends high-attaining pupils while maintaining strong outcomes across the ability range.

Science remains a strength, with 92% of pupils reaching expected standards compared to the England average of 82%.

These results have remained consistent over several years, suggesting embedded practice rather than a single cohort effect.

The curriculum follows the national framework with careful sequencing and regular assessment checkpoints. Mathematics is taught daily with setting by ability from Year 5 onwards, allowing teachers to pitch lessons precisely. The school uses a mastery approach, ensuring pupils understand concepts deeply before moving forward.

Reading is prioritised from the earliest stages. Phonics teaching follows a structured synthetic phonics programme, with regular assessment to identify pupils requiring additional practice. By the time pupils reach upper Key Stage 2, guided reading sessions focus on comprehension strategies, inference, and textual analysis.

Writing is taught through high-quality texts. Pupils study a range of genres and authors, with explicit teaching of grammar and punctuation woven through the curriculum. In Year 6, extended writing sessions allow pupils to produce sustained pieces demonstrating the full range of skills.

Science is taught by class teachers with specialist support from a subject leader who has strengthened practical investigation and scientific reasoning. Computing includes coding from Year 3, with pupils learning to create programs, debug errors, and think algorithmically.

The school offers French from Year 3, taught by a specialist teacher. Music is similarly taught by a specialist, with all pupils receiving weekly lessons covering notation, performance, and music theory.

Homework is set regularly, with an emphasis on reading daily, learning multiplication tables, and practising spelling patterns. Parents report the homework policy is clear and manageable.

Each class has a teaching assistant alongside the class teacher, providing additional support during lessons and targeted intervention for small groups. The school currently supports approximately 50 pupils with special educational needs, representing around 12% of the roll. The SENCO works four days per week and coordinates provision ranging from speech and language support to social skills groups.

Pupils with Education, Health and Care Plans receive one-to-one support where specified. The school has experience supporting pupils with autism, dyslexia, and developmental language disorder. Recent adaptations include visual timetables, quiet spaces for regulation, and sensory circuits for pupils who benefit from movement breaks.

Behaviour is managed through a clear system of expectations and consequences. Pupils describe the approach as fair and consistent. Minor incidents are dealt with by class teachers; persistent difficulties trigger parental involvement and support plans. Exclusions are rare.

The school employs a learning mentor who works with pupils experiencing anxiety, friendship difficulties, or bereavement. This provision has expanded in recent years, reflecting growing awareness of mental health needs in primary-aged children.

Pupils describe feeling listened to and valued. The school council meets fortnightly and has successfully lobbied for changes including improved playground equipment and a wider range of lunchtime clubs.

The extracurricular programme runs four days per week after school, with clubs changing each term to offer variety. Current clubs include football, netball, hockey, basketball, chess, choir, art, drama, science investigation, and coding. Participation is strong, with approximately half the school engaged in at least one club.

Music thrives beyond the curriculum. The school choir performs at local events and residential homes. Individual instrumental tuition is available through Barnet Music Service for piano, guitar, violin, and woodwind instruments. Approximately 80 pupils currently learn an instrument.

Sport is well supported. The school fields teams in local competitions for football, netball, athletics, and cross-country. In 2024, the Year 5 and 6 football team won the Barnet Schools League, and the netball team reached the borough finals.

Drama features prominently, with each year group producing a class assembly performance throughout the year. Year 6 stages a full production in the summer term, with recent performances including adaptations of Matilda and A Midsummer Night's Dream.

The school participates in inter-school academic competitions. Pupils regularly compete in mathematics challenges, spelling bees, and public speaking events. In 2024, a team of Year 6 pupils reached the regional finals of the UK Mathematics Challenge.

Residential trips feature in the later primary years. Year 5 spends three days at an outdoor education centre in Hertfordshire, focusing on team-building and outdoor skills. Year 6 undertakes a week-long residential to the Isle of Wight, with activities including fossil hunting, beach studies, and visits to historical sites.

Community links include regular visits to local residential care homes, performances at community events, and fundraising for local and national charities. Pupils describe these activities as meaningful and enjoy the connection with the wider community.

Admissions for Reception entry are coordinated by Barnet Council through the pan-London admissions system. The deadline for applications is 15 January for September entry. Offers are made on 16 April (national offer day).

Monkfrith is consistently oversubscribed. In 2024, the school received 221 applications for 59 places, representing a subscription ratio of 3.75 applications per place. Seventy-seven families listed Monkfrith as their first preference.

After children in care, previously in care, and those with Education, Health and Care Plans naming the school, places are allocated strictly by distance from the school gate. The school does not operate sibling priority, catchment boundaries, or faith criteria. Distance is the sole determinant.

Barnet Council does not routinely publish last distances offered. Families should contact the school or local authority to understand recent patterns. Anecdotal evidence from parents suggests the catchment is tight, with families living within a mile having realistic prospects, though annual variation is significant.

Because of the oversubscription and distance-based allocation, families moving into the area specifically to access this school should verify distances carefully before committing to a house purchase or rental. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place.

In-year admissions are managed by Barnet Council. Waiting lists operate for each year group, with pupils ranked by distance. Movement on waiting lists is unpredictable and depends on families leaving the area.

The school website provides detailed admissions information and links to Barnet Council's admissions pages. Prospective families are encouraged to visit during scheduled open mornings, which typically occur in September and October for Reception entry the following year. Individual tours can sometimes be arranged by contacting the school office.

The majority of Year 6 leavers progress to local state secondaries, primarily Ashmole Academy, Southgate School, and Broomfield School. A significant proportion sit the 11-plus examination for entry to grammar schools including Queen Elizabeth's School for Boys in Barnet, Henrietta Barnett School, and Dame Alice Owen's School.

The school provides familiarisation with 11-plus question styles during Year 5 and Year 6 as part of the standard mathematics and English curriculum. This is not intensive preparation. Families seeking selective school entry typically arrange private tutoring or attend specialist preparation classes. The school neither endorses nor discourages this, recognising it as a family decision.

In 2024, approximately 15 pupils secured grammar school places, representing around one-quarter of the cohort. This reflects both the school's strong academic grounding and the level of external preparation families undertake.

Some families choose independent secondary schools. St Martha's Catholic School and Mount House School in Barnet are common destinations for families seeking fee-paying alternatives.

Transition arrangements are thorough. The school liaises closely with receiving secondaries to share information about academic levels, special educational needs, and pastoral concerns. Pupils visit their new schools in the summer term, and secondary staff visit Monkfrith to meet pupils.

The school maintains contact with local secondaries to track pupil progress and adjust its curriculum where needed. Feedback indicates Monkfrith pupils arrive well prepared for the academic and social demands of secondary education.

The school day runs from 8:50am to 3:20pm for all year groups. Gates open at 8:40am. Punctuality is expected and monitored.

Breakfast club operates from 7:45am, providing a light breakfast and supervised activities before the school day begins. After-school club runs until 6:00pm, offering a snack, homework support, and play activities. Both clubs are run by the school rather than external providers and must be booked in advance. Charges are modest compared to private childcare.

Holiday club operates during most school holiday weeks, excluding Christmas and some bank holiday weeks. This is popular and often fills quickly, so early booking is advised for working parents needing wraparound care.

School uniform consists of grey trousers or skirt, white shirt or polo shirt, and a navy blue jumper or cardigan with the school logo. PE kit includes a plain white t-shirt, navy shorts, and plimsolls for indoor PE, plus tracksuit bottoms and trainers for outdoor sessions. Uniform can be purchased from designated suppliers or high street retailers for non-logo items.

The school encourages walking, cycling, and scooting where possible. Car parking near the school is limited, and surrounding roads become congested at drop-off and pick-up times. The school promotes a Park and Stride scheme to reduce congestion.

The school is accessible by public transport. Southgate Underground station (Piccadilly line) is approximately one mile away. Several bus routes serve the area, including routes connecting to surrounding boroughs.

School meals are provided by a contracted catering company and prepared on site. Pupils can choose from hot meals, jacket potatoes, or sandwiches. The menu follows nutritional guidelines and accommodates dietary requirements including allergies, religious restrictions, and vegetarian preferences. All infant pupils (Reception, Year 1, Year 2) receive free school meals under the Universal Infant Free School Meals scheme. Older pupils can pay for meals via a cashless payment system.

Parents describe communication as strong. The school uses an online platform for newsletters, calendar updates, and trip consent forms. Teachers are accessible at drop-off and pick-up times for brief conversations, with longer discussions scheduled via the school office.

Oversubscription and distance allocation. With 221 applications for 59 places in 2024, competition is intense. Distance from the school gate determines who receives offers. While specific distance data is not published, families should research recent patterns before assuming proximity guarantees a place. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place. Families considering house moves to access this school should verify current trends carefully.

11-plus culture. Approximately one-quarter of Year 6 pupils pursue grammar school entry, creating an environment where 11-plus preparation is common. Families typically arrange private tutoring from Year 4 onwards. The school provides curriculum enrichment but not intensive test preparation. This culture may feel pressured for families not pursuing selective schools, though the school maintains that all pupils are valued regardless of destination.

Limited on-site parking. The school's suburban location means restricted parking, and surrounding roads become congested during drop-off and pick-up. Families driving should allow extra time or consider parking further away and walking. The school actively discourages driving where alternatives exist.

No nursery provision. The school admits children directly into Reception at age 4 to 5. Families seeking nursery education must look elsewhere for early years provision. Some families use nearby nurseries and preschools before transitioning to Monkfrith for Reception entry.

Monkfrith Primary School delivers academic outcomes that place it firmly among the highest-performing state primaries in London. Results consistently exceed England averages across all measured areas, with 88% of pupils meeting expected standards in 2024 compared to the national figure of 62%. Ranking 631st in England and 9th in Barnet, this school achieves what many independent schools charge for, without fees.

The teaching is rigorous and effective. Pupils make strong progress from their starting points, with particular strength in reading, mathematics, and grammar. The curriculum is broad, enriched by specialist teaching in music and French, and supported by a thriving extracurricular programme.

Pastoral care is responsive, with additional support for pupils with special educational needs and those facing emotional or social challenges. The school community feels cohesive, with active parental involvement and pupils who describe feeling safe and valued.

Best suited to families living close to the school who want excellent academic preparation within a supportive community primary. The comprehensive intake means children learn alongside peers from varied backgrounds, while the strong results indicate that high expectations apply to all pupils regardless of starting point.

The primary challenge is securing a place. Oversubscription means only families living very close have realistic prospects. For those who do gain entry, the education rivals any primary in the borough.