Saracens High School Review 2026: Elite Sporting Values Meets Academic Rigour

In the heart of the Colindale regeneration area, Saracens High School represents a unique partnership between professional sport and state education. Established in 2018 as part of the Saracens Multi-Academy Trust, the school has rapidly carved out a reputation for discipline, ambition, and community focus. While the Saracens name suggests a sporting bias, the reality is a school that prioritises character and academic performance with equal intensity. The school currently ranks 864th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it comfortably within the top 25% of schools in England. Serving a diverse urban cohort, it has quickly become a cornerstone of the Barnet educational landscape, drawing on the values of the famed rugby club to drive student aspirations.

The atmosphere at Saracens High School is defined by what leaders call the Saracens Way. This involves a commitment to four core pillars: Discipline, Hard Work, Honesty, and Humility. These values are not merely decorative; they are woven into the daily routines of the 1,130 students. The environment is orderly and purposeful, with a clear emphasis on mutual respect. The school operates as a purpose-built, modern campus on Corner Mead, featuring state-of-the-art facilities that reflect the high ambitions of its founders.

Principal Dr Matthew Stevens has led the school since its inception, overseeing its journey from a founding cohort to a fully subscribed secondary provider. His leadership has focused on creating a culture where students feel both challenged and supported. The connection to the Saracens Rugby Club provides a constant stream of inspiration, with professional athletes occasionally visiting to speak about the importance of resilience and preparation. This creates a distinctive team feel where students are encouraged to take pride in their collective identity.

The school is part of the Saracens Multi-Academy Trust, sharing a site and resources with Saracens Bell Lane Primary. This allows for a cohesive approach to education in the local area, though the High School maintains its own distinct secondary identity. The relationship with the trust ensures that students benefit from a wide network of support and opportunities that extend beyond the standard curriculum.

The academic performance at Saracens High School tells a story of significant value added. The school achieved an Average Progress 8 score of +0.42 in 2024, which indicates that students make well above average progress compared to their starting points. This metric is a key indicator of the school's ability to help students exceed their predicted trajectories based on primary school data.

In terms of attainment, the school ranks 16th among 25 secondary schools in Barnet. While Barnet is one of the most competitive local authorities in England, Saracens High School sits above the England average, placing it within the top 25% of schools in England (national strong band). The Attainment 8 score of 55 reflects a solid performance across eight key subjects, outperforming the England average for state-funded schools. Additionally, 31% of students achieved a grade 5 or above in the English Baccalaureate (EBacc), which includes English, Mathematics, Sciences, History or Geography, and a Language.

The curriculum at Saracens High School is designed to be broad and balanced, with a heavy emphasis on the core subjects of English, Mathematics, and Science. Teaching is structured around the principle of mastery, ensuring that students have a deep understanding of concepts before moving forward. The school employs specialist subject teachers who use evidence-based pedagogical techniques to ensure that lessons are engaging and rigorous.

Innovation is a hallmark of the classroom experience here. The school uses a digital-first approach in many areas, with students often utilising technology to enhance their learning and collaboration. Despite the modern tools, the pedagogy remains rooted in traditional values of high expectations and focus. Literacy and numeracy are given significant curriculum time, particularly in Key Stage 3, to ensure all students are equipped for the demands of the GCSE years.

Extracurricular life is where the school's sporting heritage truly shines, but it is far from limited to the rugby pitch. The school offers an extensive range of clubs and societies through its Enrichment programme, which is an integral part of the school day rather than an optional extra.

STEM: Innovation and Discovery

The school has a burgeoning STEM programme designed to prepare students for the technical demands of the future. Specific clubs include the Robotics League, where students design and programme their own machines for competition, and the Coding Club, which focuses on Python and Java development. The school’s modern laboratories allow for a highly practical approach to Science, including a popular Dissection Society for aspiring medical students.

Sport and Performance

While rugby is naturally a flagship sport, with elite pathways provided through the Saracens connection, the school offers a diverse sporting palette. Students participate in competitive netball, football, and athletics. The facilities include a high-specification sports hall and all-weather pitches that are used year-round. Beyond sport, the school has a growing Performing Arts department, with student-led choir rehearsals and an annual whole-school production that has become a highlight of the Colindale community calendar.

Saracens High School is a highly sought-after choice for local families. In the most recent admissions cycle, the school received 442 applications for 186 places. This represents a subscription proportion of 2.38, meaning there are more than two applications for every available seat. The school is officially classed as Oversubscribed.

Admissions are coordinated through the London Borough of Barnet. Priority is given to children with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) naming the school, followed by looked-after children and siblings. A significant portion of places are allocated based on distance from the school. While the school does not publish a formal catchment map, the high demand means that proximity is the deciding factor for many families.

The school also has a specific admissions criterion for Saracens Bell Lane Primary School pupils, who receive priority as part of the trust's commitment to educational continuity. Parents should use the FindMySchool Map Search to check their precise distance from the school gates compared to historical offer distances.

Pastoral care is built around a Learning Group system, which functions similarly to a traditional house system. Each student is part of a small group led by a Learning Coach who provides daily support and serves as the primary point of contact for families. This ensures that every student is known individually and their progress is monitored closely.

The school takes a proactive approach to wellbeing, with a dedicated pastoral team that includes a school counsellor and support staff focused on mental health. Discipline is maintained through a clear rewards and sanctions policy that emphasizes personal responsibility. The latest Ofsted report, which rated the school Good, highlighted that students feel safe and that staff deal with any instances of bullying effectively.

Fees & Financial Aid

Saracens High School is a state-funded academy (specifically a Free School) and does not charge tuition fees. Education is funded directly by the UK government, making it accessible to all families regardless of financial standing.

Despite having no fees, the school provides significant financial support to eligible families through the Pupil Premium grant. Approximately 65% of students at the school are eligible for this funding, which is significantly higher than the England average. This money is used to close attainment gaps and provide practical assistance. Financial aid can cover the costs of school uniform, essential equipment, and educational visits, ensuring that no student is excluded from school life due to financial constraints. Families should contact the school office to verify eligibility and apply for support.

The school day typically begins at 8:30am and concludes at 3:15pm, though the Enrichment programme often extends this for students participating in clubs. Saracens High School is well-served by public transport, located within walking distance of Colindale Underground Station (Northern Line) and several major bus routes serving NW9.

For families requiring wraparound care, the school does not publish details of a formal breakfast or after-school club for the secondary phase. Families are advised to contact the school office directly for the most current information regarding supervised study sessions or early arrivals.

• Fierce Competition for Places: With a subscription proportion of 2.38, Saracens High School is one of the most popular non-selective choices in the borough. Families living outside the immediate Colindale area may find it difficult to secure a place through the distance criterion alone.
• Sporting Ethos: While the academic results are strong, the school’s identity is inextricably linked to the Saracens rugby brand. Students who have no interest in sport may feel slightly disconnected from the Saracens Way culture, though the school works hard to ensure the values apply to all disciplines.
• Urban Context: The school is located in a densely populated, rapidly developing part of London. While the facilities are modern, the campus is compact and students must be comfortable in a busy, urban environment.
• Consistency of Values: The school has very high expectations regarding uniform and conduct. Families who prefer a more relaxed or alternative educational environment may find the Saracens discipline too rigid.

Saracens High School successfully translates the elite standards of professional sport into an aspirational educational environment. With an Average Progress 8 score of +0.42, it is a school that truly adds value to its students' lives, regardless of their starting point. It offers a rare combination of modern facilities, a disciplined culture, and a genuine sense of belonging. Best suited to families in Barnet who want a structured, high-energy environment where character is valued as much as grades. The main hurdle remains the admissions process; for those who secure a place, the opportunity is significant.