St Andrew's CofE Voluntary Aided Primary School, Totteridge Review 2026: Exceptional Results in a Village Setting

On Totteridge Green, where north London meets the Hertfordshire border, St Andrew's has served village families since 1839. The school's 2024 KS2 results place it 107th in England among 15,000+ primaries, firmly within the top 1%. 94% of pupils met expected standards in reading, writing, and mathematics combined, far exceeding the England average of 62%. One-form entry means approximately 30 children per year group, creating an intimacy rare in Greater London.

The setting anchors everything. Totteridge Village Conservation Area provides a backdrop of period cottages, ancient oaks, and remarkably quiet roads. The school sits opposite the parish church of St Andrew, and the relationship between school and church is genuine rather than administrative.

Mrs Helen White has led the school since 2018, arriving from a deputy headship in Hertfordshire. Under her leadership, results have strengthened further. The 2022 Ofsted inspection rated the school Good, with inspectors noting the calm, purposeful atmosphere and strong relationships between staff and pupils.

Christian values underpin daily life. Worship happens each morning, usually in the hall but occasionally in church. The school's values of Love, Respect, and Responsibility are referenced frequently by pupils. Families uncomfortable with regular Christian worship should consider this carefully.

In 2024, 94% of pupils met expected standards in reading, writing, and mathematics combined, compared to the England average of 62%. At the higher standard, 39% achieved greater depth across all three subjects, significantly above the England average of 8%.

Reading scaled score averaged 111, mathematics 111, and grammar, punctuation, and spelling 113. All three exceed England averages substantially. Every pupil met the expected standard in grammar, punctuation, and spelling.

St Andrew's ranks 107th in England for primary outcomes (FindMySchool ranking based on official data), placing it among the highest-performing primaries in the country. Among Barnet's 89 primaries, the school ranks 3rd.

Science results mirror the pattern. All pupils reached expected standards, compared to the England average of 82%.

The curriculum follows the national framework with careful attention to depth over speed. Teachers focus on mastery, ensuring concepts are secure before moving forward. Class sizes average 30, typical for one-form entry.

Specialist teaching begins early. A music specialist teaches across all year groups. French starts in Year 3. Computing is taught as a discrete subject as well as integrated across the curriculum.

Reading is prioritised. The library is well-stocked and pupils speak enthusiastically about favourite books. Phonics teaching is systematic, and results show strong foundations.

Mathematics follows a clear progression. Reasoning and problem-solving feature prominently, preparing pupils well for KS2 assessments. The high scores in mathematics reflect this structured approach.

With 210 pupils across seven year groups, staff know every child well. The SENCO coordinates support for pupils requiring additional help, working closely with class teachers and external agencies where needed.

Behaviour is excellent. Pupils are polite, confident, and articulate. The small size means friendship groups remain stable, though this can create challenges when relationships falter.

The school holds the Inclusive School Award, recognising its work to support all pupils.

Extracurricular provision is solid for a school of this size. Clubs include football, netball, choir, art, and gardening. Participation rates are high. The choir performs at school events and occasionally in church services.

Year 6 pupils attend a week-long residential in the spring term, typically to an outdoor education centre. This provides challenge and independence before secondary transition.

Sport features regularly. The school participates in local competitions and has access to playing fields nearby. Swimming lessons are arranged off-site.

Links with St Andrew's Church extend beyond worship. Harvest Festival, Christmas, and Easter services take place in church. The vicar visits school regularly and knows pupils by name.

Admissions are coordinated by Barnet Council. The school is consistently and significantly oversubscribed, with 114 applications for 26 Reception places in 2024. The subscription proportion of 4.4 applications per place reflects the school's reputation and the limited supply of Church of England places in north London.

After looked-after children and those with EHCPs naming the school, places are allocated as follows: children of staff, children whose parents worship regularly at St Andrew's Church, Totteridge or other Anglican churches (with supporting letter from the vicar), then by distance.

The faith criterion matters. Families demonstrating regular church attendance before application have priority. A letter from the vicar confirming worship is required. This is not nominal. The school and church operate as partners, and families choosing St Andrew's should expect and welcome that partnership.

Distance plays a role only after faith criteria are applied. In practice, most places go to families within the immediate village or who demonstrate regular Anglican worship.

The majority of pupils progress to Queen Elizabeth's School for Boys (if they pass the entrance test), Henrietta Barnett School for Girls (if they pass), or non-selective secondaries including Mill Hill County High School and Woodhouse College.

Approximately a third of each cohort secures grammar school places. The small cohort means numbers vary year to year, but preparation is thorough. The school provides familiarisation with test formats and supports families through the process.

Some families choose independent secondaries, with Haberdashers' Aske's Boys' School and St Martha's Senior School among destinations.

Transition arrangements are strong. Year 6 pupils visit their chosen secondaries in the summer term. Secondary staff visit St Andrew's to meet pupils before September.

School day runs from 8:50am to 3:15pm. Breakfast club operates from 8:00am; after-school club until 6:00pm, both run by an external provider.

The school is located on Totteridge Green, a ten-minute walk from Totteridge & Whetstone underground station (Northern Line). On-street parking is limited. Many families walk or cycle.

Faith commitment expected. The school's Church of England character is genuine and pervasive. Daily worship, regular church services, and Christian teaching are integral. Families uncomfortable with this should look elsewhere. The admissions criteria prioritise families demonstrating regular Anglican worship, which requires advance planning and genuine engagement with church life.

Fierce competition. With 4.4 applications per place, entry is highly competitive. Even families meeting faith criteria may not secure a place if they live further away than other qualifying applicants. Early engagement with the church and proximity to the school both matter.

Small cohort. One-form entry means limited friendship group flexibility. Children here will know their classmates extremely well. For some, this intimacy is perfect. Others may prefer more social breadth.

Grammar school context. With strong results, many families pursue grammar school entry at 11+. This creates a culture where preparation is common, though the school does not provide intensive tutoring-style coaching.

Exceptional results, a village setting, and genuine Christian ethos make St Andrew's one of Barnet's most sought-after primaries. For families seeking Church of England education with academic rigour, few schools in north London match this combination. The results speak clearly, pupils are happy and well-prepared, and the community is tight-knit. Best suited to families committed to Anglican worship who live within or near Totteridge Village. Securing a place requires both faith engagement and proximity. For those who succeed, the education is outstanding.