St Mary's and St John's CofE School

The third-largest primary school in Barnet asked a simple question in 2014: could a Christian education grow beyond Year 6? The answer launched an all-through adventure. Nine years later, St Mary's and St John's occupies three campuses across Hendon, educating around 1,650 pupils from nursery through sixth form. In the 2025 dataset, primary outcomes rank 1,368th academically in England, GCSE outcomes rank 2,027th academically, and sixth form results show 50% of A-level entries at A*-B. The school was rated Good by Ofsted in February 2024 across all categories. What distinguishes SMSJ is not scale alone but coherence. The Stamford Raffles upper campus, opened in September 2017, provides sixth formers with contemporary science facilities, purpose-built drama theatres and specialist spaces. Meanwhile, pupils across all phases benefit from a distinctive Church of England character that explicitly values wisdom, service and hope, grounded in an inclusive, multi-faith community.

Walking through any of the three SMSJ sites reveals a school comfortable in its own complexity. Neale House, the original Prothero Gardens campus, retains its primary warmth. Children aged 4 to 10 move between specialist music rooms, bright classrooms and outdoor play spaces. The school's founding as a primary fed naturally into secondary expansion; pupils who began in Reception often see familiar faces well into their teens.

The Bennett House Middle School campus on Sunningfields Road handles Years 5 through 8, bridging primary childhood with early secondary independence. Teachers here emphasise transition carefully, recognising that the shift from six-form to four-form entry brings psychological as well as academic adjustment. Students describe staff as approachable; pastoral structures are tight enough that every pupil knows their form tutor well.

Stamford Raffles, the Upper School and Sixth Form campus opened on Downage in 2017, carries genuine architectural presence. The building was officially opened by the Bishop of Edmonton in November 2017. This newest campus houses Years 9 through 13 and features state-of-the-art science laboratories, modern technology suites, a dedicated sports hall, dance studios and a 250-seat theatre. The facility quality signals institutional ambition. A fully equipped main theatre enables the school to produce elaborate musicals and drama productions to professional standards.

The school's Christian ethos is woven throughout but not aggressive. Daily collective worship happens; prayers open chapel services and assemblies. Yet the school explicitly welcomes "young people of all faiths and backgrounds." In practice, this means Christmas carols coexist with Diwali celebrations, the curriculum includes comparative religion, and applications are welcome from non-Christians whose families value the school's values (Wisdom, Service, Hope) rather than its doctrinal specificity. Executive Principal Gavin Smith leads with visible commitment to inclusive excellence; staff describe a culture of high expectations paired with genuine care.

Primary: KS2 Performance

In the 2025 dataset, 80% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and mathematics combined, with 20% reaching the higher standard. The school ranks 1,368th in England for primary academic performance. Locally, it ranks 34th in Barnet on the overall primary table. Reading and mathematics scaled scores averaged 109, and grammar, punctuation and spelling averaged 111. The technical picture is particularly strong in grammar and spelling, where 60% reached the higher standard, while reading and maths each recorded 50% at the higher standard.

Secondary: GCSE Performance

At GCSE level, pupils achieved an Attainment 8 score of 50.7, with a Progress 8 score of +0.43, indicating pupils make above-average progress from their starting points. The school ranks 2,027th in England for GCSE academic performance. Locally, it ranks 24th in Barnet on the overall secondary table. In English and mathematics, 50.6% achieved grade 5 or above and 71.3% achieved grade 4 or above. The English Baccalaureate grade 5+ rate stood at 26.4%, with 69% entered for the EBacc, showing a broad academic curriculum alongside positive progress.

A-Level and Sixth Form

The sixth form opened only in 2019, making its early progress noteworthy. In the 2025 A-level data, 50% of entries were graded A*-B, including 20% at A*-A. The school now ranks 1,478th in England for A-level academic performance and 1,456th overall for sixth form outcomes, based on 176 exam entries. Some graduates advanced to study Medicine and Russell Group universities including Cambridge University. The sixth form remains small, allowing close pastoral oversight, though expansion is planned as cohorts mature.

The curriculum balances traditional breadth with contemporary relevance. All KS3 pupils study English, Mathematics, Sciences (taught separately), History, Geography, specialist Music, Art, Drama, Design Technology, Computer Science, a full programme of Dance and Physical Education, plus Modern Foreign Languages (Spanish and French). The school describes its approach as building on "learning disciplines" that encourage explicit instruction, self-monitoring and reflective practice.

In the Stamford Raffles Upper School campus, teaching benefits from newly renovated laboratories and specialist technology suites. Science is taught in dedicated facilities; art studios feature alongside design spaces with CAD provision. Teachers are subject specialists; the school employs peripatetic music and drama staff who bring expertise beyond traditional classroom boundaries. Teaching is described as "rigorous" by the school, with high expectations embedded across subjects. GCSE and A-level options reflect this ambition: students can pursue Latin, Classical Civilisation, Russian, Further Mathematics, and single-discipline sciences alongside art history and media studies.

The school's focus on oracy means students are expected to articulate thinking clearly, speak in discussion and defend interpretations. This emphasis on speaking and listening appears in lesson observations and student voice interviews across year groups. One particular strength is the curriculum breadth at GCSE and A-level, reflecting the school's belief that genuine education extends beyond narrow specialisation.

From Primary

The majority of pupils progress to St Mary's and St John's Secondary phase at Bennett House. However, the school is not exclusive. Some families move elsewhere for selective options (the grammar schools Queen Elizabeth's and Henrietta Barnett are nearby). In 2024, approximately 79% of upper primary pupils moved to SMSJ secondary; the remaining 21% split between maintained and independent secondaries in the Barnet and wider London area.

From Secondary and Sixth Form

In the 2023/24 cohort, 74% of leavers progressed to university, with a further 4% entering further education and 6% into employment. (These figures do not sum to 100%, reflecting the small cohort size and DfE suppression rules for small groups.) The university progression figure sits solidly above many comparable schools and reflects genuine ambition. Beyond this, the school reports that "some students" secure places at Russell Group universities including Cambridge, Durham, Bristol, Edinburgh and Warwick. Two specific pathways noteworthy: first, Medicine; second, teacher training. The school actively supports students toward these competitive courses.

Extracurricular life is the school's most visibly distinctive element, encompassing performing arts, sports, STEM engagement and leadership opportunities across all three phases.

Music: Scholarship and Ensemble

Music occupies a central position. The school offers performing arts scholarships in Music, Drama and Dance, with 10% of secondary entry reserved for high-potential artists. Music scholars receive free instrumental tuition in their first year and access to weekly lessons on their chosen instrument (including voice). Ensembles include the Year 7 and 8 Choirs, Senior Choir, School Orchestra and production bands. The Senior Choir and Orchestra meet weekly, drawing from across the secondary and sixth form. Higher-level ensembles prepare students for examination entry and advanced performance. In 2023, the school produced Bugsy Malone as its major musical theatre production, involving cast members, a dedicated production band (requiring Grade 5+ instrumental ability) and extensive rehearsal. The school emphasises that all cast and musicians "develop performance talent and professionalism." Theatre trips are organised to enable pupils to experience elite musicianship; in 2023/24, students saw the Philharmonia perform American music standards at a London venue. London Philharmonic performances of contemporary classical work are also arranged. Peripatetic instrumental and vocal lessons are available for parents to commission, giving pupils access to specialists across string, wind, brass and percussion instruments.

Drama and Dance: Professional Standards

Drama clubs develop students' creative expression and acting confidence in "fun environments." LAMDA (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art) lesson provision is available, allowing pupils to pursue formal acting qualifications. The Drama department occupies dedicated spaces within the Stamford Raffles campus, including the state-of-the-art 250-seat Main Hall with a large stage. Dance companies operate at different ability levels, with younger dancers learning foundational choreography and older students advancing to performance-focused ensembles. Dance scholars, selected in Year 5, receive tuition from Royal Academy of Dance practitioners as part of the "Step into Dance" programme. Performance opportunities include the Barnet Dance Festival, Barnet Dance Competition and the annual Evening of Dance hosted at SMSJ. Both drama and dance are offered as GCSE and A-level options, signalling the school's commitment to these subjects as intellectual disciplines, not afterthoughts.

Sports: Breadth and Competitive Excellence

Physical education spans traditional team sports and individual disciplines. KS3 pupils experience Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Cricket, Football, Gymnastics, Handball, Health-related fitness (Outdoor Adventurous Activities included), Netball, Rounders, Rugby, Table Tennis, Tennis, Trampolining and Volleyball. This range is unusually comprehensive. The PE curriculum explicitly aims to create "motivated and passionate learners" with lifelong appreciation for physical activity. Competitive opportunities are significant: students engage in competitive sport locally and regionally, with links to Barnet Partnership for School Sport enabling student leadership roles in primary competitions. Sixth formers undertaking Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award expeditions benefit from outdoor education trips. Enrichment includes visits to elite sporting venues, specifically Lord's Cricket Ground and The Copper Box at the Olympic Park. Super-curricular sports clubs operate after school, catering to both competitive athletes and those seeking healthy recreation.

Academic Enrichment and STEM

Beyond scheduled curriculum, the school organises visiting speakers from various professions (noted in admissions materials). Higher-attaining learner programmes provide deeper challenge. In Year 7, pupils engage in problem-solving and mathematical reasoning beyond standard content. GCSE options include Computer Science, offering both theoretical computer science and applied digital literacy. Design Technology integrates CAD provision, enabling pupils to design and prototype. Science enrichment includes practical fieldwork; trips are organised to support curriculum objectives. The school website references a "Super-curricular" section encompassing all extension activities, though specific club names are less detailed on the website than might be expected.

Leadership and Service

Students exercise voice through a formal Student Voice Programme, aligned to the school's values. Year 12 and 13 students access Duke of Edinburgh Gold expeditions, developing resilience and leadership. The Hendon Collaboration Project involves Pupil Premium students in community-based work with external partners (Art Against Knives and Terapia), offering creative engagement alongside wellbeing support.

The school is heavily oversubscribed. At primary (Reception entry), there were 140 applications for 70 places in 2024, a 2:1 ratio. At secondary (Year 7 entry), 583 applications competed for 156 places, a 3.74:1 ratio. Admissions are coordinated through Barnet Local Authority. After looked-after children, pupils with EHCPs and siblings, places are allocated by distance from the school gate. The furthest distance at which a place was offered in 2024 was 3.609 miles. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place. The school serves a wide catchment across Barnet and beyond.

Primary admissions operate on standard LA coordinated entry. Secondary admissions follow the same route. The sixth form accepts applications directly to the school; entry requirements vary by course, but generally require a minimum of 5 GCSEs at grade 5 (strong pass) or above. Sixth form open evening was held in October 2025, with further events likely to be scheduled. Interested families should contact the school directly for current dates.

The school achieved an Outstanding rating from SIAMS (Statutory Inspection of Anglican & Methodist Schools), indicating exceptional strength in pastoral provision and spiritual development. Form tutors know pupils intimately, particularly in the smaller sixth form. Mental health and wellbeing support is embedded: the school website highlights counselling services and a dedicated Student Wellbeing page. The Hendon Collaboration Project, mentioned above, exemplifies how disadvantage is actively addressed through partnership work. Free school meal eligibility is high (26% of pupils), reflecting the school's role in a diverse, economically mixed community.

Behaviour is described in the Ofsted report as Good. The school operates clear behaviour policies referencing its values of Wisdom, Service and Hope. Pupils speak respectfully of staff; staff appear genuinely invested in individual progress. The school emphasises resilience, self-discipline and independence as habits to develop, not merely test scores to achieve.

School Hours

Primary operates on a 9:00am to 3:20pm timetable. Breakfast club begins at 7:45am; after-school club runs until 6:00pm. Holiday club operates during main school holidays, supporting working families. Secondary starts at 8:35am (specific finish time should be confirmed with school). Sixth form follows a more flexible timetable reflecting independent study and university preparation.

Travel and Transport

Hendon is well-connected by London transport. The nearest Underground stations are Hendon Central (Northern Line, approximately 1.5km from Bennett House) and Hendon Park (District Line). Multiple bus routes serve the area. The school operates no dedicated school transport, though parents are supported in understanding local routes. Parking near the three campuses can be challenging at peak times, particularly at Bennett House on Sunningfields Road where space is limited.

Oversubscription and distance: With a 3.74:1 secondary oversubscription ratio, securing a place is genuinely difficult. Families should not assume distance alone guarantees entry. The furthest distance at which a place was offered in 2024 was 3.609 miles, but this fluctuates annually. Families within catchment who regard SMSJ as their first choice should verify current distances with the LA before making decisions about property or preferences.

Size and transition pressure: As an all-through school with three campuses, SMSJ involves significant organisational complexity. Primary pupils experience a move from Neale House (ages 4-10) to Bennett House (ages 10+), and then another move to Stamford Raffles at Year 9. While transition support is embedded, some families prefer schools where children remain on a single site longer.

Faith ethos: The school is explicitly Church of England. Daily worship and prayer are standard. While the school welcomes families of other faiths, families uncomfortable with Christian practice embedded in daily life should consider this carefully. Conversely, families seeking an explicitly secular education should be aware of the school's character.

Sixth form newness: The sixth form is young (opened 2019). While results are strong and students report positive experiences, the cohort remains small and some advanced facilities are still being refined. Families seeking the scale and established traditions of larger sixth forms (e.g., in selective independent schools) may prefer alternatives.

St Mary's and St John's is a school of considerable ambition wedded to genuine care. The move from single-site primary to all-through provider was bold; the execution has been competent and increasingly assured. Results demonstrate that pupils progress well from their starting points in a diverse, inclusive context. Music, drama and dance provision rivals many independent alternatives. The Church of England character is real but genuinely inclusive, welcoming families of all faiths while rooting values in Christian tradition. Best suited to families within or close to the catchment seeking an all-through education where community and academic rigour coexist, where performing arts matter, and where a multi-faith perspective on Christianity feels fitting. The main barrier to entry is oversubscription; families cannot rely on distance alone. For those who secure places, the consistency from primary through sixth form offers genuine advantage.