St Michael's Catholic Grammar School Review 2026: Academic Excellence Rooted in Catholic Faith

Founded on St Michael’s Day in 1908 by Sisters of the Poor Child Jesus, the school developed into one of England’s highest-performing Catholic girls’ grammar schools academically. Over a century later, St Michael's remains faithful to its founding mission while delivering contemporary, rigorous education. The November 2022 Ofsted inspection awarded Outstanding across all areas, including sixth form provision. GCSE results place the school 93rd in England (FindMySchool ranking), within the top 2%, with 84% achieving grades 9-7 and 64% reaching the very top grades of 9-8. At A-level, students achieve with equal distinction: 87% obtain A*-B, positioning the school in the top 5% nationally (FindMySchool data). Sixth form expansion to include boys reflects the school's confidence and growing reach, while the 2019 building programme brought modern science facilities and a new library to complement the Victorian architecture that anchors the site. This is a school where intellectual ambition and Catholic spiritual formation move in tandem.

St Michael's occupies a compact campus of five contrasting buildings, each representing a different era. The Grange, a 19th-century private house surrounded by trees, serves the sixth form with a calm, separate identity. The Lower School, a stone building from the early 1900s, retains period charm. The main school, built in the 1950s, houses the beating heart of academic life. The Sports Hall, opened in 2008, is the largest school gymnasium in Barnet. In 2019, a contemporary building arrived containing specialist science laboratories and a purpose-built library, signalling institutional commitment to modern resources without abandoning the school's heritage.

The atmosphere is notably calm. From the moment you arrive, there is an order and purposefulness to the place. Girls in burgundy blazers move with intention between lessons. The Catholic character is woven throughout, not as a veneer but as a structuring principle. Mass occurs on Friday lunchtimes; St Michael's Day, celebrating the Archangel, anchors the academic calendar with whole-school liturgy and, cheerfully, free ice cream for staff and pupils. Daily prayer begins the school day. Inspection evidence confirms that behaviour is exemplary; bullying is rare. Pupils feel genuinely safe and cared for.

Under Mr Michael Stimpson's leadership since 2017, the school has maintained its academic rigour while investing in pupil wellbeing and pastoral care. Stimpson, a physicist by training with degrees from Durham and advanced qualifications in educational leadership, brings both intellectual credibility and a focus on the human element of school life. His arrival marked continuity with a gentler touch than that of his long-serving predecessor, Miss Ursula Morrissey, who led the school for 41 years and established many of the institutional practices still in place. The transition was seamless; staff turnover is low, and those who teach have chosen to stay.

GCSE Performance

In 2024, 84% of pupils achieved grades 9-7 (A*-A), compared to the England average of 54%. The school ranks 93rd in England (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the elite tier of grammar schools nationally. Among Barnet schools, it holds the second position locally. The Attainment 8 score of 79.3 substantially exceeds the England average. Progress 8 stands at +0.98, indicating pupils make above-average progress from their starting points.

72% of pupils achieved grades 5 or above across the English Baccalaureate subjects, demonstrating breadth alongside depth. High achievement is consistent across subjects; the school does not rely on a single pillar. English, mathematics, sciences, languages (French, Spanish, Italian), humanities (history, geography), and the arts all show strong results.

A-Level Performance

At A-level, 87% of entries achieve A*-B grades, well above the England average of 47%. The school ranks 114th in England (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the top 5% for sixth form achievement. The percentage achieving A* is 23%, compared to the England average of 24%, reflecting consistency rather than stratospheric outliers.

Twenty-seven A-level subjects are offered, including specialist choices such as Classical Greek, Russian, Further Mathematics, Government and Politics, and Psychology. The breadth reflects a school confident in its teaching depth. Boys enter the sixth form, creating a mixed cohort for post-16 study and broadening the social experience. Sixth form students increasingly progress to the most selective universities.

In 2024, 81% of leavers progressed to university. The academic pipeline is particularly strong at the most selective institutions. Eight students secured Cambridge places, and five secured Oxford places, for a combined total of 13 Oxbridge acceptances from a sixth form cohort of approximately 136. This places the school in the top tier for Oxbridge success nationally, with a 32% offer rate among applicants.

Beyond Oxbridge, sixth form destinations reflect sustained progression to Russell Group universities. Work experience placements are structured; in 2024, Year 12 students participated in the Imperial College Physics Competition and attended a Year of Quantum event at the Houses of Parliament. Pupils interested in medicine benefit from a structured medical school preparation programme.

Teaching is characterised by high expectations and rigorous subject mastery. Lessons follow a structured approach: concepts are introduced, practised, refined, and revisited. Subject specialists teach their discipline with genuine enthusiasm. Science lessons incorporate frequent practical work; the new specialist laboratories, opened in 2019, support hands-on investigation. Mathematics sets allow differentiation by attainment from Year 4. Languages begin early; Year 7 pupils study French as standard, with Italian and Spanish available at Key Stage 4 and beyond.

The curriculum is traditional in structure but contemporary in application. Pupils study discrete sciences (biology, chemistry, physics) from Year 7. History, geography, and religious education sit alongside English and mathematics as core subjects. English literature focus encourages deep engagement with texts; the library, refurbished in 2019, provides both digital and physical resources for research. Latin is offered; drama uses Latin texts as stimulus for performance. The school resists both excessive specialism and shallow breadth; the aim is cultivated intellectual curiosity underpinned by rigorous knowledge building.

Music: Ensembles and Performance Culture

Music is a genuine strength. Music facilities include a recording suite alongside dedicated practice rooms, supporting pupils who want to take their study further. Ensemble participation is high. The Junior Choir, Sinfonia, Jazz Band, Wind Ensemble, and Flute Ensemble provide multiple pathways for involvement. Not all musicians will become concert soloists; the school's philosophy is inclusive. Chamber Concerts and ensemble concerts occur regularly; performances are frequent in the school calendar. Many students learn an instrument — or two — with weekly lessons available. The Music Department collaborates closely with Drama, as evidenced by the April 2025 production of Matilda at the Arts Depot, a neighbouring professional arts venue. A 30-pupil concert tour to Europe is planned for summer 2025, reflecting the ambition of the programme.

Drama: Student-Led and Professional Standard

Drama productions happen termly, engaging a broad cross-section of the school. The curriculum includes theatre studies at GCSE and A-level for those pursuing it seriously, but drama also functions as a co-curricular art. School musicals draw casts from across year groups. Latin lessons incorporate dramatic performance; Year 9 pupils participate in Latin drama workshops. This integration of performance into curriculum subjects ensures drama reaches beyond the traditional theatre-going set.

STEM: Competition and Specialist Engagement

Science is thriving. The Chemistry Olympiad is a signature event; in 2025, Year 12 students achieved 6 Silver and 19 Bronze certificates at the 57th Annual Chemistry Olympiad, the school's best result yet. Year 12 Physics students competed in the Imperial College Physics Competition, a flagship national challenge. Year 13 pupils undertake a specialist physics trip to CERN, the European Organisation for Nuclear Research in Geneva, immersing them in cutting-edge particle physics. Year 7 science trips to the Natural History Museum introduce younger pupils to scientific investigation and specimen study. The school offers Engineering Club and Astro-Physics Club, providing focused communities for those with specialist interests.

Sixth Form Societies and Leadership

The sixth form hosts a thriving society culture. Model UN Society, Debating Club, Rotary Interact Society, Medical Society, Law Society, History Club, Geography Club, Japanese Society, Dance Society, and Creative Writing Club are formally established, each with structured leadership and purpose. The Bingham Debate Competition sees five teams competing at South Hampstead High School, a prestigious annual fixture. Rotary Interact, in partnership with Rotary International, organises substantial charity events; recent fundraising included Chance2Dance, with proceeds supporting Children of Rwanda. This is genuine youth leadership, not tokenistic student council.

Sport: Accessible and Competitive

The school operates without playing fields, a physical limitation that shapes athletic provision. Courts are few and due for renovation. Team games such as hockey do not feature prominently. Yet the Sports Hall, the largest school gymnasium in Barnet, is used intensively. Netball, badminton, volleyball, tennis, and athletics dominate. Cricket, football, street dance, and cheerleading complement the core offer. A Running Club and Outward Bound activities extend provision. Duke of Edinburgh Award schemes run to Gold level. Sports Leadership qualifications are available. The school does not compete at the highest tiers in inter-school competitions, but sports participation is healthy and the facilities are well-used.

Publications and Academic Journals

The school publishes Lenses, a sixth form academic journal featuring original student writing and research. This reflects the school's commitment to intellectual expression beyond formal examinations. Year 10 trips to Oxford University introduce younger pupils to university life and academic aspiration. Poetry competitions and creative writing initiatives are integral to the calendar.

St Michael's is a selective grammar school with strict Catholic entry criteria. Entrance is restricted to baptised Catholic girls with evidence of First Holy Communion and a Certificate of Catholic Practice. Approximately 390 candidates apply for 128 places in Year 7.

The entrance examination comprises English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning, all multiple-choice format with answers recorded electronically. Familiarisation papers are available on the school website. The school advises that the test is academically challenging; tutoring is common among applicants, though not formally recommended by the school. Girls achieving in the top rank of candidates are considered regardless of faith criteria if spaces remain, but the Catholic hurdle is genuine and substantially reduces the pool compared to non-selective grammar schools nearby.

The sixth form admits both internal progression and external applicants, with a minimum of grade 6 in GCSE English and Mathematics required. Boys are admitted to the sixth form alongside girls, creating a mixed community for post-16 study.

An annual parental contribution of £275 is requested. The school is a voluntary-aided institution; this contribution supports buildings and facilities maintenance. 90% of parents comply.

The school places wellbeing at the centre of pastoral provision. Each pupil is assigned a form tutor in a mixed-age form group; tutor groups are typically six to eight pupils, enabling close knowledge of individual students. The school recently earned a Wellbeing Award in recognition of its structured approach to mental health and emotional development. A trained counsellor is available for pupils requiring additional support. Barnet's Educational Psychology team has been engaged during periods of particular need, reflecting collaborative partnership with local authority services.

Behaviour expectations are clear and consistently applied. The school references Mary Ward values (Faith, Equality, Sincerity, Truth, Internationality, Justice, Joy) alongside traditional discipline. Pupils describe a culture of mutual respect and support. Sixth form students take mentoring roles with younger pupils. Safeguarding measures are robust; staff training ensures vigilance while maintaining an environment where students feel comfortable raising concerns.

The school is a member of Barnet’s Smartphone Free Childhood Consortium. From September 2025, new Year 7 pupils are prohibited from bringing smartphones or internet-connected personal devices to school. Existing pupils in Years 7-10 cannot use mobile phones during the school day (Year 11s may use phones in the form room during breaks and lunch). Sixth form students may use phones in designated areas. This policy reflects intentional design around pupil focus and wellbeing.

The school day runs from 8:50 am to 3:20 pm. Breakfast club provision is not published on the school website; families should contact the school directly for after-school care options. The school buildings are situated on Nether Street, North Finchley, with good access to the Northern Line (Finchley Central, approximately 10 minutes' walk). Paid parking is available nearby; on-street parking on the local roads is restricted.

Catholic Criteria Are Strict: Admission requires baptism, First Holy Communion, and a priest-signed Certificate of Catholic Practice. Families without a Catholic background, or those uncomfortable with daily Mass and frequent liturgical participation, should understand that the religious character is genuine and pervasive throughout school life.

Competitive Entrance: With approximately 390 candidates for 128 places, entry is fiercely competitive. Tutoring is nearly universal among applicants, and the written examinations are academically demanding. Families should prepare thoroughly and ensure children are emotionally ready for potential rejection.

Limited Sports Facilities: The absence of playing fields restricts outdoor team sports. Hockey is not offered, and inter-school sports competition is modest compared to schools with extensive grounds. Families prioritising elite-level sports provision should consider alternatives.

Urban Setting: The school is tightly situated within North Finchley. There is no sense of campus; the buildings are functional and compact. Some pupils experience the urban location as an asset (proximity to transport, cultural venues, local amenities); others prefer more spacious school grounds.

St Michael's is a high-achieving Catholic grammar school where intellectual ambition and faith formation coexist without tension. Academic results are consistently excellent, placing the school among the top tier of state schools nationally. Teaching is rigorous, expectations are clear, and the curriculum offers genuine breadth. The Catholic character is authentic, not decorative; pupils and parents choosing this school are intentionally embracing its religious mission. Pastoral care is attentive. Sixth form students experience genuine leadership opportunities through charity work, societies, and mentoring.

The school suits families seeking Catholic education grounded in academic excellence, families who value the structure and discipline the school provides, and girls ready for rigorous entry examinations and competitive peer groups. Families within the Catholic faith community who prioritise both intellectual development and spiritual formation will find a natural home. Best suited to families in the catchment area (which is not formally defined but is typically North London) who have considered the faith criteria carefully and whose daughters are academic and resilient. The main challenge is securing entry; once admitted, the educational experience is exceptional.