The Totteridge Academy, which opened in November 2016 as a fresh start academy on a site that formerly housed The Ravenscroft School, has become one of London's most improved secondary schools in less than a decade. Under the leadership of Chris Fairbairn, the school has achieved remarkable academic progress: in 2024, students showed exceptional value-added progress with a Progress 8 score of +1.32, placing the school in the top 1% of all state schools in England for pupil progress. With 1,003 students aged 11 to 18 spread across a diverse community in Barnet, North London, the academy has grown from undersubscription to oversubscription. The school is part of the United Learning academy trust and won the TES Secondary School of the Year award in 2023 in recognition of its transformation.
The Totteridge Academy operates under a philosophy of "continuous improvement" (the Japanese concept of Kaizen), which permeates daily life. Staff greet students in corridors; older students mentor younger ones. The school's ethos emphasises that every student is capable of extraordinary achievement, with a powerful vision statement: "Everyone is there to put a student on the moon." This is not mere rhetoric; it shapes how teachers approach their work and how students experience school.
The most recent Ofsted visit in November 2024, conducted by inspectors Janice Howkins and Joanne Hamill, found evidence of significant improvement across all areas. The inspection report praises the school's "broad and ambitious curriculum" and notes that pupils are "exceptionally well supported to succeed." Inspectors highlighted "exemplary" behaviour and observed that children are happy, value their friendships, and feel safe. A particularly delightful detail emerged: pupils love their outdoor experiences on the school's farm and enjoy spending time with Peggy, the school dog.
Parents are overwhelmingly supportive. In recent Ofsted Parent View surveys, 73% of parents strongly agreed their child feels safe at school, and 100% said they would recommend the school to other families. Staff take genuine pride in their work; the leadership team has invested heavily in ongoing professional development to ensure quality teaching across all subjects.
The 2024 GCSE results reflect the school's rapid trajectory. An impressive 89% of students achieved grade 5 or above in both English and mathematics, with 41% of all grades at 7 or above (equivalent to A grade and above). The school's average Attainment 8 score was 60.4, compared to the England average of 45.9, placing students at an advantage when progressing to sixth form or employment.
Most striking is the school's Progress 8 score: +1.32 places the academy in the top 1% of schools nationally for value-added progress. This means students make substantially greater progress from Key Stage 2 to Key Stage 4 than pupils with similar starting points elsewhere. Notably, Progress 8 in English reached +1.59 (ranked 9th in the country), and in mathematics +1.53 (ranked 11th nationally). Pupils eligible for Pupil Premium funding also showed strong progress at +0.87.
The school ranks 696th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the top 25% of schools and 13th among Barnet secondaries.
The sixth form, which opened in September 2020, has already established itself as a strong pathway. In 2024, 47% of all A-level entries were graded A* or A, with 75% achieving A*-B overall. Students now progress to leading universities including Cambridge, with places secured in competitive courses such as Engineering, Law, and Forensic Science.
The school ranks 235th in England for A-level results (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the top 10% of sixth forms nationally and 8th in Barnet. With 23 A-level subjects on offer including biology, chemistry, economics, English literature, geography, history, mathematics, physics, psychology, and sociology, students have substantial choice. Entry requires at least five GCSEs at grade 5 or above, including English and mathematics, with additional subject-specific requirements.
Sixth form life includes dedicated pastoral support and smaller class sizes. Students benefit from a highly supportive environment where they develop as young leaders, making meaningful contributions to the school beyond their studies.
Classes in the main school average 27-30 students, with smaller groups where beneficial. At GCSE and A-level, class sizes range from approximately 10 to 30, allowing for more targeted teaching and feedback. Teachers are characterised by their subject expertise and genuine enthusiasm for their disciplines. The curriculum is structured to progressively deepen knowledge across Key Stages 3, 4, and 5, with emphasis on analytical thinking rather than surface learning.
Mathematics emerges as a particular strength, reflecting investment in departmental leadership and specialist staffing. The school's "Maths Team of the Year" award from the TES in 2019 is evidence of this. One mathematics teacher, Tom Knott, was named a silver-award winner of the Pearson Teacher of the Year. History and sciences also feature prominently in student achievement.
Teaching is built on the philosophy drawn from Daniel Pink's book Drive: internal motivation is prioritised over external reward. Before every GCSE and A-level examination, students complete the famous "TTA Chant" – "Mistakes, learn from them" – reinforcing a growth mindset. This simple ritual encapsulates the school's approach to resilience and learning.
Quality of Education
N/A
Behaviour & Attitudes
N/A
Personal Development
N/A
Leadership & Management
Outstanding
Sports are central to TTA's identity. Basketball and football teams have won Barnet titles in recent years, and pupils compete in regular fixtures across netball, cross-country, and other codes. The school fields structured team development programmes with competitive opportunities at borough level and beyond. A gymnasium, sports hall, and all-weather astroturf pitch provide facilities for daily PE and extracurricular training.
The school operates an extensive enrichment programme with clubs rotating termly. Current popular offerings include Coding, Let's Get Cooking, Trampolining, Debating, Current Affairs, and Drama. Beyond these formal clubs, students join boards games clubs, film clubs, and sports-specific teams. The emphasis is on student choice and developing a sense of belonging within the school community.
Many students pursue the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme, progressing to Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels. This builds confidence, resilience, and practical outdoor skills whilst fostering a sense of service.
The school runs ambitious trips throughout the year. Recent destinations include Barcelona, Paris, and an Easter ski trip to Italy. All year groups undertake a residential trip: Year 7 and 8 students attend the Mersea Residential, whilst older students participate in specialist excursions such as the Accenture Business Trip, which introduces students to professional environments and career pathways. Subject-based visits — for example, to the Royal Courts of Justice to support law studies — are also regular.
A distinctive feature is the GROW partnership, an on-site farm run by the social enterprise GROW. Students are actively involved in growing herbs, vegetables, and flowers used in school meals. This hands-on learning integrates sustainability, nutrition, and community engagement. Students measure food mileage using trundle wheels and track the school's carbon footprint — currently very low due to local sourcing. GROW also operates a volunteering scheme for adults and runs a seasonal vegetable box scheme.
The school has invested in mental health support. Ms Takopoulou, the Wellbeing and Academic Support Lead, is a qualified educational psychologist and therapist offering 1:1 support and group sessions. Place2Be, the national children's mental health charity, provides additional counselling. Bullying is addressed with zero tolerance; when incidents do occur (rare), they are handled swiftly with explicit attention to building tolerance, respect, and compassion.
Drama studios are available for student performances and rehearsals. The school mounts regular productions, with performance opportunities for actors, musicians, technicians, and crew. Details of specific productions are highlighted on the school's social media and news pages each term.
The school has partnered with Chefs in Schools, working to transform school food and food education. Head Chef James Fox and the kitchen team provide nutritious, freshly prepared meals daily. Much of the produce comes from the on-site GROW farm, creating a direct link between growing and eating.
The Totteridge Academy operates a non-selective admissions policy, with a published admission number of 180 for Year 7 and 100 for Year 12. All applications go through Barnet Local Authority's coordinated admissions scheme. In 2024, the school was significantly oversubscribed, with around 975 applications for 172 primary entry places.
Notably, the school has been awarded the Fair School Admissions Silver Award by the Sutton Trust, reflecting commitment to equitable access. Up to 60 places in Year 7 are reserved specifically for pupils eligible for Pupil Premium, prioritised by proximity to the school, ensuring disadvantaged students have real access. Remaining places are allocated by distance, looked-after children, siblings, and staff children.
The last distance offered for Year 7 entry in 2024 was 1.273 miles. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place. Parents should verify current distances through the FindMySchoolMap before relying on a place at this school.
For sixth form entry, the school is also selective by achievement. Minimum GCSE grade 5 in English and mathematics is required, with subject-specific thresholds in additional subjects. The Director of Sixth Form, Ms Kent, oversees admissions and can answer queries about entry requirements and support.
Applications
975
Total received
Places Offered
172
Subscription Rate
5.7x
Apps per place
This is a state school with no tuition fees. School day hours are published on the school website. The campus is situated on Barnet Lane in a semi-rural setting with fields and outdoor courts providing space for recreation. Parking is available for 100 cars, and there are 15 bicycle stands, reflecting the school's accessibility to families by various modes of transport.
The nearest London Underground stations are Barnet (or High Barnet on the Northern Line), though many families drive or use local bus services. The school benefits from proximity to central London, offering cultural opportunities whilst retaining semi-rural character.
The school uniform is mandatory. Students wear a burgundy and gold colour scheme. Uniform supplier details are available on the school website. Additional costs include school trips, music lessons (if pursued), and school meals via the ParentPay system.
Rapid Growth & Space: The school has expanded from near-closure in 2016 to 1,003 pupils in 2025. Whilst this demonstrates success, families should be aware that the school is operating at or near capacity. Facilities, though modern and well-maintained, may occasionally feel crowded during lunch and break times.
Distance-Based Entry: With last distance offered at 1.273 miles in 2024, families living beyond this will have limited prospects unless Pupil Premium eligible. Parents should check their precise distance before investing in the area.
Ongoing Ofsted Monitoring: The school's most recent inspection in November 2024 was ungraded but highly complimentary. The next inspection will be a full graded inspection. Leadership's commitment to continuous improvement should sustain quality, but parents may wish to monitor future inspection outcomes.
The Totteridge Academy represents one of England's most successful secondary school turnarounds. In less than a decade, it has moved from an undersubscribed, underperforming site to one of Barnet's most sought-after schools, winning the TES Secondary School of the Year award and placing in the top 1% nationally for pupil progress. The curriculum is rigorous, pastoral care is exemplary, and the school's ethos genuinely prioritises student wellbeing alongside academic ambition.
Best suited to families within the tight catchment zone who want a state secondary combining academic rigour with a supportive, inclusive environment. The main barrier is distance and the fierce competition for places, but for those who secure a spot, the educational experience is genuinely exceptional. The school offers excellent value: no fees, strong results, and meaningful pastoral support.
Yes. The school was rated Good by Ofsted in 2019, with the most recent ungraded inspection in November 2024 noting significant improvement across all areas. GCSE results place the school in the top 25% nationally, with a Progress 8 score of +1.32 (top 1% for value-added progress). The school won the TES Secondary School of the Year award in 2023.
In 2024, 89% of students achieved grade 5 or above in both English and mathematics. The school's Attainment 8 score was 60.4 (England average: 45.9). Progress 8 reached +1.32, placing the school in the top 1% nationally. Mathematics progress was particularly strong at +1.59 (ranked 9th in the country).
The school is heavily oversubscribed. In 2024, around 975 applications competed for 172 places. The last distance offered was 1.273 miles, meaning families must live very close to secure a place unless eligible for Pupil Premium (up to 60 reserved places). Distances vary annually, so families should verify their precise distance before relying on entry.
In 2024, 47% of A-level entries were graded A* or A, with 75% achieving A*-B overall. Students progress to leading universities including Cambridge, securing places in competitive courses such as Engineering, Law, and Forensic Science. The school ranks in the top 10% of sixth forms nationally (FindMySchool data).
The school runs basketball, football, netball, and cross-country teams, with recent Barnet titles won in basketball and football. After-school clubs include Coding, Debating, Drama, Let's Get Cooking, Trampolining, and Current Affairs. Additional opportunities include the Duke of Edinburgh Award, the GROW Farm (sustainability education), and regular trips to Barcelona, Paris, and skiing in Italy.
The school has a qualified educational psychologist (Ms Takopoulou) offering 1:1 and group support. Place2Be provides counselling. A zero-tolerance bullying policy is firmly enforced, and older students mentor younger ones. The school operates a philosophy of continuous improvement (Kaizen) and emphasises growth mindset. Students also benefit from outdoor learning through the GROW Farm partnership.
Yes. The sixth form opened in September 2020 and offers 23 A-level subjects. Entry requires minimum grade 5 in English and mathematics GCSEs, with subject-specific requirements for individual A-levels. Published admission number is 100 for Year 12. Students benefit from smaller class sizes and dedicated pastoral support.
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