Whitefield School, Cricklewood Review 2026: A School Reborn

Standing on Claremont Road in the heart of the Brent Cross regeneration area, Whitefield School (now transitioning to Clarion School) is an institution in the midst of a significant and deliberate transformation. Serving a diverse slice of North West London, this is a non-selective academy that has historically punched above its weight in pupil progress. The school is currently marking its 70th anniversary with a comprehensive rebrand, signaling a new era of ambition under Headteacher Christopher Hunt. While the name above the door is changing to Clarion, the core mission remains: to provide a rigorous, character-focused education for local families in Cricklewood and Barnet.

The atmosphere is one of renewal. The school is shedding its mid-century "Whitefield" identity to become "Clarion School," a name chosen to reflect clarity and brightness ("Clare" from Latin), while nodding to its location on Claremont Road. This is not merely a cosmetic exercise; it accompanies a new uniform and a refreshed ethos centered on the values of Ambition, Respect, and Effort (collectively known as the 'ARE' values).

Mr Christopher Hunt, who took the helm in 2022, has driven this culture shift. The environment is purposeful and increasingly disciplined, moving away from a casual comprehensive feel to something more aspirational. The campus itself is a mix of established blocks and newer facilities, benefiting from the wider regeneration of the Brent Cross Town area. The student body is a genuine reflection of London—multi-ethnic, energetic, and socially diverse—and the school explicitly champions this "London mindset" as an educational asset.

Academic performance here is defined by strong value-added data rather than just raw attainment. In 2024, the school achieved a Progress 8 score of +0.45, indicating that students achieve almost half a grade higher in every subject than peers with similar starting points across England. This is a significant achievement that places the school well above the national average for progress.

Ranked 1,759th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool proprietary ranking), the school sits in the middle 35% of schools in England for raw grades, reflecting its non-selective intake. However, this rank masks the exceptional progress made by students, particularly those who join with lower prior attainment. In 2024, 20% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in the English Baccalaureate (Ebacc) suite of subjects, and the average Attainment 8 score was 45.9.

At A-level, the picture is solid. The school ranks 1,541st in England, with 40.8% of grades at A*-B. The standout statistic is the A*-A rate of 19%, showing that top-end academic rigour is alive and well for the most able students.

The curriculum is broad but traditional, with a clear focus on the 'ARE' values in the classroom. Teaching is structured to maximise engagement, and there is a deliberate move towards "high challenge" in lessons to support the school's goal of reaching the top 5% of schools nationally.

Language learning is a feature, with Spanish, French, and Arabic offered at GCSE. The Sciences are also popular, with triple science uptake healthy. The school has embraced the "Clarion" identity to push for greater oracy and presentation skills, ensuring students can articulate their knowledge as well as write it down.

Destinations data is robust. In the 2024 cohort, 62% of leavers progressed to university, a figure that speaks to the school's success in raising aspirations. A further 11% moved into employment, and 4% to further education colleges.

The Sixth Form team provides structured support for UCAS applications. While the school does not publish a granular list of every university destination, the 16% of students achieving AAB in facilitating subjects suggests a steady stream of students accessing competitive Russell Group courses.

Admissions are coordinated by the London Borough of Barnet. Whitefield (Clarion) is a popular local choice and is currently Oversubscribed, with 1.6 applications for every place in the most recent intake.

The 2024 entry saw 193 applications for 120 places. Places are allocated first to looked-after children and siblings, followed by geographical distance. There is no entrance exam. Families should use the FindMySchoolMap Search to check their precise distance from the school gates compared to the last distance offered. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place.

The transition to the "Clarion" identity has strengthened the pastoral system. The 'ARE' values (Ambition, Respect, Effort) provide a clear framework for behaviour, and students report that expectations are clearer than in the past. The school operates a year-group system with dedicated pastoral leads who are non-teaching, ensuring availability throughout the day.

Safeguarding is rated effective, and the school is noted for its inclusive approach to students with diverse needs. The "Clare" in Clarion also symbolises a commitment to mental clarity and wellbeing, supported by on-site counselling services and a "telling school" culture where reporting concerns is encouraged.

The extracurricular offer is evolving with the rebrand. Sport remains central, with the school taking advantage of local partnerships in the Brent Cross area. Football, basketball, and netball teams compete in Barnet leagues.

The Arts are not sidelined; the 70th-anniversary celebrations included significant student input into the new branding and logo design, showcasing a respect for student voice and creativity. Clubs such as the "Debate Mate" team align with the school's focus on oracy.

The school day runs from 8:30am to 3:00pm. Located on Claremont Road, the site is highly accessible via Cricklewood station (Thameslink) and multiple bus routes (102, C11). There is no dedicated parent parking, so public transport is strongly advised.

Identity Transition: The shift from "Whitefield" to "Clarion" is significant. Families joining now are entering a school in the middle of a culture reset. While early signs are positive (new uniform, clearer values), the dust is still settling.

Urban Location: Situated near major regeneration works and busy roads, the environment is distinctly urban. It lacks the green seclusion of some outer-Barnet schools, though the internal campus is secure.

Mixed Ability Classes: As a comprehensive, classes are mixed ability. Parents of very high attainers should enquire at open evenings about specific stretch-and-challenge provision in Key Stage 3.

Whitefield School (Clarion) is a school on the rise, shedding its old skin to build something more ambitious. With a Progress 8 score that proves it adds significant value to its students and a headteacher driving visible standards, it offers a compelling option for local families. Best suited to students who will thrive in a diverse, energetic, and modernising environment, and who are ready to embrace the new "Clarion" identity. The main challenge is securing a place in an increasingly popular local hub.