Woodridge Primary School Review 2026: Top 1% Academic Performance in North London

In a quiet residential pocket of North Finchley, where London families search for primary education that delivers, Woodridge stands out with results that place it 21st among all primary schools in England. The 2024 KS2 outcomes, with 90% of pupils reaching expected standards in reading, writing, and mathematics combined, sit firmly within the elite tier, outperforming 100% of primaries nationally. This one-form-entry school of approximately 210 pupils aged four to eleven has sustained exceptional performance year on year, combining academic rigour with a calm, supportive atmosphere where children who arrive at four leave at eleven genuinely prepared for whatever comes next.

The single-storey building on Southover reflects the post-war expansion of North Finchley, purpose-built for primary education rather than retrofitted from Victorian origins. Classrooms open onto a central playground, creating sightlines that allow staff to monitor play naturally. The scale is intimate. With 30 children per year group, teachers know every pupil by name, and siblings overlap across the school.

Mrs Rachel Goldman has led Woodridge since 2018, arriving from a deputy headship in neighbouring Hertfordshire. Under her leadership, the school secured its Good rating from Ofsted in 2022, with inspectors noting the high expectations and strong subject knowledge among teaching staff. The ethos emphasises quiet focus rather than showiness. Children work intently during lessons, speak respectfully to adults, and transition between activities without fuss.

The inspection report highlighted behaviour as a particular strength, describing pupils as polite, attentive, and genuinely engaged in their learning. This culture of calm application begins in Reception and builds through the school. Parents report that children arrive home tired from the academic day but rarely complain of stress.

Woodridge ranks 21st in England for primary outcomes (FindMySchool ranking based on official data) and 2nd among 63 primaries in Barnet, placing it among the highest-performing schools in the country. In 2024, 90% of pupils met expected standards in reading, writing, and mathematics combined, compared to the England average of 62%. At the higher standard, 57% achieved greater depth across all three subjects, far exceeding the England average of 8%.

Reading performance is exceptional. The average scaled score of 112 compares to an England average of 100, with 93% reaching expected standards and 71% achieving high scores. Mathematics is equally strong, with an average scaled score of 114 and 96% meeting expectations. Grammar, punctuation, and spelling mirrors this pattern, with 96% at expected and 79% at high. Science, assessed by teacher judgement, saw 96% reach expected standards against an England average of 82%.

These figures reflect sustained excellence rather than a single-year anomaly. The school has held its position in the top 1% of England primaries for the past three years.

The curriculum follows the national framework with precision. Phonics teaching begins systematically in Reception, using a structured synthetic phonics programme. Reading books are closely matched to phonic knowledge, ensuring children build confidence alongside competence. By Year 2, most pupils read fluently and with comprehension.

Mathematics teaching emphasises mastery. Concepts are taught in depth before moving forward, with regular retrieval practice to embed learning. Setting begins in Year 5, allowing higher attainers to explore extension material while ensuring those who need consolidation receive focused support. The inspection noted that teachers use assessment information effectively to plan lessons that meet individual needs.

Writing receives dedicated attention. Pupils study mentor texts, analyse language choices, and draft repeatedly. By Year 6, children write at length with accurate grammar and varied sentence structures. The 21% achieving greater depth in writing reflects demanding expectations; this is not a school that awards top grades lightly.

Subject teaching beyond the core includes specialist music tuition, with all Year 4 pupils learning recorder. French begins in Year 3. Computing covers coding, digital literacy, and online safety. The inspection confirmed that the curriculum is broad and well sequenced, allowing pupils to build knowledge systematically.

Each class has a teaching assistant who supports learning and monitors wellbeing. The SENCO coordinates provision for pupils on the SEN register, working closely with external specialists where needed. Approximately 12% of pupils receive additional support, a figure in line with national averages for a school of this profile.

Behaviour management is consistent and calm. Expectations are clear, rewards are meaningful, and sanctions are rare. The school uses a restorative approach when conflicts arise, encouraging children to articulate their feelings and understand the impact of their actions on others.

Safeguarding procedures meet statutory requirements. Staff receive regular training, and the designated safeguarding lead maintains strong links with local authority services. Pupils report feeling safe and know whom to approach if concerns arise.

Extracurricular provision operates on a modest scale, reflecting the school's size. Clubs run after school three days per week and include football, netball, choir, art, and coding. Participation is encouraged but not compulsory. The school competes in local inter-school tournaments for football and netball, with teams drawn from Years 5 and 6.

Music extends beyond classroom teaching. The choir performs at community events, including the annual Finchley Christmas concert. Pupils who show aptitude can progress to individual instrument lessons, arranged privately by families with visiting peripatetic teachers.

Annual highlights include a Year 6 residential to an outdoor education centre in Hertfordshire, where pupils engage in team-building activities and environmental studies. A whole-school production takes place each summer, with every child participating on stage or behind the scenes. Sports Day and a summer fair round out the calendar.

Admissions are coordinated by Barnet Council. The school is heavily oversubscribed, with 153 applications for 30 Reception places in 2024. After children with Education, Health and Care Plans naming the school and those in local authority care, places are allocated strictly by distance from the school gate.

The subscription ratio of 5.1 applications per place reflects exceptional demand. The last distance offered data is not published, but proximity is essential. Families living beyond half a mile should not assume a place will be available. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place.

The application deadline for September 2026 entry is 15 January 2026. Offers are released on National Offer Day in mid-April. Families must apply through Barnet's coordinated admissions system, not directly to the school. The school website provides clear guidance, and the admissions team at Barnet Council can answer specific queries.

The majority of Woodridge leavers progress to secondary schools in Barnet, with Christ's College Finchley, The Compton School, and Finchley Catholic High School among the most common destinations. A significant proportion sit the eleven-plus for grammar school entry, with Queen Elizabeth's School for Boys in Barnet and Henrietta Barnett School attracting applications from Woodridge families.

In 2024, approximately 40% of Year 6 pupils secured grammar school places, a figure that reflects both the academic strength of the cohort and the cultural expectation among families here that high-achieving children will attempt selective entry. The school provides familiarisation with eleven-plus question formats during Year 5 and Year 6, but this is not intensive preparation. Families seeking grammar school places typically arrange external tutoring or attend preparation classes run by private providers.

Transition arrangements are thorough. The school liaises with receiving secondaries to share information about individual pupils, ensuring continuity of support for those with additional needs. Year 6 pupils visit their new schools in the summer term, and secondary staff often visit Woodridge to meet future pupils in familiar surroundings.

The school day runs from 8:50am to 3:20pm. Gates open at 8:40am, allowing children to settle before registration. Breakfast club operates from 7:45am, providing supervised care and a simple breakfast. After-school club runs until 6pm, offering play-based activities and homework support. Both wraparound services are provided by an external childcare company and must be booked directly with them.

Woodridge is located on Southover, a residential street accessible by foot from much of North Finchley. The nearest underground station is Woodside Park on the Northern Line (High Barnet branch), approximately 10 minutes' walk. Bus routes 263 and 125 stop within a few minutes of the school. On-street parking is limited during drop-off and collection, and families are encouraged to walk or cycle where possible.

School uniform consists of navy jumper or cardigan with the school logo, white shirt or polo, grey trousers or skirt, and black shoes. PE kit is a plain white t-shirt, navy shorts, and trainers. Uniform can be purchased from the school office or standard retailers, with logo items available via an online supplier.

Tight catchment. With 5.1 applications for every place, entry requires living very close to the school. The last distance offered is not published, but families beyond immediate walking distance should not assume they will secure a place. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place. Check current distances with Barnet admissions before relying on Woodridge as your local school.

Eleven-plus culture. High results and ambitious families create an environment where grammar school preparation is common. Approximately 40% of Year 6 pupils sit the eleven-plus, and external tutoring is widespread. For families who prefer a less pressured approach to transition, this culture may feel intense.

Single-form entry. With 30 children per year group, social dynamics are fixed. Friendship groups established early can persist throughout primary. Children who thrive in smaller settings will flourish; those who need wider social options may find the cohort limiting.

Limited extracurricular breadth. Clubs are available but modest in range compared to larger primaries or independent schools. Families seeking extensive after-school enrichment will need to arrange activities externally.

Elite academic performance, a calm and purposeful atmosphere, and teaching that systematically builds knowledge make Woodridge one of the strongest primaries in North London. Results place it among the top 1% of schools in England, a position sustained through rigorous curriculum delivery and high expectations. The single-form entry creates intimacy and familiarity, though it limits social breadth. Best suited to families living within the immediate catchment who want exceptional academic preparation in a supportive, no-nonsense environment. The main challenge is securing a place.