East Barnet School Review 2026: Strong Results in a Purpose-Built Modern Campus

The Project Faraday science facilities at East Barnet School were formally opened in October 2010 by Nobel Laureate Sir Tim Hunt, setting the tone for an institution purpose-built with innovation and discovery at its heart. Based in London's London Borough of Barnet, this comprehensive secondary school with sixth form occupies a state-of-the-art building that relocated from two separate sites to a unified, light-filled campus in 2010. With approximately 1,400 students aged 11 to 18, East Barnet serves a diverse community across Year 7 to Year 13.

The school's motto, "I Want to Learn," reflects its philosophical commitment to motivation as the foundation for academic success. Rated Good by Ofsted in March 2022, the school demonstrates consistent upward trajectory through a strong pastoral culture, ambitious curriculum, and visible investment in bespoke learning environments. Students benefit from a carefully designed campus featuring iconic installations like the 60-year rotating clock, the Drop-Zone for physics experiments, and the Wall of Wonder created by the Designer in Residence. With an Attainment 8 score of 52 at GCSE and A-level results placing it in the top 10% of schools in England for progress, East Barnet balances academic rigour with genuine attention to the whole person.

East Barnet School in East Barnet, London has a clear sense of identity shaped by its setting and community. The gleaming, light-flooded modern building signals a recent transformation, yet the school's roots stretch back nearly 90 years to 1937 when Allan Clayton, its founding headmaster, welcomed just 64 students as transfers from other secondary schools. This longevity combined with contemporary vision defines the institution's character. The school has had only five headteachers in its entire history, reflecting remarkable continuity of leadership. Ms Leann Swaine took over in 2018 following Nick Christou's 20 years of stewardship, during which the school transitioned from cramped, ageing buildings to its present purposeful home.

The campus atmosphere is notably calm and orderly. Behaviour is exemplary, with pupils displaying genuine courtesy and cooperation. Students seem genuinely comfortable here. They conduct themselves with the poise of a school where high expectations are consistently maintained, yet where kindness and respect are actively modelled. The Ofsted report noted that "pupils feel empowered to report any inappropriate language or behaviour" and that "they know that leaders will address such behaviour swiftly and effectively." Bullying is rare. The school has established a strong culture of mutual respect and understanding, with particular recognition for its work on anti-racism and equalities. Teachers are consistent in their application of behaviour expectations, which stops potential disruption before it takes hold.

The physical environment reinforces this purposeful atmosphere. The campus has often been described as "university-like," and with good reason. An imposing 60-year clock rotates slowly from the building's interior, filled each term with iconic figures or artefacts that inspire students and connect learning to the wider world. Interactive touchscreens allow exploration of each theme. The library, described as the beating heart of East Barnet School, teems with thousands of fiction and non-fiction books, eBooks, magazines, manga, and graphic novels. Students gather before school, at lunchtime, and after school in this open, welcoming space. A bank of computers supports independent research. The whole environment communicates that learning is valued, discovery is encouraged, and intellectual curiosity is normal.

GCSE Performance

East Barnet students achieved an Attainment 8 score of 52 in the latest data period, placing the school solidly above the England average of 46. The school ranks 1,295th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), sitting in the national typical band at the 28th percentile. Locally, it ranks 13th among Enfield secondary schools. In raw terms, 27% of all GCSE entries achieved grades 9-7, above the England average of 54% when looking at the specific measure of grades 5 and above; 14% of pupils achieved grade 5 or above in English Baccalaureate subjects, slightly above the England average of 41% of pupils entering EBacc. The school's Progress 8 score of +0.16 indicates pupils make above-average progress from their starting points.

These figures reflect solid, consistent performance. The school emphasises breadth and balance, requiring all students to study a modern foreign language and a humanities subject at GCSE, alongside optional courses in design and technology, computing, and expressive arts. This comprehensive approach ensures that pupils develop knowledge across traditional academic disciplines while exploring specialisms that interest them.

A-Level Performance

The sixth form delivers stronger results. A-level achievement sits at 53% A*-B grades, well above the England average of 47%. This represents the upper quartile of performance in England. The school ranks 983rd in England for A-level outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it at the 37th percentile. Locally, it ranks 6th among Enfield post-16 providers. The school explicitly states that A-Level students' achievements sit in the top 10% of schools in England for progress, and that East Barnet is the best state school in the Borough of Barnet for progress at A-Level according to the ALPS2 framework, which measures value-added attainment.

The sixth form enrolls approximately 300 students across Years 12 and 13, providing rigorous academic pathways through 30+ A-level subjects including specialist options like Design Engineering, Politics, Photography, and Cambridge Technicals. The school's approach emphasises leadership development; all sixth form students participate in a structured leadership programme, while a large proportion of Key Stage 3 and 4 students do likewise. This intentional cultivation of student voice shapes the school's decision-making.

University Destinations

65% of sixth form leavers in the 2023-24 cohort progressed to university, 3% to further education, 3% to apprenticeships, and 12% to employment. This distribution reflects the school's commitment to individualised progression planning. The sixth form features strong pastoral support with dedicated staff offering comprehensive guidance for university applications, apprenticeships, and employment. One Cambridge place was secured in the measurement period, alongside seven applications to Oxford (zero offers). These modest Oxbridge figures reflect the school's role as a comprehensive institution serving a broad ability range rather than a highly selective intake.

The curriculum at East Barnet is deliberately ambitious. According to the March 2022 Ofsted inspection, "leaders have developed an ambitious curriculum for all pupils, including those with SEND. The curriculum is broad and balanced, providing pupils with a rich education in Years 7 to 9. At GCSE and sixth form, pupils select from a wide range of subjects with well-informed choices supported by staff." Teachers explain concepts clearly, with lessons structured to encourage contribution of ideas and respect for differing viewpoints.

The school embeds a "Triple E" enrichment philosophy throughout teaching and learning, where lessons are designed to Enrich, Enhance, and Extend educational experience through inspiration, enjoyment, curiosity, and discovery. Weekly Triple-E sessions allow students to explore concepts from fresh angles. Lessons follow clear structures that hold pupils accountable while nurturing intellectual engagement. Low-level disruption is not tolerated, creating an environment where pupils can learn without distraction. The school's investment in specialist facilities reinforces subject teaching. Science benefits from the Faraday Space, a pioneering design initially developed through a major national research project that rethinks how science is taught and learned. Students observe forces through interactive demonstrations, use high-speed cameras and sensors in the Drop-Zone to explore gravity and motion, and engage in inquiry-based learning that exceeds standard textbook approaches.

Technology permeates the curriculum. Three-dimensional printing clubs, product design courses, and computing classes leverage the school's technology specialism (designated by the DfE). Across arts, languages, sciences, mathematics, philosophy, ethics, and RE, teaching emphasises depth over coverage. Pupils develop independent research skills through Library lessons and receive careers guidance aligned with the Gatsby Benchmarks for career development. Subject departments meet regularly to ensure coherent knowledge sequences. Teachers possess strong subject expertise and engage in professional development to refine pedagogy.

East Barnet offers over 30 clubs available each week covering a diverse spectrum of interests. The extracurricular programme is central to the school's mission to develop the whole person.

Music: A Defining Strength

Music is particularly prominent. The school features six dedicated music practice rooms equipped with keyboards, pianos, guitars, ukuleles, and drum kits. Two rooms double as a recording studio and sound room, allowing students to record performances. All students participate in termly music concerts, while the annual EBS West End Cabaret showcases student talent in a professional setting. The orchestra, soul band, and ukulele ensemble draw students across year groups. Music teaching is provided through Barnet Education Arts Trust (BEAT), which organises one-to-one lessons within the school. Many students who begin music lessons at EBS progress to performances in school concerts and productions, or form bands that perform at school events. The String ensemble, choir, and jazz groups offer further pathways for musical engagement.

Drama: Highly Professional

Drama productions are ambitious and polished. Recent whole-school productions include Little Shop of Horrors, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Raincoat, Bugsy Malone, Sister Act, and Matilda. Upper school productions have included challenging contemporary works like Five Kinds of Silence by Shelagh Stephenson, Two by Jim Cartwright, and Game Over by Mark Wheeller. Two full drama studios provide dedicated rehearsal and performance spaces, equipped professionally for student productions. The school has hosted visiting practitioners including Helen Evans (former Acting Coach at the Central School of Speech and Drama) and Gordon Warnecke (actor known for My Beautiful Laundrette with Daniel Day-Lewis, and television roles in EastEnders, Brookside, and Only Fools And Horses), both of whom workshopped performance techniques with students. The in-residence programme connects professional artists directly with pupils, creating mentoring opportunities.

Sports: Competitive and Recreational

Sports facilities rival those of much larger institutions. The Sports Hall accommodates basketball, badminton, cricket, trampolining, table tennis, volleyball, and netball, with most sports played both competitively and recreationally. A 3G astroturf pitch surrounds the building, hosting football and five-a-side matches. The cycle track, circling the rear with bushes, trees, and dirt sections, encourages students to develop cycling skills in a safe, engaging environment. Dance studio with fixed and portable ballet barres, aerobics blocks, floor mats, and mirrored walls enables both performance and fitness development. A highlight of the school year is the Sixth Form versus Staff football match, which draws almost every community member either playing or cheering from the sidelines. Football, netball, trampolining, basketball, dance, cycling, cross country, and golf clubs engage students across all year groups. Sports Leaders programme develops student leadership.

STEM and Technology

The 3D printing club and product design courses appeal to students with engineering or design interests. Computing clubs engage coders and digital designers. The satellite dish, donated by British Aerospace Stevenage, once destined for use in the Inmarsat telecommunication satellite project, serves as a conversation starter about engineering and space technology. Robotics and coding opportunities connect to real-world applications. The Drop-Zone, with its sensors and high-speed cameras, turns physics lessons into tangible exploration of gravity, trajectories, and aerodynamics.

Special Learning Installations

The Wall of Wonder, created by the Designer in Residence in collaboration with students, is a mechanical marvel featuring levers and pulleys that move in multiple directions when activated. It educates visitors about physics while serving as public art within the school. The rotating 60-year clock, reminiscent of the London Eye, fills its cubes with figures or items connected to each term's thematic focus, connected to interactive touchscreens for deeper learning.

Enrichment and In-Residence Programme

The school's In-Residence Programme stands out. Rather than send students into the community to work with professionals, East Barnet brings professionals to school. Students work at lunchtime and after school with an artist, designer, or writer in residence. Caroline Green (Writer in Residence) mentors students exploring creative writing. Lara Sparey (Designer in Residence) collaborates with pupils on mechanical and visual design projects. John Williams (Artist in Residence) guides artistic exploration. This model removes barriers to access and deepens connections between young people and practising professionals.

Trips enrich learning. Year 7 visits include The Globe and Tower of London. Year 8 students travel to the Rhineland and Spain. Year 9 includes the Imperial War Museum. Year 10 journeys to Berlin and Vienna. Year 13 is marked by a trip to New York. The legendary EBS Ski Trip opens to all year groups. These experiences develop cultural awareness, resilience, and independence.

This is a state school with no tuition fees. Entry to Year 7 is coordinated through Barnet Local Authority. The school is consistently oversubscribed, with 874 applications for 200 places in the last reported year, a ratio of 4.37 applications per place. The last distance offered was 0.769 miles in the last reported cycle. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place. Families should verify current distances through the Barnet Council admissions portal before relying on a place at East Barnet.

The school operates a non-selective admissions policy, accepting pupils from a broad range of attainment levels. After looked-after children and those with EHCPs, places are allocated by distance from the school gates. This means that while academically strong students attend, so do those with more varied profiles, creating genuinely mixed-ability teaching groups, particularly in lower years. Year 7 students participate in a well-structured "I Want to Learn" induction programme in which certificates of achievement are awarded termly to help pupils understand school procedures and embed the school's culture.

Sixth form entry at East Barnet requires a minimum of five GCSEs at grade 4 or above (standard pass), though specific subjects require higher grades depending on course choice. The sixth form is increasingly inclusive, drawing both internal Year 11 students and external applicants. All A-level subjects meet 16-19 government requirements and provide clear academic pathways.

The school is characterised by an outstanding pastoral system and explicit commitment to compassionate leadership. Teachers operate within a structured behaviour system where expectations are clear and consistently applied. Pupils report that this consistency prevents disruption before it occurs. Staff reward positive behaviour and achievement through a house system, creating community and fostering student belonging.

Mental health support is visible and accessible. The school earned the Carnegie Centre of Excellence for Mental Health in Schools Award at Silver Level in March 2020, recognised for "a warm and nurturing environment where staff and students are well supported." Trained counsellors work with pupils needing additional emotional support. The school leads partnerships on mental health within the local area.

Safeguarding is taken with utmost seriousness. Leaders have established a strong safeguarding culture. They engage parents and carers proactively, raising awareness of safeguarding risks including online safety. Students learn how to keep themselves safe. They are empowered to report inappropriate language or behaviour and know that leaders respond swiftly and effectively. The inspection noted that "pupils are safe here" and bullying is rare.

For pupils with additional educational needs, a dedicated SENCO coordinates support. The school holds the Inclusion Quality Mark, reflecting inclusive practices. Approximately 45 pupils are on the SEN register. Differentiated teaching ensures access for all learners. Sixth form pastoral support includes dedicated staff managing university applications, apprenticeship pathways, and employment guidance.

The school day runs from 8:50am to 3:20pm, with pupils moving between five floors of the building for different lessons. The school is located at Chestnut Grove in East Barnet, Barnet, with postcode EN4 8PU. The main building opened in June 2010 following an extended redevelopment period. Parking is limited on site; families are advised to park away from Stanley Road and approach on foot, or to use public transport. Nearest train stations are Enfield Chase and Winchmore Hill, approximately 10 minutes away by bus. The 3G astroturf and all-weather sports pitches occupy land previously used during the two-site era, providing modern recreational facilities.

Uniform is required and reflects the school's emphasis on pride and identity. The school holds the view that a common uniform for the student body provides a sense of community identity, though the dress code allows space for individual interpretation within guidelines.

Oversubscribed entry. With 4.37 applications per place, securing a Year 7 spot requires living very close to the school. The last distance offered of 0.769 miles suggests that families should verify their postcode against current admission criteria before assuming a place will be available. Siblings of current pupils receive priority, which can significantly affect annual variation in last distance offered.

Academy status and change. The school converted to academy status in April 2011. While this remains embedded within local authority frameworks for admissions and governance, academy status shapes budget management and staffing decisions. Parents should familiarise themselves with the school's academy trust structure if governance is a consideration.

Sixth form progression. While many Year 11 students continue internally to Year 12, external applicants compete for places. The sixth form admits students from other schools, creating a slight shift in peer group dynamics at transition. This can enrich experience but also requires students to build new friendships.

Breadth vs depth in curriculum. While the school offers significant choice, particularly at GCSE and A-level, the comprehensive nature means fewer ultra-specialist pathways than grammar or highly selective independent schools. Pupils with very niche interests may find fewer options than expected, though the breadth of provision is genuinely wide.

East Barnet School is a competently run, inclusive comprehensive with solid academic results, genuine investment in student wellbeing, and a campus designed to inspire learning. The school balances academic rigour with attention to character development. Results are reliably above average at GCSE and notably strong at A-level. Teachers are engaged and knowledgeable. The pastoral culture is warm and consistent. The facilities, Project Faraday, the Drop-Zone, the Wall of Wonder, the in-residence programme, demonstrate genuine educational imagination. This is not a gold-standard flagship, but rather a school that does the fundamentals well while offering meaningful enrichment.

Best suited to families living within 0.77 miles of the school who value a comprehensive intake, strong pastoral care, and ambitious extracurricular opportunities. The main barrier is securing entry through oversubscription. The education, once accessed, is excellent value.