Copthall School
London, NW7 2EP · Barnet · secondary school
Check the area around this school
24th of 28 secondary schools in Barnet we can score. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 8.3/10 against 415 of them, against 6.0/10 nationally. Both figures are results only, without the inspection grade. A lower figure here means a stronger comparison group, not a weaker school.
How this is worked out
| Measure | Percentile | Weight | Adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.84 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 43.0 · 45 | 30% | 1.34 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 0.44 · 81 | 25% | 2.03 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 47.0 · 55 | 10% | 0.55 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Copthall School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 39.8% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 47.4, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 stood at +0.44 in 2023/24, indicating better progress than pupils nationally who started from the same place. Ofsted rated the school Good in 2023. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (8.2 out of 10 against similar schools, 5.9 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the dance club and Duke of Edinburgh, and the school organises a trip to Thorpe Park.
Getting in
The published school roll is 829 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,200. These whole-school figures do not establish entry-year vacancies or the likelihood of an offer. Confirm entry-year availability and admissions criteria with the school or local authority.
Worth asking on a visit
How does the school support pupils in raising their English and maths grades to meet the national median? What specific support is available for pupils aiming for the Duke of Edinburgh award?
What Ofsted said about Copthall School
Overview
Copthall School continues to be a good school, providing a harmonious and supportive environment where pupils feel safe and valued. The report highlights a well-planned curriculum and strong behaviour, though it identifies specific areas in teaching practice that require refinement to enhance pupil recall and subject understanding.
Strengths
- Pupils are "safe and well cared for," displaying respect for others and a strong sense of community.
- The curriculum is "well planned and sequenced around important subject knowledge," with teachers possessing strong subject expertise.
- Behaviour is "very positive," with sixth-form students acting as "positive role models" and bullying being "not tolerated."
- Leaders "identify and support pupils with SEND effectively," adapting the curriculum and resources appropriately.
- The school prioritises reading for pleasure and provides targeted support, ensuring pupils who need extra help "catch up quickly."
Areas to improve
- Teaching must provide "regularly planned opportunities for pupils to know and remember key knowledge" to improve recall of important subject content.
- Staff need to ensure they build on pupils’ "accurate use of vocabulary effectively in all subjects" to develop deeper knowledge and understanding.
Safeguarding
The report states that "the arrangements for safeguarding are effective."
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 48.7 |
| 2024/25 | 47.4 |
| 2025/26 | 47.0 |
| England | 44.9 |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 3,682 state schools in England we hold a 2025/26 figure for — a school-level median, not the DfE's pupil-weighted national figure.
Your offer chance
—Based on official applications/offers, distance and catchment where we have it. Bands only — never a percentage.
Sibling, faith, looked-after and other criteria can override distance. Always confirm with the school or local authority.
Next dates
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2026
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2027
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2027
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2028
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