Finchley Catholic High School
London, N12 8TA · Barnet · secondary school
Check the area around this school
14th of 28 secondary schools in Barnet we can score. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 9.2/10 against 717 of them, against 9.3/10 nationally. So this is not simply a reflection of who attends. 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 | 69.5 · 90 | 30% | 2.70 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 0.94 · 97 | 25% | 2.42 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 59.5 · 92 | 10% | 0.92 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Finchley Catholic High School overview
How it's doing
Ofsted rated the school Good in 2023. In 2024/25, 78.6% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 62.3, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was +0.94 in 2023/24, indicating better progress than pupils nationally who started from the same place. Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so they are not simply a reflection of who attends (9.6 out of 10 against similar schools, 9.5 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,172 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 developing their individual interests outside of core lessons? What does a typical day look like for a student in the final year? How does the school monitor progress for pupils who are not meeting expected targets?
What Ofsted said about Finchley Catholic High School
Overview
Finchley Catholic High School continues to be a good school, described as a "happy and welcoming place" where pupils are safe and respectful. Leaders maintain high expectations for academic achievement and behaviour, supported by strong routines and effective transitions for new students.
Strengths
- Pupils’ "behaviour and attitudes are a strength," with leaders establishing routines that ensure learning proceeds "uninterrupted and without distraction."
- Teachers possess "expert subject knowledge" and generally provide clear explanations, resulting in work of "typically high" quality across subjects.
- The curriculum is well-designed, with leaders ensuring pupils study a "wide range of knowledge," including for those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
- Attendance rates have improved following the pandemic, and the school offers extensive extra-curricular activities and careers guidance to help pupils be "ambitious for their futures."
- Staff feel supported by leaders who are "professional, organised and listen to the views of all," considering workload and well-being in decision-making.
Areas to improve
- The school must ensure that in all subjects, pupils’ understanding and recall of key knowledge is checked routinely, so that "misconceptions or gaps are addressed."
- Occasionally, pupils are not given sufficient time to "memorise key knowledge securely," leading to some lacking depth in their understanding or vocabulary.
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 | 63.2 |
| 2024/25 | 62.3 |
| 2025/26 | 59.5 |
| 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
Saved schools live on this device only — no account, no tracking. Visit the school's website
Loading full school details…
Similar schools nearby
Same area, prioritising the same phase — useful for shortlisting alternatives.
Every school within 2.5 miles of N12 8TA, with results, demand and deadlines — area report →
Have a specific question about admissions, scores or dates?
Ask SchoolsGPT