The Archer Academy
London, N2 8GA · Barnet · secondary school
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6th 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 — 8.6/10 against 685 of them, against 9.0/10 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 | 94 | 35% | 3.29 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 70.6 · 91 | 30% | 2.72 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 0.61 · 88 | 25% | 2.21 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 61.6 · 93 | 10% | 0.93 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
The Archer Academy overview
How it's doing
The school was rated Outstanding by Ofsted in 2025. In 2024/25, 57.1% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 55.9, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was +0.61 in 2023/24, indicating better progress than pupils nationally who started from the same place. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 7.1 out of 10 among them, against 8.3 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the Duke of Edinburgh Award, LAMDA, First Aid, Sports Leaders, Arts Leaders, Young Enterprise, debating, and current affairs clubs. Sports include fencing, climbing, tennis, and football. Arts and music options cover photography, manga cartooning, jazz dance, choir, and creative writing.
Getting in
The published school roll is 818 pupils against a stated capacity of 810. 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
What support is available for pupils aiming to improve their Progress 8 scores? How are the various clubs and sports scheduled alongside core lessons?
What Ofsted said about The Archer Academy
Overview
The Archer Academy has taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at its previous inspection, where it was judged outstanding for overall effectiveness. Pupils receive an "exceptional education" within a "happy, welcoming and inclusive environment" that balances academic excellence with personal development. The school continues to foster high achievement and positive behaviour, ensuring every pupil has the potential to succeed.
Strengths
- Leaders have designed a "broad and exceptionally rich curriculum" that matches or exceeds national expectations, preparing pupils well for their next steps.
- Reading and vocabulary development are central to the curriculum, with "exceptionally well-designed additional reading sessions" supporting early readers to become fluent.
- Teachers possess strong subject knowledge and skilfully adapt the curriculum to meet the needs of all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
- The school provides an "exemplary" wider development programme, including enrichment activities like chess and golf, which enhances pupils’ "cultural capital".
- Behaviour is "highly positive" in a "calm and productive atmosphere," supported by a strong focus on rewards and explicit teaching of positive behaviours.
Areas to improve
- The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 58.9 |
| 2024/25 | 55.9 |
| 2025/26 | 61.6 |
| 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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