Central Foundation Boys' School
108%
Capacity
1,133
Pupils
3.2x
Demand
About Central Foundation Boys' School
Central Foundation Boys' School is a state-funded None secondary school serving the Islington community, welcoming boys from age 11 to 18. The school has 1,133 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (108% of 1,050 places).
the school is led by headteacher Jamie Brownhill, it falls under Islington local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of +0.56 is well above the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is strong at 55.3. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of B. Additionally, placing it in the top 25% nationally. Additionally, ranked 427th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 1st out of 9 in Islington.
Central Foundation Boys' School is a popular choice with families — it received 544 applications for 171 places, making it 3.2x oversubscribed. Of these, 225 were first-preference applications.
Central Foundation Boys' School has average reviews on SchoolParrot (3.1/5 from 11 parents), and parent feedback on Ofsted Parent View is very positive, with 93% recommending the school (105 responses).
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 11 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Severe Learning Difficulty and 8 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Central Foundation Boys' School include Sixth Form Centre, Music Rooms, Gymnasium, Swimming Pool, Astro Turf, Tennis Courts, Sports Hall, Dining Hall, Library, Theatre, Science Labs, ICT Suite.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Rugby, Swimming, Football, Hockey and 5 more, as well as clubs including Chess, Debate, Orchestra, Art Club and 2 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 41.8%, which is well above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Islington, Central Foundation Boys' School is one of the options available in the London region. Use Classpot to compare it side-by-side with nearby alternatives and find the best fit for your child.
Key Details
| School Type | Secondary (State) |
| Age Range | 11 to 18 years |
| Gender | Boys |
| Religious Character | None |
| Address | Cowper Street, London, Islington, EC2A 4SH |
| Headteacher | Jamie Brownhill |
| Local Authority | Islington |
| Number of Pupils | 1,133 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 41.8% |
| School Capacity | 1,133 / 1,050 (108% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
11 Mar 2025Quality of Education
Outstanding
Since Sep 2024, Ofsted no longer assigns a single overall grade
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 28 Apr 2025. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+0.56)
427th of 3,141
Nationally
150th of 487
In London
1st of 9
In Islington
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make significantly more progress than similar students nationally
Attainment 8 (vs national avg)
Students achieve significantly higher grades than the national average
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. Progress 8 compares to students with similar Key Stage 2 results.
A-Level Results
2023/24Average Points per Entry
Value Added Score
Best 3 A-Levels (Average)
'21/22
39.3
'22/23
35.5
'23/24
38.5
Source: Department for Education 16-18 Performance Tables, 2023/24. Value Added measures progress compared to students with similar GCSE results.
Ofsted Parent View
105 responsesWould Recommend This School
Source: Ofsted Parent View (GOV.UK statistical data), Sep – Sep 2025
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
12Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
15Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed171
544
High Demand
Competitive - many more applications than places available
225 families put this school as their 1st choice (41% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Central Foundation Boys' School
Helpful Guides for Parents
Ofsted Ratings Explained
Understand the 4 Ofsted ratings and what they mean
Understanding Progress 8
Learn how Progress 8 measures pupil progress from primary to GCSE
SEN & EHCP: A Parent's Guide
Understanding SEN support, EHC Plans and your legal rights
Understanding School Catchment Areas
How admission distances work and tips for maximising your choices
Contact Information
Cowper Street, London
Islington, EC2A 4SH
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Reviews on Other Platforms
External reviews are provided by third-party platforms and are not verified by Classpot.
Opening Hours
Parent Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience at Central Foundation Boys' School!
Write a Review