Deansbrook Infant School

About Deansbrook Infant School

Deansbrook Infant School in Barnet is clearly a popular choice among local families, with 93 applications for just 56 places in the 2025/26 admissions round, giving an oversubscription ratio of 1.66. That means nearly two families applied for every spot, and 44 of those were first-preference applications, all of which received offers. While the school doesn't publish a formal parent satisfaction percentage, the high demand suggests a strong reputation. The school's most recent Ofsted inspection in June 2024 saw it leap from a Requires Improvement rating to Good overall, with Outstanding marks for both personal development and leadership and management. This turnaround under headteacher Carole Catley is a significant signal for parents weighing up their options, particularly given that only 14 of the 91 primary schools in Barnet currently hold an Outstanding rating.

Academically, Deansbrook Infant School caters for children aged 3 to 7, so it doesn't sit Key Stage 2 SATs, meaning there are no published attainment scores to compare against the Barnet local authority average of 73. However, the Ofsted report from June 2024 gives a clear picture of the school's current strengths. The quality of education was rated Good, with behaviour and attitudes also Good, and early years provision Good. The standout ratings are for personal development (Outstanding) and leadership and management (Outstanding), which suggests a school that is well-led and focused on building character as well as academic skills. The previous inspection in February 2023 had rated overall effectiveness as Requires Improvement, with quality of education and leadership both scoring 3, so the improvement in just over a year is notable and speaks to effective changes in teaching and management.

The school offers a range of facilities including a gymnasium, sports hall, music rooms, library and chapel, and runs clubs such as film club, chess and choir. Sports on offer include swimming, football, netball, cross country and rounders. For families with children who have additional needs, the school's SEND provisions cover moderate learning difficulty, social, emotional and mental health, speech, language and communication, and autistic spectrum disorder. With a nursery provision on site, it's a natural choice for families looking for a single setting from age 3 up to Year 2, after which children typically move to a junior school. The nearest Outstanding-rated primary is The Annunciation RC Junior School, just 0.2 km away, which may be a consideration for parents planning the next step. With 26.4 per cent of pupils eligible for free school meals, the school serves a diverse community and is well-suited to families who value strong leadership and a clear focus on personal development.

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