Finchley Catholic High School
99%
Capacity
1,192
Pupils
2.5x
Demand
About Finchley Catholic High School
Finchley Catholic High School is a state-funded Roman Catholic secondary school serving the Barnet community, welcoming boys from age 11 to 18. The school has 1,192 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (99% of 1,200 places).
Ofsted has rated Finchley Catholic High School "Good", the school is led by headteacher Ciran Stapleton, it falls under Barnet local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of +0.94 is well above the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is strong at 63.2. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of C+. Additionally, placing it in the top 5% of schools nationally. Additionally, ranked 104th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 7th out of 28 in Barnet.
Finchley Catholic High School is a popular choice with families — it received 441 applications for 180 places, making it 2.5x oversubscribed. Of these, 156 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 9 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 6 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Finchley Catholic High School include Dining Hall, Theatre, Sixth Form Centre, Sports Hall, Art Studios, ICT Suite, Library, Astro Turf, Playing Fields, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Athletics, Badminton, Cross Country, Martial Arts and 4 more, as well as clubs including Chess, Drama, Book Club, Newspaper and 5 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 13.7%, which is below the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Barnet, Finchley Catholic High 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 | Roman Catholic |
| Address | Woodside Lane, London, Barnet, N12 8TA |
| Headteacher | Ciran Stapleton |
| Local Authority | Barnet |
| Number of Pupils | 1,192 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 13.7% |
| School Capacity | 1,192 / 1,200 (99% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
27 Sept 2023Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (27 Sept 2023): School remains Good
Source: Ofsted, 28 Nov 2013. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+0.94)
104th of 3,141
Nationally
47th of 487
In London
7th of 28
In Barnet
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
41.1
'22/23
36.8
'23/24
34.2
Source: Department for Education 16-18 Performance Tables, 2023/24. Value Added measures progress compared to students with similar GCSE results.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
10Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
17Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed180
441
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
156 families put this school as their 1st choice (35% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Finchley Catholic High 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
Woodside Lane, London
Barnet, N12 8TA
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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