Classpot

Highbury Grove School

Islington, N5 2EQSecondaryAges 11–19MixedState
Ofsted Rating
Good
Apr 2022
Progress 8
+0.09
Above average
−20+2
Competition
0.5×
Not oversubscribed
89 1st-choice / 170 places
Ranking
#1,326
of 3,141 nationally

About Highbury Grove School

Highbury Grove School was rated Good across all categories in its most recent Ofsted inspection in 2022, a significant turnaround from its previous Inadequate rating in 2016. The school’s Progress 8 score sits at 0.09, meaning pupils achieve slightly better than the national average, though this is below the Islington local authority average of 0.28. In fact, the school ranks 9th out of 9 secondary schools in the borough on this metric, placing it in the bottom percentile locally. That said, the school’s Attainment 8 score of 47.2 and the fact that 67% of pupils achieved a grade 4 or above in English and maths (the basics 94% measure) show solid core outcomes. The EBacc average point score of 4.36 and a 51.6% EBacc entry rate suggest a broad academic curriculum is on offer, even if the proportion achieving the EBacc at grade 5 or above drops to 23.4%.

Key Details

School TypeSecondary (State)
Age Range11 to 19 years
GenderMixed
Address8 Highbury Grove, Islington, Islington, N5 2EQ
HeadteacherTom Grunsell
Local AuthorityIslington
Number of Pupils1,100
Free School Meals (FSM)56.3%
School Capacity1,100 / 1,200 (92% full)
Sixth FormYes

The full report on this school

The inspection in plain English, admissions context, and how this school compares to nearby alternatives — all in one full school report.

  • Ofsted inspection in plain English
    Strengths, concerns and what inspectors flagged
  • Parent View survey results
    What parents told Ofsted — when the school has 10+ responses
  • Where Ofsted and parents disagree
    Gaps to probe + questions to ask at the open day
  • Admissions & catchment
    Admission criteria, distance cutoffs (where the LA publishes them)
  • Nearby schools compared
    Backup options with Ofsted, demand and distance
  • Attendance & behaviour data
    Persistent absentees, suspensions and exclusions vs national
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Ofsted Inspection Breakdown

26 Apr 2022
View Report
Overall Effectiveness
Good
Quality of Education
Good
Behaviour & Attitudes
Good
Personal Development
Good
Leadership & Management
Good
Sixth Form Provision
Good

Source: Ofsted, 20 Jun 2022. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.

Facilities

9
Astro TurfSports HallSixth Form CentreICT SuitePlaying FieldsGymnasiumTheatreSwimming PoolMusic Rooms

Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.

Extracurriculars

18

Sports

TennisRugbySwimmingCross CountryHockeyGymnasticsNetballBadminton

Clubs & Activities

DramaYoung EnterpriseChoirChessCodingDuke of EdinburghEco ClubGardeningArt ClubDebate

Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.

SEND Support

AutismDyslexiaMental HealthSpeech & LanguageHearingPhysicalLearning DifficultyOther

Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Highbury Grove School

Highbury Grove School has been rated "Good" by Ofsted. This means the school provides a good standard of education and effectively supports all pupils to succeed.