Parkfield Primary School

About Parkfield Primary School

Parkfield Primary School in Barnet is a state primary for children aged 3 to 11 that is currently running well above its official capacity. With 463 pupils on roll against a capacity of 420, the school is clearly popular with local families, and the 2025/26 admissions data confirms that demand outstrips supply: 103 applications were received for just 48 places, giving an oversubscription ratio of 2.15. Of those, 41 were first-preference applications, and all 41 received offers. The school’s intake also reflects a higher-than-average level of disadvantage, with 26.6% of pupils eligible for free school meals, compared with a national primary average of around 23%. The school is non-denominational and mixed, and is led by headteacher Nick Read. It also offers nursery provision, which may be a draw for families looking for a single setting from the early years through to Year 6.

Academically, Parkfield’s most recent Key Stage 2 results place it in the bottom half of schools nationally, and 74th out of 80 primary schools in Barnet. In the 2023/24 assessments, 56% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, well below the local authority average of 73%. The school’s ranking score of 56 puts it in the bottom 50% nationally, and its percentile ranking in London is 84.6, meaning roughly 15% of London primaries performed lower. However, individual subject scores are more mixed: 76% of pupils met the expected standard in writing, and average scaled scores in reading (105) and maths (104) are close to the national benchmark of 100. The proportion reaching the higher standard in maths was 24%, and in reading 26%, but only 6% achieved the higher standard across all three subjects. The school’s most recent Ofsted inspection, in December 2024, rated it Good overall, with leadership and management also Good and early years provision judged Outstanding. This is a significant improvement from its previous graded inspection in 2015, when the school was rated Inadequate.

Parkfield offers a range of facilities including an art studio, sensory room, outdoor playground and a chapel, and pupils can take part in sports such as football, rounders, cricket, dance and tennis. Clubs include chess, choir, eco club, gardening, book club and film club. The school’s SEND provision covers a broad spectrum of needs, including specific learning difficulties like dyslexia, speech and language needs, hearing and visual impairments, physical disabilities, autistic spectrum disorder and social, emotional and mental health support. Parent View responses from the 2024/25 period, based on 11 respondents, show strong satisfaction overall: 82% would recommend the school, and 91% agreed or strongly agreed that their child is happy and feels safe. However, concerns about how concerns are dealt with were more mixed, with 36% disagreeing that concerns are handled properly. For families in Barnet seeking a Good-rated primary with strong early years provision and a wide SEND offer, Parkfield is a popular choice, though its academic results sit below the local average and competition for places is high.

Key Details

Frequently Asked Questions About Parkfield Primary School

Helpful Guides for Parents