SchoolScoresHighgate Wood Secondary School
Community school · Secondary, ages 11 to 18 · Mixed · Sixth form
Montenotte Road, London, N8 8RN
020 8342 7970 · School website · Map and directions
Ofsted inspection
Ofsted report card from the inspection that started on 27 January 2026 , published 28 May 2026.
In short: 1 strong, 6 expected, and safeguarding met.
Since November 2025 Ofsted grades each area on a five-point scale instead of giving one overall grade. How report cards work.
| Area | Grade |
|---|---|
| SafeguardingWhether pupils are kept safe. Met or not met. | Met |
| InclusionHow well the school supports disadvantaged pupils and pupils with special educational needs. | Expected standard Middle of five grades. Meets the standard Ofsted expects. |
| Curriculum and teachingWhat pupils are taught and how well they are taught it. | Expected standard Middle of five grades. Meets the standard Ofsted expects. |
| AchievementHow well pupils learn and the results they get. | Expected standard Middle of five grades. Meets the standard Ofsted expects. |
| Attendance and behaviourWhether pupils come to school and how they behave. | Strong standard Second of five grades. Better than the standard Ofsted expects. |
| Personal development and wellbeingPupils' wider development, character and wellbeing. | Expected standard Middle of five grades. Meets the standard Ofsted expects. |
| Post-16 provisionSixth form or other study after 16. | Expected standard Middle of five grades. Meets the standard Ofsted expects. |
| Leadership and governanceHow well leaders and governors run the school. | Expected standard Middle of five grades. Meets the standard Ofsted expects. |
Read the full Ofsted reports for this school
Source: Ofsted state-funded schools inspection data.
What parents say
409 parents answered Ofsted's Parent View survey between 10 November 2025 and 6 April 2026.
| Statement | This school | England |
|---|---|---|
| My child is happy at this school Higher than 83% of 442 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 92% | 83% |
| My child feels safe at this school Higher than 74% of 442 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 91% | 85% |
| The school makes sure pupils are well behaved Higher than 67% of 442 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 83% | 78% |
| Bullying was dealt with quickly and effectivelyOf 72 parents whose child had been bullied Higher than 83% of 344 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 63% | 43% |
| Concerns were dealt with properlyOf 361 parents who had raised a concern Higher than 80% of 431 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 82% | 74% |
| My child with SEND gets the support they needOf 98 parents of children with SEND Higher than 76% of 356 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 73% | 63% |
| I would recommend this school to another parent Higher than 76% of 442 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 92%said yes | 83% |
Parents choose whether to take part, so these answers may not represent all families (Ofsted puts the response rate at 27%). Figures are the share who agree or strongly agree. England figures are all parents answering the same questions over the same period, for state-funded schools. The scales run from lower (left) to higher (right) agreement, and the dot marks this school among state schools of the same phase that used the same survey questions. The third it falls in is coloured: green for the top third, amber the middle, red the bottom. Source: Ofsted Parent View management information.
Results
GCSEs (key stage 4, age 16), 2024/25
266 pupils in this year group.
62% — 15 points above the Haringey average, and 17 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | Haringey | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5 or above in English and maths | 62% | 48% | 45% |
| Attainment 8 scoreAverage of each pupil's grades across 8 GCSE-level subjects, with English and maths counted twice. Around 50 means grade 5s on average. | 56.3 | 48.5 | 46.1 |
| EBacc average point scoreAverage points across the English Baccalaureate subjects: English, maths, sciences, a language and history or geography. | 5.0 | 4.4 | 4.1 |
Progress 8 isn't shown. DfE didn't publish it for 2024/25 because this year group's key stage 2 tests in 2020 were cancelled, and older progress scores aren't comparable.
Source: DfE key stage 4 performance tables, 2024/25. England figures are for state-funded schools.
After Year 11
Where pupils went next. DfE measures this for pupils who finished in an earlier year, so these figures describe a previous year group.
266 pupils in this year group.
91% — about the same as the Haringey average, and about the same as the England average.
| Measure | This school | Haringey | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or workPupils recorded in sustained education, apprenticeship or employment in the year after finishing Year 11. | 91% | 92% | 92% |
| School sixth form | 56% | 43% | 34% |
| Sixth form college | 15% | 16% | 13% |
| Further education college | 19% | 30% | 37% |
| Apprenticeship | Not published | 1% | 3% |
| Work | Not published | 1% | 3% |
"Not published": Not published (DfE code SP).
Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or work, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 93% | 91% |
Source: DfE key stage 4 destination measures, 2024/25 performance tables. England figures are for state-funded schools.
A levels (16 to 18), 2024/25
134 A level students in this year group.
| Measure | This school | Haringey | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average A level grade | C+ | B- | B- |
| A level exams graded A* or A | 18% | 33% | 26% |
| A level exams graded A* to B | 49% | 63% | 53% |
| Average points per A level entryAn A* is 60 points, an A is 50, a B is 40, and so on down to 10 for an E. | 34.2 | 38.3 | 35 |
A level subjects, 2024/25
24 subjects, 363 exams. England figures are for state-funded schools and colleges.
| Subject | Exams | A* | A* or A | England A* or A |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Media/Film/Tv Studies | 38 | 0% | 11% | 14% |
| Psychology | 38 | 3% | 13% | 19% |
| Sociology | 32 | 0% | 13% | 20% |
| History | 30 | 0% | 23% | 23% |
| Biology | 29 | 0% | 21% | 27% |
| Mathematics | 25 | 0% | 36% | 40% |
| Government and Politics | 23 | 0% | 13% | 26% |
| Business Studies:Single | 20 | 10% | 15% | 16% |
| Economics | 18 | 0% | 0% | 26% |
| English Literature | 17 | 6% | 12% | 23% |
| Chemistry | 14 | 0% | 21% | 30% |
| Art and Design | 13 | 8% | 23% | 34% |
| Logic / Philosophy | 10 | 0% | 20% | 19% |
| Art and Design (Photography) | 9 | 0% | 0% | 26% |
| Physics | 9 | 0% | 22% | 31% |
| Spanish | 9 | 0% | 56% | 34% |
| English Language and Literature | 7 | 0% | 0% | 16% |
| Geography | 6 | 0% | 17% | 23% |
Also taken, with too few exams for DfE to publish grades: Mathematics (Further), Design and Technology (Textiles Technology), Drama and Theatre Studies, Turkish, Music Technology, German.
Source: DfE 16 to 18 qualification and subject data, 2024/25.
Source: DfE 16 to 18 performance tables, 2024/25. England figures are for state-funded schools.
After sixth form
Where pupils went next. DfE measures this for pupils who finished in an earlier year, so these figures describe a previous year group.
148 students in this year group.
80% — about the same as the Haringey average, and about the same as the England average.
| Measure | This school | Haringey | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or workStudents recorded in sustained education, apprenticeship or employment in the year after finishing 16 to 18 study. | 80% | 80% | 79% |
| Apprenticeship | 3% | 2% | 7% |
| Work | 20% | 15% | 28% |
Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or work, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 86% | 80% |
Source: DfE 16 to 18 destination measures, 2024/25 performance tables. England figures are for state-funded schools.
Going on to university
Where pupils went next. DfE measures this for pupils who finished in an earlier year, so these figures describe a previous year group.
132 students in this year group.
87% — 11 points above the Haringey average, and 27 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | Haringey | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Went on to a degree or other higher education | 87% | 76% | 60% |
| Went to one of the most selective third of universitiesDfE's grouping of universities by the typical entry grades of their students. | 37% | 29% | 19% |
Went on to a degree or other higher education, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 83% | 87% |
Source: DfE 16 to 18 progression to higher education or training, 2024/25 performance tables. England figures are for state-funded schools.
Admissions
Apply through the council where you live, even if the school is in a different council area. This school is in Haringey. The national closing date for secondary applications is 31 October, and offers are sent on 1 March.
How hard is it to get in?
For the September 2026 intake there were fewer first-choice applications than places.
| Places offered | 232 |
|---|---|
| Families who put it first | 205 |
| Of those, offered a place | 159 (78%) |
| Families who listed it at all | 879 |
First-choice applications per place: 2024: 1.0 · 2025: 0.9 · 2026: 0.9
This isn't your chance of getting a place. That depends on the school's admissions rules (for example siblings, distance or faith) and where you live. Source: DfE applications and offers, September 2026 intake.
Pupils, staff and SEND
| Pupils | This school | Haringey | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eligible for free school meals in the last 6 years 10th highest of 13 state secondary schools in Haringey. Higher than 46% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 25.6% | 33.1%* | 28.9% |
| With an education, health and care plan 5th highest of 13 state secondary schools in Haringey. Higher than 72% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 4.0% | 3.7%* | 3.1% |
| Receiving special educational needs support 3rd highest of 13 state secondary schools in Haringey. Higher than 66% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 16.0% | 14.3%* | 13.4% |
| English as an additional language 12th highest of 13 state secondary schools in Haringey. Higher than 70% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 22.1% | 37.0%* | 19.2% |
| Overall absence (sessions missed) 2nd lowest of 12 state secondary schools in Haringey. Lower than 93% of 3,411 state secondary schools in England. | 5.2% | 7.3%* | 8.4% |
| Persistently absent (missed 10% or more) 3rd lowest of 12 state secondary schools in Haringey. Lower than 92% of 3,411 state secondary schools in England. | 12.4% | 21.4%* | 23.4% |
| Suspensions per 100 pupils 4th lowest of 13 state secondary schools in Haringey. Lower than 85% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 4.4 | 11.2 | 21.2 |
| Pupils suspended at least once 4th lowest of 13 state secondary schools in Haringey. Lower than 82% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 3.1% | 6.7% | 7.3% |
| Pupils permanently excluded4 pupils | 0.26% | 0.04% | 0.23% |
| Pupils per teacher 4th highest of 13 state secondary schools in Haringey. Higher than 52% of 3,442 state secondary schools in England. | 16.9 | 16.0 | 16.7 |
| Pupils per adult (teachers and support staff) 4th highest of 13 state secondary schools in Haringey. Higher than 64% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 12.4 | 11.9 | 11.8 |
| Teachers who left during the year 12th highest of 13 state secondary schools in Haringey. Higher than 24% of 3,430 state secondary schools in England. | 9.2% | 16.8%* | 14.2%* |
Comparisons are with secondary schools. Scales run from lower (left) to higher (right) figures. For absence and suspensions lower is better, so their scales run green to red; blue scales describe the school's pupils and staff and aren't good or bad. * Calculated by SchoolScores from the council's or England's schools, weighted by pupils (or teachers, for turnover); other figures are published by DfE. Sources: DfE school census 2024/25; DfE pupil absence 2024/25; DfE suspensions and permanent exclusions 2024/25; DfE school workforce census 2025/26; DfE teacher turnover 2024/25.
Nearby secondary schools
- Greig City Academy 0.8 miles · Ofsted: Good (2019), confirmed 2025 · 26% grade 5+ English and maths
- Hornsey School for Girls 0.8 miles · Ofsted: Good (2013), confirmed 2022 · 49% grade 5+ English and maths
- Unique Children's School 0.8 miles · Independent · Ofsted: Good (2024)
- St Aloysius' College 0.8 miles · Ofsted: Good (2022, before conversion) · 57% grade 5+ English and maths
- Channing School 0.9 miles · Independent, inspected by ISI · 67% A*/A at A level
- City of London Academy, Highgate Hill 0.9 miles · Ofsted: Good (2024) · 33% grade 5+ English and maths
- Highgate School 0.9 miles · Independent, inspected by ISI · 80% A*/A at A level
- Fortismere School 1.1 miles · Ofsted: Good (2022) · 66% grade 5+ English and maths
- Arts and Media School Islington 1.2 miles · Ofsted: Good (2023) · 28% grade 5+ English and maths
- Heartlands High School 1.3 miles · Ofsted: Good (2016), confirmed 2024 · 45% grade 5+ English and maths
Straight-line distance. Distance isn't the same as a catchment area.
Questions parents ask
What is Highgate Wood Secondary School's Ofsted rating?
Highgate Wood Secondary School was inspected under Ofsted's report card format in 27 January 2026. Report cards grade each area on a five-point scale instead of giving one overall grade. Its grades were 1 strong, 6 expected, and safeguarding was met.
How did Highgate Wood Secondary School do in its GCSEs?
In 2024/25, 62% of pupils grade 5 or above in English and maths, 17 points above the England average of 45%.
Would parents recommend Highgate Wood Secondary School?
92% of the 409 parents who answered Ofsted's Parent View survey between 10 November 2025 and 6 April 2026 said they would recommend Highgate Wood Secondary School to another parent. Parents choose whether to respond, so this may not represent all families.
Is Highgate Wood Secondary School oversubscribed?
For the September 2026 intake, 205 families put Highgate Wood Secondary School as their first choice for 232 places: fewer first-choice applications than places. 159 of those families were offered a place. Whether you get a place depends on the school's admissions rules and where you live.
Sources
- School details: Get Information about Schools (DfE), 26 September 2026. URN 102154.
- Inspections: Ofsted management information, data to 31 August 2026.
- Parent views: Ofsted Parent View, 10 November 2025 to 6 April 2026.
- Results: DfE school performance tables, GCSEs 2024/25, After Year 11 2024/25, A levels 2024/25, After sixth form 2024/25, Going on to university 2024/25.
Spotted a mistake? Report it and we'll check it against the source.
Page updated 26 September 2026.