Ages 
An inspirational example of what can be achieved by putting compassion, community and creativity at the heart of a school’s educational model, Burghley has an undeniable warmth and buzz. Small wonder that it is now in high demand.
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 1,228 ·
- Sixth form numbers
- 271 ·
- Local authority
- London Borough of Camden
Headteacher
Headteacher
Mr Nicholas John
Since 2015, the ‘dynamic and excellent’ Nicholas John. Educated at Ampleforth College, then read classics at Oxford, followed by PGCE at Canterbury Christ Church University and NPQH. Career spent in comprehensive schools, firstly teaching at
Entrance
Heavily oversubscribed, with a catchment area of about a mile. Genuinely comprehensive intake, with first preference to looked-after children, followed by siblings, those with a statement of special education needs, then proximity. Occasional
- Open days
- Please see school website for details.
Entry and exit data - year 7 entry (average 2020-2022)
Exit
Just over half go on to the sixth form, part of LaSWAP consortium. Of these, most to university, including to art college. Overall an excellent record on destinations, with students moving on to a wide range of universities, vocational training and
% students progressing to higher education or training (2021 leavers)
What is this?
The proportion of 16-18 students that progressed to degrees, higher apprenticeships or other study at level 4 or above for at least 6 consecutive months in the 2 years after taking advanced level qualifications (level 3) at this school or college.
Latest results
In 2025, 34 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 52 per cent 9-4 in both maths and English. At A level, 21 per cent A*/A (57 per cent A*-B).
GCSE - % of pupils achieving grade 5 or above (A* to C) in English and maths GCSE (2024)
What is this?
This tells you the percentage of pupils who achieved grade 5 or above in English and maths GCSEs.
A level - Average points score (2024)
What is this?
These figures tell you the average grade and average points that pupils achieved in their academic qualifications. A maximum of 60 points are available for a grade A* at A level.
Teaching & learning
A ‘deliberately inclusive school right from the outset’, Burghley has a wide ability range. It’s ‘something of a magnet for those with additional needs’ while also doing very well by its academic high performers: school saw its ‘best ever’ outcomes
- Qualifications taken in 2024
- A level
- BTEC
- EPQ
- GCSE
- VRQ
Sixth form
At A level, good results in many subjects with sociology, English and dance doing particularly well. The sixth form is part of the LaSWAP consortium, which comprises four local sixth forms that all work together to create ‘a distinctive campus feel’.
Learning support & SEN
Excellent learning support department led by a deputy head: ‘school takes additional needs really seriously,’ students told us. One of the most extensive teams we’ve come across in a mainstream school, with dedicated lead practitioners for different
Arts & extracurricular
Creativity is celebrated here – quite literally at the heart of the school, with the innovative Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment in residence, not just giving the occasional workshop but fully embedded into both curricular and extracurricular
Sport
Thriving sports scene with opportunities to try ‘things no-one has ever heard of’ (Danish handball anyone?) as well as the usual team sports. There's plenty of outdoor space, including a large AstroTurf, and fantastic indoor sports facilities
Ethos & heritage
The site ‘is a physical expression of an idea’: school as community hub. At the centre of its campus, surrounded by trees and plenty of open spaces, is a Brutalist concrete 1960s building, listed Grade II because of its architectural significance. It
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
Not a hi-viz jacket in sight as we accompanied the head around the busy playground during break, dodging the very tall teenage footballers on the MUGA and weaving past huddles of mixed groups deep in conversation, head greeting students by name and
Mobile phone policy
A clear mobile phone policy is a really important part of modern schooling. This school has provided us with their policy.
Mobile phone policy
Provided by the school and not part of our review For students in years 7 to 11, mobile phones must be switched off and kept in a bag or locker at all times.
Pupils & parents
Brimming with charisma and energy, our guides were delightfully frank and open, fantastic ambassadors for their school. A huge social mix, drawn both from local estates and liberal middle-class families who have chosen Acland Burghley for its
The last word
An inspirational example of what can be achieved by putting compassion, community and creativity at the heart of a school’s educational model, Burghley has an undeniable warmth and buzz. Small wonder that it is now in high demand.
Inspection reports
Ofsted reports
Short inspection: Good
You can read full reports on the Ofsted website
| Leadership and management | Outstanding |
|---|---|
| Sixth form provision | Good |
Full inspection: Requires improvement
| Leadership and management | Requires improvement |
|---|---|
| Sixth form provision | Requires improvement |
