A hard-working school with a strong ethos of self-improvement that really walks the walk when it comes to inclusion and ambition for all its students. Hampstead knows its students well and creates a strong sense of community while also expanding horizons through external partnerships.
Why read our school review?
Unlike other websites, schools can't pay to be included in The Good Schools Guide. This means our review of this school is independent, critical and fair, and written with parents' best interests at heart.
Unlock to access
Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 1,316 ·
- Sixth form numbers
- 282 ·
- Local authority
- London Borough of Camden

Headteacher
Head
Matt Sadler BA (Cantab) PGCE
Since 2020, Matthew Sadler BA PGCE. Brought up in Newcastle from the age of three, he attended his local comp, Kenton School, followed by history degree at Cambridge and PGCE at IoE. Started here as a newly qualified history teacher in 2010, which
Unlock this review instantly
Learn what pupils and parents really think of this school, along with our expert opinion on the headteacher’s leadership style, the school’s academic results and facilities, the focus on pastoral care, and the range of extra-curricular activities.

Entrance
Totally non-selective on ability, school draws from over 70 primary schools across three boroughs – about 20 per cent come from Camden, 40 per cent from each of Brent and Barnet (admissions managed by Camden). Around 40 external applicants join for
- Open days
- November
Entry and exit data - year 7 entry (average 2020-2022)

Exit
Around 20 per cent leave after GCSEs, mainly to other sixth forms or colleges, some to apprenticeships. A further 20 per cent leave after year 12, mainly due to the high number of one-year courses available. Eighty per cent of year 13s head off to
% 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 2024, eight per cent 9-7 at GCSE, 66 per cent 9-4 in both English and maths. At A level, 15 per cent A*/A (34 per cent A*-B).
% 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.
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
Teachers know their students well as individuals –‘my son is not just a number’ – and we saw a nice dynamic with passing teachers as we toured the school: ‘they are so kind, always by your side if you ever need help or extension work’ and ‘strict for
- Qualifications taken in 2024
- A level
- BTEC
- EPQ
- GCSE
- VRQ

Learning support & SEN
Parents can’t speak highly enough of the proactive, tailored approach of the multidisciplinary inclusion team, led by an assistant head. ECHPs for just under three per cent of students and around 15 per cent of students with additional needs. Team

Arts & extracurricular
Strong commitment to the performing arts here, with dance, music, drama all on the curriculum for years 7 to 9 and good take-up for public exams. ‘We are aiming to create a lifelong love of the performing arts,’ say the enthusiastic staff, with

Sport
Plenty of outdoor space including Astro and netball/basketball courts, plus full-size sports hall, gym, dance studio and swimming pool: sport is a big deal here – basketball especially (‘lots of year 7s get converted from football!’ said our guide)

Ethos & heritage
Not in fact in Hampstead, but between Cricklewood, Kilburn and West Hampstead. One of the original campuses of Habs Boys, the site nicely mixes old and new; ‘looking backwards and forwards gives us a sense of stewardship,’ observes head. The

Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
Student wellbeing is front and centre in the school’s pastoral approach, with a strong and effective focus on attendance, supported by close liaison with families and external agencies across the three boroughs served by the school: ‘This is London

Pupils & parents
It’s a ‘diverse yet cohesive student body’, a real reflection of the socio-economic mix of the three boroughs it serves. The largest ethnic grouping is ‘any other mixed heritage’, 37 per cent EAL and over 60 different languages spoken at home.

The last word
A hard-working school with a strong ethos of self-improvement that really walks the walk when it comes to inclusion and ambition for all its students. Hampstead knows its students well and creates a strong sense of community while also expanding

Inspection reports
Ofsted reports
Full inspection: Good
You can read full reports on the Ofsted website
Personal development | Good |
---|---|
Quality of education | Good |
Behaviour and attitudes | Good |
Leadership and management | Good |
Sixth form provision | Good |
Full inspection: Good
Leadership and management | Good |
---|