Ages 
A happy school, with firm discipline, high expectations and outstanding results.
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 908 ·
- Sixth form numbers
- 260 ·
- Religion
- RC
- Local authority
- London Borough of Barnet
Headteacher
Headteacher
Michael Stimpson
Since 2017, Michael Stimpson BSc MSc MA MA PGCE NPQH, previously head of St Bernard’s Catholic Grammar in Berkshire. Degree in natural science and teaching certificate from Durham; went straight into teaching physics and much later completed his
Entrance
Due to the single-sex faith criteria the numbers applying are not as high as some of the other north London grammar schools (some 390 apply for 128 places). However, the entrance tests are academically very challenging. That said, the Catholic hurdle
- Admissions policy
- Academically selective state school
- Open days
- Held at the end of June each year - details on website
Entry and exit data - year 7 entry (average 2020-2022)
Exit
Around a third of girls leaves post-GCSE – to nearby sixth form colleges, like Woodhouse, or larger co-ed selective schools. Most sixth formers go on to the older universities (more than three-quarters to Russell Group). In 2025, six to Oxbridge 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, 84 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 61 per cent A*/A at A level (87 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
St Michael’s has won numerous awards (including Sunday Times State Secondary School of the Year) for providing an outstanding education and is now one of the country’s leading secondary schools, always sitting within the top 20 grammar schools (often
- Qualifications taken in 2024
- A level
- GCSE
Learning support & SEN
Only small numbers with special needs, but strugglers are provided with generous support. Homework is pushed hard. ‘If you’re ill you have to catch up on what you’ve missed,’ said one mother.
Arts & extracurricular
Academic music is excellent, with dedicated practice rooms and a recording suite, though the school is pushing for higher standards of extracurricular involvement. ‘Lots of girls participate in choir and orchestra, but I would like us to have greater
Sport
No playing fields and only a handful of courts (due for renovation), so team games not a forte (no hockey, for example), but a spacious newish sports hall (the largest school gym in Barnet) is used to the full to deliver high standard athletics,
Ethos & heritage
Founded by the Congregation of the Sisters of the Poor Child Jesus in 1908 as a prep school in the grounds of its convent. In 1958, a girls’ grammar school was launched to share the site, and eventually the prep school was closed to allow the grammar
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
The primary aim here is the formation of responsible and committed Catholic citizens. ‘We try to create a relaxed and happy atmosphere, but we expect high standards of behaviour, self-discipline and responsibility.’ Those from bohemian families are
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 Part of the Barnet Smartphone Free Childhood Consortium. The school has always recommended to parents to only provide a 'brick' phone, however, from September 2025 new students in Year 7 are not allowed to have a smartphone or internet-connected personal device in school. Students in Year 7-10 are not allowed to use mobile phones in school, students in Year 11 are allowed to use their mobile phone in form room during break and lunch only. Sixth Form students are allowed to use their mobile phone in designated areas only.
Pupils & parents
Cradle Catholics from all over London and the world, with increasing numbers of Eastern Europeans, particularly Poles. Not as skewed to the professional middle classes as some other grammar schools, with more new immigrants (33 per cent do not speak
Money matters
St Michael’s is a voluntary-aided school and parents are expected to contribute towards the cost of the buildings and facilities. ‘The school would fall down otherwise.' An annual contribution of £275 a year is asked for and 90 per cent of parents
The last word
A happy school, with firm discipline, high expectations and outstanding results.
Inspection reports
Ofsted reports
Full inspection: Outstanding
You can read full reports on the Ofsted website
| Personal development | Outstanding |
|---|---|
| Quality of education | Outstanding |
| Behaviour and attitudes | Outstanding |
| Leadership and management | Outstanding |
| Sixth form provision | Outstanding |
Full inspection: Outstanding
| Leadership and management | Outstanding |
|---|---|
| Sixth form provision | Outstanding |
