Ages 
A peek back in time shows that some well-known former pupils like Baroness Claire Tyler (Chair of CAFCASS and president of the National Children’s Bureau), footballer Johnny Haynes and Sir Bruce Forsyth CBE all did well here. Pupils clearly still do. This is a zealously traditional school with pupils who show a healthy balance between hard work and play.
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 1,356 ·
- Sixth form numbers
- 398 ·
- Religion
- None
- Local authority
- London Borough of Enfield
Headteacher
Headteacher
Joseph Gilford
Since April 2025, Joseph Gilford, who went into teaching ‘because I absolutely love my subject and really enjoy working with young people’. It’s also in the blood – his father and sister are both primary school teachers and his grandad was a
Entrance
Only those ‘deemed capable of achieving the highest grades at GCSE are considered’ at this highly oversubscribed, selective school. Selection is by the NVR test as well as literacy and numeracy. A parent said ‘it used to be harder to get into’, but
- Admissions policy
- Academically selective state school
- Open days
- Open Days - for information regarding the Open Day dates please check the website
Entry and exit data - year 7 entry (average 2020-2022)
Exit
Over 90 per cent go on to university or other forms of higher education in music and art. The school does not push Oxford or Cambridge though plenty go (28 in 2025). Kings College London, LSE, Imperial, Durham, Bath, Bristol and Manchester are also
% 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, 85 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 65 per cent A*/A at A level (86 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
Excellent GCSE results, making it the top performing school in Enfield borough and within the top six per cent in London. Pupils must choose from French or German in Y7, with the choice of French, German, Russian or Latin in Y8; ‘languages to get
- Qualifications taken in 2024
- A level
- GCSE
Learning support & SEN
Where pupils have a special learning need, they will find help through the learning support department which also arranges mentoring for younger students from sixth formers. EAL students are supported well and achieve equally well at GCSE and A
Arts & extracurricular
It is important that academic success is supported by ‘a life outside school’ and students are encouraged to take part in the wide variety of activities on offer. Languages are supported by school journeys and exchanges through links with Russia,
Sport
More than 17 different sporting activities offered, which may come as a surprise to some, who know Latymer as a predominantly academic institution. One parent said, ‘The school does have very good sporting facilities and outside grounds, and, whilst
Ethos & heritage
Tradition creates the atmosphere at Latymer. It was established in nearby Church Street in 1624 at the direction of Edward Latymer, a City merchant, who bequeathed certain property to trustees on condition that they were to clothe and educate ‘eight
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
The 186 pupils in each year are organised into six form groups, and each form group belongs to one of the six house groups. They remain in these groups throughout their school lives, meeting daily for registration and form periods, including, in the
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 At Latymer, our mobile phone policy is rooted in our liberal ethos and our commitment to student wellbeing, academic excellence, and strong social connection. We believe the school day should provide a break from the distractions of the digital world: a calm, focused environment where students can be fully present in their learning and relationships. Mobile phones, headphones, and personal devices must be switched off and kept in bags from arrival until students leave the building. Sixth Form students can only use their phone in Sixth Form only areas. Devices are confiscated if seen on the school site.
Pupils & parents
Anyone and everyone who is 'very clever', though the school wisely lists acceptable postcodes in its admissions criteria (and suggests that no-one should apply from further than an hour's journey). Roughly 65 per cent of the school’s cohort are from
Money matters
Funding cuts affect Latymer as all other state schools. Parents have been asked to make voluntary yearly contributions. The school says, ‘The response from parents has been very positive and they have been very generous. They don’t want the school to
The last word
A peek back in time shows that some well-known former pupils like Baroness Claire Tyler (Chair of CAFCASS and president of the National Children’s Bureau), footballer Johnny Haynes and Sir Bruce Forsyth CBE all did well here. Pupils clearly still do.
Inspection reports
Ofsted reports
Full inspection: Good
You can read full reports on the Ofsted website
| Personal development | Outstanding |
|---|---|
| Quality of education | Good |
| Behaviour and attitudes | Good |
| Leadership and management | Good |
| Sixth form provision | Outstanding |
Full inspection: Outstanding
| Leadership and management | Outstanding |
|---|---|
| Sixth form provision | Outstanding |
