The percentage of pupils achieving a good level of development by the end of Reception class has risen to 71.3%. This figure surpasses the national average of 67.7% in 2024
In the 2023-2024 academic year, schools in Barnet have demonstrated exceptional performance, significantly outperforming national averages across all key stages. This remarkable achievement underscores the commitment to high-quality education in the borough, with students from early years through to key stage 5 achieving outstanding results.
The early years provision in Barnet, catering to children from birth to five years old, has seen a notable improvement. The percentage of pupils achieving a good level of development by the end of Reception class has risen to 71.3%. This figure surpasses the national average of 67.7% in 2024, placing Barnet in the top 20% of local authorities nationally. This early success sets a solid foundation for future academic achievements and highlights the effectiveness of educational strategies implemented in the borough’s early years settings.
At Key Stage 1, which covers children aged five to seven, Barnet’s schools have also shown impressive results. The attainment in the phonics screening test, a crucial assessment for early reading skills, has increased to 83%. This score is above the national average of 80% in 2024. The phonics screening check, a statutory assessment for all pupils in year 1, ensures that students are meeting the expected standard in phonic decoding. Barnet’s performance in this area reflects the dedication of educators in fostering strong literacy skills from a young age.
Moving to Key Stage 2, which encompasses children aged seven to 11, Barnet continues to excel. Scores in reading, writing, and maths combined remain in the top 20% nationally. This consistent performance highlights the borough’s commitment to providing a well-rounded education that prepares students for the challenges of secondary education.
At Key Stage 4, covering students aged 14 to 16, Barnet’s schools have achieved remarkable results in their GCSEs. Over the past seven years, the borough has consistently ranked highly, with the 2024 results placing Barnet fourth highest in the country based on Attainment 8 scores. Attainment 8 is a measure of a student’s average academic performance across their best eight GCSE subjects, with English and Maths scores counted twice. Additionally, Barnet ranked third best in the country for Progress 8, a measure that assesses how much progress pupils make between the end of primary school and the end of secondary school. These results are a testament to the hard work of students and the dedication of educators in preparing them for future success.
For students aged 16 to 18 at Key Stage 5, Barnet’s A-Level results have consistently been among the best in the country over the past seven years. In 2024, 24.8% of pupils in Barnet achieved three or more A grades at A-level, a figure well above the London and national averages of 16.2% and 17.2%, respectively. This places Barnet within the top 10% of local authorities nationally, demonstrating the borough’s commitment to providing high-quality post-16 education.
Barnet’s educational success extends beyond school results, with high progression rates to higher education. The borough ranks third highest in the country for non-free school meals students and sixth highest for free school meal students in terms of progression to higher education. Furthermore, the percentage of 17- and 18-year-olds not in education, employment, or training is extremely low, ranking third best nationally. This highlights the effectiveness of Barnet’s educational strategies in preparing students for future opportunities.
“Barnet schools are at the heart of the borough’s vision to be Family Friendly, with students consistently achieving above national averages across all key stages.”
Councillor Pauline Coakley Webb, Cabinet Member for Family Friendly Barnet, expressed her pride in the borough’s educational achievements: “Barnet is well known for the excellent quality of its schools and the diversity of its educational offer. It is extremely positive to see schools in the borough continuing to achieve above national averages. Our schools are at the heart of Barnet’s vision to be Family Friendly and its continuing success as a desirable place where people want to live, work, and study. Excellent educational outcomes and ensuring children and young people are resilient and equipped to meet the needs of employers are vital to Barnet’s future success. The achievements demonstrate just how much hard work pupils are putting into their studies and are a testament to the tremendous dedication of staff and the whole school community.”
The outstanding academic performance of schools in Barnet across all key stages is a clear indication of the borough’s commitment to providing a high-quality education. From early years to post-16 education, Barnet’s students are achieving results that place them well above national averages. This success is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of students, educators, and the entire school community. As Barnet continues to strive for excellence, its educational achievements will undoubtedly contribute to its reputation as a Family Friendly borough and a desirable place to live, work, and study.
