Islington, located in North London, is home to a diverse range of secondary schools that cater to the needs of its residents.

There are several options available to families who are looking for a secondary school that meets their child’s educational needs. Each school has its own unique features, and it is important to choose the right one based on the child’s interests and abilities.

Secondary Schools in Islington London provide a well-rounded education that prepares students for their future careers. The schools offer a wide range of subjects, including traditional academic subjects, vocational courses, and extracurricular activities.

Students are encouraged to participate in various clubs and societies, which help them to develop their interests and skills outside the classroom.

The schools also provide excellent facilities, including modern classrooms, libraries, sports halls, and science labs, to ensure that students have access to the best resources.

Best 10 Secondary Schools in Islington London

1. Highbury Fields School125
2. Central Foundation Boys’ School1256
3. St Mary Magdalene Academy25
4. City of London Academy Islington25
5. Elizabeth Garrett Anderson School1
6. St Aloysius RC College4
7. Holloway School1
8. Arts and Media School Islington1
9. City of London Academy Highbury Grove4
10. Richard Cloudesley School1

1. Highbury Fields School:

• Features: Highbury Fields School is a girls’ school that has been rated “Outstanding” by Ofsted. The school has a strong focus on academic achievement and offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including music, drama, and sports. The school also has a strong commitment to promoting equality and diversity.
• Contact information: Website: https://www.highburyfields.islington.sch.uk/; Phone: 020 7288 1888; Address: Highbury Hill, London N5 1AR; Email: info@highburyfields.islington.sch.uk

2. Central Foundation Boys’ School:

• Features: Central Foundation Boys’ School is a boys’ school that has been rated “Outstanding” by Ofsted. The school has a strong focus on academic achievement and offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including music, drama, and sports. The school also has a strong commitment to promoting equality and diversity.
• Contact information: Website: https://www.centralfoundationboys.co.uk/; Phone: 020 7253 3741; Address: Cowper Street, London EC2A 4SH; Email: info@cfbs.islington.sch.uk

3. St Mary Magdalene Academy:

• Features: St Mary Magdalene Academy is a mixed school that has been rated “Outstanding” by Ofsted. The school has a strong focus on academic achievement and offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including music, drama, and sports. The school also has a strong commitment to promoting equality and diversity.
• Contact information: Website: https://www.smma.islington.sch.uk/; Phone: 020 7697 0123; Address: Liverpool Road, London N7 8PG; Email: info@smmacademy.org

4. City of London Academy Islington:

• Features: City of London Academy Islington is a mixed school that has been rated “Outstanding” by Ofsted. The school has a strong focus on academic achievement and offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including music, drama, and sports. The school also has a strong commitment to promoting equality and diversity.
• Contact information: Website: https://www.colai.org.uk/; Phone: 020 7226 8611; Address: Prebend Street, London N1 8PQ; Email: info@colai.org.uk

5. Elizabeth Garrett Anderson School:

• Features: Elizabeth Garrett Anderson School is a girls’ school that has been rated “Outstanding” by Ofsted. The school has a strong focus on academic achievement and offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including music, drama, and sports. The school also has a strong commitment to promoting equality and diversity.
• Contact information: Website: https://www.egaschool.co.uk/; Phone: 020 7837 6088; Address: Donegal Street, London N1 9QG; Email: info@egaschool.co.uk

6. St Aloysius RC College:

• Features: St Aloysius RC College is a boys’ school that has been rated “Good” by Ofsted. The school has a strong focus on academic achievement and offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including music, drama, and sports. The school also has a strong commitment to promoting Catholic values.
• Contact information: Website: https://www.sta.islington.sch.uk/; Phone: 020 7288 8311; Address: Hornsey Lane, London N6 5LY; Email: info@sta.islington.sch.uk

7. Holloway School:

• Features: Holloway School is a mixed school that has been rated “Good” by Ofsted. The school has a strong focus on academic achievement and offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including music, drama, and sports. The school also has a strong commitment to promoting equality and diversity.
• Contact information: Website: https://www.holloway.islington.sch.uk/; Phone: 020 7607 9526; Address: Hilldrop Road, London N7 0JG; Email: info@holloway.islington.sch.uk

8. Arts and Media School Islington:

• Features: Arts and Media School Islington is a mixed school that has been rated “Good” by Ofsted. The school has a strong focus on the arts and media, and offers a wide range of extracurricular activities in these areas. The school also has a strong commitment to promoting equality and diversity.
• Contact information: Website: https://www.artsandmedia.islington.sch.uk/; Phone: 020 7281 5511; Address: Turle Road, London N4 3LS; Email: info@artsandmedia.islington.sch.uk

9. City of London Academy Highbury Grove:

• Features: City of London Academy Highbury Grove is a mixed school that has been rated “Good” by Ofsted. The school has a strong focus on academic achievement and offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including music, drama, and sports. The school also has a strong commitment to promoting equality and diversity.
• Contact information: Website: https://www.highburygrove.cola.org.uk/; Phone: 020 7288 1888; Address: Highbury Grove, London N5 2EQ; Email: info@highburygrove.cola.org.uk

10. Richard Cloudesley School:

• Features: Richard Cloudesley School is a special school for children with physical disabilities and medical needs. The school has a strong focus on providing a safe and supportive environment for its students, and offers a wide range of therapies and support services.
• Contact information: Website: https://www.cloudesley.islington.sch.uk/; Phone: 020 7837 4233; Address: Golden Lane Campus, Richard Cloudesley School, Golden Lane, London EC1Y 0TJ; Email: info@cloudesley.islington.sch.uk

Overview of Secondary Schools in Islington London

Islington, a borough in North London, has a diverse range of secondary schools that offer quality education to their students. The schools in the borough are run by the Local Education Authority (LEA) and are either community schools, foundation schools, voluntary-aided schools, or academies.

There are currently 14 secondary schools in Islington, with a total of approximately 11,000 students. The schools have a mix of co-educational and single-sex schools, and cater to students aged 11-18 years old.

Some of the notable secondary schools in Islington include Highbury Fields School, City of London Academy Islington, and Elizabeth Garrett Anderson School. These schools have consistently performed well in their GCSE and A-Level results, and have a good reputation within the community.

In addition to academic excellence, many of the schools in Islington offer a range of extracurricular activities to their students.

These activities include sports teams, music and drama clubs, and community service projects. Students are encouraged to participate in these activities to develop their skills and interests outside of the classroom.

Overall, the secondary schools in Islington provide a high standard of education and a supportive environment for their students. With a range of schools to choose from, parents can find a school that best fits their child’s needs and interests.

Academic Performance of Schools

Islington has a range of secondary schools, both state-funded and independent. These schools have consistently performed well academically, with many achieving above-average results in national exams.

According to the latest data from the Department for Education, the average Attainment 8 score for Islington secondary schools was 51.4 in 2022, slightly above the national average of 50.6. This score measures students’ performance across eight subjects, including English, maths, and science.

Several schools in Islington have achieved particularly impressive results. For example, Highbury Fields School had an Attainment 8 score of 59.3 in 2022, well above the national average. Similarly, St Aloysius’ College, an independent school in the area, achieved an average score of 70.4 in 2022.

It’s worth noting that academic performance is just one aspect of a school’s overall quality, and there are many other factors to consider when choosing a school for your child.

However, the strong academic performance of Islington’s secondary schools is certainly a positive indicator of the quality of education on offer in the area.

Schools with Special Educational Needs Support

Islington has a range of secondary schools that offer support for students with special educational needs (SEN). These schools have staff who are trained to work with students who have a variety of needs, including learning difficulties, physical disabilities, and emotional and behavioral difficulties.

Some of the schools in Islington that offer SEN support include:

• Highbury Fields School: This school has a dedicated SEN department that provides support for students with a range of needs. The department works closely with parents and outside agencies to ensure that students receive the support they need to succeed.
• Central Foundation Boys’ School: This school has a dedicated SEN team that provides support for students with a range of needs. The team works closely with teachers to ensure that students receive the support they need in the classroom.
• Elizabeth Garrett Anderson School: This school has a dedicated SEN department that provides support for students with a range of needs. The department works closely with parents and outside agencies to ensure that students receive the support they need to succeed.
• Holloway School: This school has a dedicated SEN team that provides support for students with a range of needs. The team works closely with teachers to ensure that students receive the support they need in the classroom.

These schools offer a range of support for students with SEN, including:

• In-class support: This involves a teaching assistant working with a student in the classroom to help them access the curriculum.
• Small group work: This involves a small group of students working with a teacher or teaching assistant to receive additional support.
• One-to-one support: This involves a student receiving support from a teaching assistant or specialist teacher on a one-to-one basis.

Overall, these schools provide a supportive environment for students with SEN, helping them to achieve their full potential.

Faith-Based Secondary Schools

Islington is home to a variety of faith-based secondary schools that provide education to students of different faiths and backgrounds. These schools offer a unique environment that combines academic excellence with a strong emphasis on faith and values.

Jewish Schools

There are two Jewish secondary schools in Islington, both of which provide a high-quality education while promoting Jewish values and traditions. These schools are:

• Hasmonean High School: This school is a voluntary-aided Jewish comprehensive school that provides education to boys and girls aged 11-18. The school has a strong academic record, and students are encouraged to develop their Jewish identity through a range of activities and events.
• Yavneh College: This is a co-educational Jewish secondary school that provides education to students aged 11-18. The school has a strong focus on academic excellence and Jewish values, and students are encouraged to develop their knowledge and understanding of Jewish culture and heritage.

Church of England Schools

Islington is also home to several Church of England secondary schools that provide education to students of all faiths and backgrounds. These schools are:

• St Mary Magdalene Academy: This is a Church of England secondary school that provides education to students aged 11-18. The school has a strong focus on academic excellence and personal development, and students are encouraged to develop their spiritual, moral, and cultural understanding.
• St Aloysius’ College: This is a Catholic secondary school that provides education to students aged 11-18. The school has a strong focus on academic excellence and personal development, and students are encouraged to develop their spiritual, moral, and cultural understanding.

Islamic Schools

There are currently no Islamic secondary schools in Islington, but there are several nearby in other parts of London. These schools provide education to students of all faiths and backgrounds, but with a strong emphasis on Islamic values and traditions.

State and Independent Schools

Islington offers a range of secondary schools, both state-funded and independent. The state schools are overseen by the local authority, while independent schools are privately funded and run.

State Schools

The state secondary schools in Islington provide education to students aged 11-18. The schools follow the National Curriculum and are inspected by Ofsted. The schools offer a range of subjects at GCSE and A-level, including core subjects such as English, maths, and science, as well as humanities, languages, and creative subjects.

Some of the state schools in Islington include:

• Highbury Fields School: A girls’ school that offers a broad curriculum with a focus on STEM subjects.
• Central Foundation Boys’ School: A boys’ school that offers a range of subjects and has a strong focus on academic achievement.
• City of London Academy Islington: A mixed school that offers a range of subjects and has a strong emphasis on extracurricular activities.

Independent Schools

Islington is also home to a number of independent secondary schools. These schools are not funded by the government and charge fees for attendance. Independent schools often have smaller class sizes and offer a more personalised education.

Some of the independent schools in Islington include:

• City of London School for Girls: A girls’ school that offers a broad curriculum with a focus on academic achievement.
• Highgate School: A mixed school that offers a range of subjects and has a strong emphasis on extracurricular activities.
• St Mary’s School: A girls’ school that offers a range of subjects and has a strong focus on pastoral care and personal development.

Overall, there are many options for secondary education in Islington, both state-funded and independent. Families can choose a school that best fits their child’s needs and interests.

Admission Process

Admission to secondary schools in Islington is managed by the local council, and the process is the same for all schools.

Parents or guardians of children who are due to start secondary school in the following September can apply for a place online or by completing a paper application form. The application period usually opens in September and closes in October, with offers made the following March.

Islington operates a coordinated admission scheme, which means that parents can apply for up to six schools in order of preference. The council will then allocate places based on the published admission criteria for each school and the number of places available.

The admission criteria vary between schools but typically include factors such as distance from the school, whether the child has siblings already at the school, and any special educational needs or disabilities. Some schools may also require applicants to sit an entrance exam or attend an interview.

It is important to note that being offered a place at a school does not guarantee a child’s admission. Parents must accept the offer within a specified timeframe, and failure to do so may result in the offer being withdrawn.

In addition, parents may be placed on a waiting list for their preferred school if all places have been filled.

Overall, the admission process for secondary schools in Islington is fair and transparent, and the local council provides clear guidance and support to parents throughout the process.

What are the admission requirements for the top secondary schools in Islington London?

The admission requirements for the top secondary schools in Islington, London may vary depending on the school. However, the admission criteria for community schools in Islington are determined by the council’s Executive1. Here are some general admission requirements that may apply to these schools:

• Application: Parents or guardians must apply for a secondary school place for their child through the council’s online application system4.
• Deadline: The deadline for applications is usually in October of the year before the child is due to start secondary school2.
• Catchment area: Community schools usually give priority to children who live in the school’s catchment area1.
• Admissions criteria: Each school has its own admissions criteria, which may include factors such as distance from the school, siblings already attending the school, and academic ability2356.
• Tests or assessments: Some schools may require children to take tests or assessments as part of the admissions process26.

It’s important to check the specific admission requirements for each school you are interested in, as they may vary. You can find more information about the admission criteria for Islington community schools on the Islington Council website1.

What is the deadline for submitting an application for secondary schools in Islington London?

The deadline for submitting an application for secondary schools in Islington is October 31st of the year before the child is due to start secondary school1346. It’s important to note that the council recommends applying by October 20th1. 

Parents or guardians must apply online through the council’s online application system26. It’s important to submit the application by the deadline, as applications received after the closing date may not be considered3.

School Inspection Reports

School inspection reports are a valuable resource for parents and students looking to make informed decisions about secondary schools in Islington, London.

These reports are conducted by the Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills (Ofsted), an independent body that evaluates the quality of education in schools across the UK.

Ofsted inspection reports provide a comprehensive overview of a school’s performance across a range of areas, including teaching quality, student achievement, and leadership and management. Reports are published online and are freely available to the public.

When reading an Ofsted report, it’s important to pay attention to the overall rating given to the school. Schools are rated on a four-point scale: Outstanding, Good, Requires Improvement, and Inadequate. This rating is based on the school’s performance across all areas evaluated during the inspection.

In addition to the overall rating, Ofsted reports provide detailed information about the strengths and weaknesses of a school. This can include information about specific subject areas, the quality of teaching, and the school’s approach to student welfare and safeguarding.

Parents and students can use Ofsted inspection reports to compare different schools and make informed decisions about which school is the best fit for their needs.

It’s important to keep in mind that Ofsted reports are just one factor to consider when choosing a school, and that other factors such as location and extracurricular activities may also be important.

Overall, Ofsted inspection reports provide a valuable resource for parents and students looking to make informed decisions about secondary schools in Islington, London.

By carefully reading and considering these reports, parents and students can gain a better understanding of a school’s strengths and weaknesses and make informed decisions about which school is the best fit for their needs.

Parent and Student Experiences

Parents and students in Islington have generally positive experiences with the secondary schools in the area. According to a survey conducted by the local council, 85% of parents and students rated their overall experience as good or excellent.

One of the key factors contributing to positive experiences is the quality of teaching. Many parents and students reported that teachers are knowledgeable, dedicated, and supportive. Teachers also provide regular feedback on students’ progress, which helps parents and students stay informed and engaged.

Another important factor is the range of extracurricular activities available. Islington secondary schools offer a wide variety of clubs and programs, including sports teams, music ensembles, drama productions, and more.

These activities provide opportunities for students to pursue their interests and develop new skills, which can contribute to their overall academic success and personal growth.

However, some parents and students expressed concerns about class sizes and resources. In particular, some schools have struggled to accommodate the growing demand for places, which has led to larger class sizes and limited resources in some cases.

This can make it difficult for teachers to provide individual attention to students and may impact the quality of education.

Overall, while there are some areas for improvement, most parents and students in Islington have positive experiences with the secondary schools in the area.

Future Developments in Islington Education

Islington Council is committed to providing high-quality education to all students in the borough. In line with this commitment, the council has several future developments planned for Islington’s secondary schools.

Firstly, the council is investing in new school buildings and facilities to improve the learning environment for students. This includes the construction of a new secondary school in the north of the borough, which is set to open in 2025.

The new school will provide much-needed places for local students and will feature state-of-the-art facilities to support learning and development.

In addition to new buildings, the council is also focusing on improving the quality of teaching in Islington’s secondary schools.

This includes the implementation of new training programs for teachers to enhance their skills and knowledge. The council is also working to attract and retain high-quality teachers to the borough by offering competitive salaries and benefits.

Another key development in Islington education is the expansion of vocational education opportunities for students.

The council is working with local businesses and industry leaders to develop vocational courses that will provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the workforce. This includes apprenticeships and work-based learning programs that offer practical experience and real-world skills.

Overall, these future developments demonstrate the council’s commitment to providing high-quality education to all students in Islington.

By investing in new buildings and facilities, improving the quality of teaching, and expanding vocational education opportunities, the council is working to ensure that students in the borough have access to the best possible education and the skills they need to succeed in the future.