Friern Barnet School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school Leaders and governors have successfully addressed the priorities for improvement identified at the previous inspection.

School improvement planning processes are well established and involve leaders at all levels, including governors. The school is friendly and welcoming, and pupils and staff enjoy positive relationships. Teaching is effective across a wide range of subjects.

Teachers plan well for the needs of different groups of pupils. Some teaching, however, does not present pupils with a sufficient degree of challenge, and good practice is not always shared. In a very few subjects, pupils underachieve.

Newly qualified teache...rs and teachers who are new to the school are well supported. Pupils who have special educational needs (SEN) and/or disabilities make better progress than previously. Disadvantaged pupils are catching up with their peers.

A recent review of how well the school meets the needs of these pupils is currently being analysed by leaders and governors. Reading is encouraged, but weaker readers still struggle to decode words, which limits their ability to read independently. Pupils' attitudes to learning are positive and there is little low-level disruptive behaviour.

Pupils are proud of their school and respect the school environment. Pupils feel safe in school and the school's systems and procedures keep them safe. The curriculum helps pupils to achieve good outcomes.

It is supplemented well through a broad choice of clubs and additional activities. The school promotes pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development particularly well. Pupils have a good understanding of modern British society.

Parents, staff and pupils who responded to Ofsted's online questionnaires express positive views about the school and what it aims to achieve for its pupils.

Information about this school

Friern Barnet School is smaller than the average-sized secondary school. The proportion of pupils who are eligible for pupil premium funding is almost double the national average.

The proportion of pupils who speak English as an additional language is well above the national average. The proportion of pupils who have SEN and/or disabilities is below average. The proportion of pupils who have an education, health and care plan is above average.

A small number of pupils attend full-time alternative provision. These provisions include: The Pavilion Study Centre, Westminster Kingsway College and The College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London. A few pupils are also home-tutored.