The Totteridge Academy Graded 'Exceptional' by Ofsted Across Multiple Categories
One of the first secondary schools in the country to be inspected under the new Ofsted framework.
Inspectors find that pupils 'thrive' and are 'determined to do their very best'.
The Totteridge Academy in Barnet, North London has received the strongest Ofsted report in the school’s history, with inspectors grading the academy as ‘exceptional’ across five categories and ‘strong’ in two further categories.
The inspection took place in November 2025 making The Totteridge Academy one of the first to be inspected under the new Ofsted inspection framework. Rather than awarding one overall judgement, Ofsted now grades schools against seven assessment criteria, with the evaluation scale ranging from ‘urgent improvement’ to ‘exceptional’. Ofsted has previously stated that it will “only give the exceptional grade when it sees practice that is among the very best nationally, which should be shared with other schools or providers to help them improve”.
Following their visit to The Totteridge Academy, inspectors were full of praise for the quality of teaching students receive, noting that teachers are “experts in their subjects and highly skilled at adapting their approaches to overcome pupils' barriers to learning”. This leads to “extremely positive academic outcomes” for all students, including those with SEND.
Likewise, the report found that students “quite simply ‘love learning’ and are determined to do their very best” and that they “have a mature approach to their studies”. Highlighting the school’s positive and nurturing culture, the inspectors noted that students “thrive in this inclusive atmosphere” whilst “the consistent belief in all pupils, from staff at all levels, transforms their self-belief” with pupils demonstrating “quiet confidence which prepares them exceptionally well for wider life”.
Alongside the academic curriculum, the inspectors were keen to commend the school for its “well-structured and remarkable personal development offer”. Clubs from sports to cross-stitch and drama enable students to develop their talents and interests, with the inspectors further commenting that “the experiences that pupils have in growing their own food, equine therapy and learning the curriculum through a different lens are truly unique.”
Chris Fairbairn, Principal at The Totteridge Academy, said:
“In 2016, we were clear in our mission to ‘put every student on the moon’ and set the highest expectations for students and staff to meet this ambition. Our exam results are now in the top 0.5% nationally and we are so proud that this hard work has been recognised by Ofsted. I thank and commend all students, staff and the wider Barnet community for their role in delivering this superb result and creating a special learning environment that is inspiring, committed and inclusive.”
Ben Antell, Director of Secondary Academies at United Learning, said:
“This is a formidable Ofsted result which proves the school is exceeding the standards expected of it by some measure. It’s a truly fantastic report which the entire school community should take pride in.”
The full Ofsted report can be viewed here.
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