Highbury Fields School

  • Secondary
  • Local authority maintained
  • Ages 11 to 18
Ofsted: Outstanding

Highbury Hill, London, N5 1AROpen in maps (opens in a new tab)

Highbury Fields School is a secondary school in Islington for ages 11 to 18. It is one of the 69 schools in Islington. It ranks 3rd of 8 secondary schools in Islington. Its latest Ofsted rating is Outstanding, from an inspection in October 2016.

Ofsted inspection

Inspected 4 October 2016, report published 10 November 2016

Overall effectiveness
Outstanding
Leadership and management
Outstanding
Sixth form provision
Outstanding
Safeguarding
Met

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 27 September 2022

Leaders and staff have extremely high expectations for all aspects of school life. One parent or carer reflected the views of many, saying, 'the school focuses on the holistic child'. For example, pupils take part in termly activities such as enterprise days, team building days and 'women in tech' workshops. These events build pupils' ambition and confidence. Pupils take part in a wide range of visits. Leaders connect these to the curriculum so that pupils extend their learning. For example, after reading a novel by Charles Dickens, pupils visited Dickens' house. Leaders ensure that pupils can take part in activities that are often new to them. These include archery, climbing and sailing. Pupils are proud of their school. They enjoy school and feel safe. They are well cared for. Pupils act respectfully towards staff and other pupils. Bullying is rare and when it does occur leaders take action. Throughout the school pupils are keen to volunteer to support the school and others. Older pupils act as peer mentors and younger pupils help with school events. Pupils learn about and celebrate their own and others' cultures and faiths.

Exam results

GCSE results (key stage 4), 2024/25

134 pupils in the year group

Attainment 8 score57.4

57.4, 11.3 above the England average of 46.1.

Grade 5 or above in English and maths61.9%

61.9%, 16.5 percentage points above the England average of 45.4%.

Grade 4 or above in English and maths80.6%

80.6%, 15.8 percentage points above the England average of 64.8%.

Pupils entering the EBacc48.5%

48.5%, 8 percentage points above the England average of 40.5%.

EBacc average point score5.26

5.26, 1.17 above the England average of 4.09.

A level results (key stage 5), 2024/25

19 students

Average point score per A level entry40.00

40.00, 5 above the England average of 35.00.

Average A level grade B, England average B-

Pupil numbers and mix

733 pupils on roll, with places for 1,050

Eligible for free school meals50.8%

50.8%, 24.3 percentage points above the England average of 26.5%.

English as an additional language47.9%

47.9%, 26.3 percentage points above the England average of 21.6%.

Special educational needs support17.9%

17.9%, 3.1 percentage points above the England average of 14.8%.

Education, health and care plan2%

2%, 4 percentage points below the England average of 6%.

Schools near Highbury Fields School

SchoolDistanceOfstedResults
The London Screen Academy0.2 milesNo Ofsted inspectionNot published
City of London Academy Highbury Grove0.3 milesOfsted: GoodAttainment 8: 45.4
St Mary Magdalene Academy0.5 milesOfsted: OutstandingAttainment 8: 59.3
North Bridge House Senior Canonbury School0.6 milesNo Ofsted inspectionAttainment 8: 67.5
St Paul's Waldorf School0.7 milesNo Ofsted inspectionNot published

School details

School type
Community school
Sector
Local authority maintained
Age range
11 to 18
Gender
Girls
Sixth form
Yes
Headteacher
Mr Tim Fox
Address
Highbury Hill, London, N5 1AR
Local authority
Islington
URN
100455

School details from Get Information about Schools, 17 September 2026. Ofsted outcomes published to 31 August 2026. Exam results for 2024/25 from the Department for Education. Pupil mix from the school census, 2025/26.