Barnet's best-known schools are a mix of selective grammars and strong comprehensives: Queen Elizabeth's Boys, The Henrietta Barnett School, St Michael's Catholic Grammar, The Compton School and Christ's College Finchley. The grammars admit by 11+ examination and are among the most competitive in the country; the comprehensives admit by distance and oversubscription criteria. Which list applies to you depends on your address and whether your child sits the test.

For context: 83.6% of families in England were offered their first-preference secondary school for September 2026 entry. — DfE, School applications and offers, 2026

Choosing the right school for your child is a crucial decision that impacts their future. In Barnet, parents have a variety of options, ranging from state to private institutions, catering to different age groups and educational preferences. This guide aims to simplify your decision-making process by highlighting the top 10 schools in Barnet.

What Are Schools in Barnet?

What are state schools?

Barnet offers numerous state schools that are known for their academic excellence and strong extracurricular programs. These schools provide quality education and are often highly selective.

What are independent schools?

For those considering private education, Barnet hosts several prestigious independent schools. These institutions often feature specialized programs and foster a nurturing environment focused on individual student growth.

What are top 10 schools in Barnet?

What does Queen Elizabeth's School (Boys) offer?

- Location: Barnet

- Age Range: 11-18

- Highlights:

- Consistent top-ranking performance

- Robust extracurricular activities

What does Henrietta Barnett School (Girls) offer?

- Location: Hampstead Garden Suburb, Barnet

- Age Range: 11-18

- Highlights:

- Excellent academic results

- Strong focus on community service

What does St. Michael's Catholic Grammar School (Girls) offer?

- Location: North Finchley, Barnet

- Age Range: 11-18

- Highlights:

- High academic standards

- Emphasis on modern languages

What does The Compton School (Mixed) offer?

- Location: North Finchley, Barnet

- Age Range: 11-18

- Highlights:

- Comprehensive academic curriculum

- Diverse extracurricular options

What does Christ's College Finchley (Boys) offer?

- Location: East Finchley, Barnet

- Age Range: 11-18

- Highlights:

- Strong academic framework

- Focus on sports and music

What does The Archer Academy (Mixed) offer?

- Location: East Finchley, Barnet

- Age Range: 11-18

- Highlights:

- Encourages creativity and critical thinking

- Balanced academic and creative education

What does North London Collegiate School (Girls) offer?

- Location: Edgware, Barnet

- Age Range: 4-18

- Highlights:

- Top-ranking independent school

- Leadership development programs

What does Haberdashers' Aske's Boys' School (Boys) offer?

- Location: Elstree, Barnet

- Age Range: 5-18

- Highlights:

- Academic excellence

- Extensive extracurricular activities

What does South Hampstead High School (Girls) offer?

- Location: Hampstead, Barnet

- Age Range: 4-18

- Highlights:

- Focus on confidence and leadership

- Strong academic achievements

What does Mill Hill School (Mixed) offer?

- Location: Mill Hill, Barnet

- Age Range: 13-18

- Highlights:

- Academic and personal development

- Broad range of extracurricular activities

What should you do next?

When choosing a school in Barnet, it is essential to consider your child's specific needs and interests. The schools listed above represent the top institutions in the area, each with a strong focus on both academic and personal development. By selecting any of these schools, you can ensure a comprehensive education that fosters growth and prepares your child for future challenges.

What else is worth reading?

What can this guide not tell you about a particular school?

There is no national 11+ exam. Each school or local authority sets its own test, dates and admissions criteria, and republishes them every year, so the detail here can go out of date within a cycle. Confirm against the school’s own admissions policy and gov.uk school admissions before you rely on any date.

The national picture, measured at the end of primary school:

“In 2025, 62% of pupils met the expected standard in all of reading, writing and maths, up from 61% in 2024.” — DfE, Key stage 2 attainment

What research supports these methods?

The study techniques on this page are not our opinion. Each comes from published cognitive-science research, linked here so you can read the original: