The short version
Above-average GCSE results. At capacity. Rated Outstanding by Ofsted (2015).
- GCSE results are above the national average (Attainment 8: 55.2 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Outstanding by Ofsted in 2015
- This is a boys-only school
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
55.2
11.4 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
69%
27.0pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
59%
A-Level Average
Mean grade across subjects
B-
A-Level Value Added
Progress vs expected
+0.20
Band 2Source: Department for Education Performance Tables 2024-25
Post-GCSE Destinations
These figures track pupils 6 months after leaving. Source: DfE destination measures.
Sustained destination
In education, employment or training
97%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
93%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
2%
Employment
Directly into work
1%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
2%
Based on 164 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 12 days per year on average — nearly a month of school.
18% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
2% of pupils miss half or more of school sessions
Source: DfE School Census
Staffing
On average, 14 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 10 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 112 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Voluntary aided school
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–18
- Intake
- Boys
Numbers
- Pupils
- 1,133
- Capacity
- 100%
- FSM
- 41.8%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Islington
- Head
- Mr Jamie Brownhill (Headteacher)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- Yes
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection
6 official reports linked on this page, including 5 earlier reports.
Previous reports
Full inspection: Outstanding
February 2015 | Full Inspection
Full inspection: Good
November 2010 | Full Inspection
Curriculum and development visit
January 2009 | Curriculum and development visit Curriculum and development visit
Full inspection: Good
September 2006 | Full Inspection
Full inspection
March 2003 | Full Inspection
Location
Cowper Street, City Road, London, EC2A 4SH
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmThe Aldgate School
Primary · 1.4km away
St Paul's Cathedral School
Independent · 1.5km away
David Game College
Independent · 1.5km away
English Martyrs Roman Catholic Primary School
Primary · 1.7km away
Kobi Nazrul Primary School
Primary · 1.8km away
City of London School
Independent · 1.8km away
Harry Gosling Primary School
Primary · 1.9km away
Madani Secondary Girls' School
Independent · 1.9km away
Questions parents ask
Is Central Foundation Boys' School a selective school?
No. Central Foundation Boys' School is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is Central Foundation Boys' School's Ofsted rating?
Central Foundation Boys' School was rated Outstanding at its most recent inspection in March 2025. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend Central Foundation Boys' School?
Central Foundation Boys' School currently has 1,133 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does Central Foundation Boys' School take?
Central Foundation Boys' School caters for pupils aged 11 to 18. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is Central Foundation Boys' School?
Central Foundation Boys' School is in London, EC2A 4SH, in the Islington local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does Central Foundation Boys' School have a sixth form?
Yes, Central Foundation Boys' School has a sixth form, so pupils can continue to A-levels or equivalent qualifications without changing school.
Premium school profiles
Researching a selective school?
We hold deep admissions intelligence on the UK's top selective schools — exam breakdowns, interview formats, and parent strategy briefs.