The short version
Above-average GCSE results. Nearly full. Rated Good by Ofsted (2017).
- GCSE results are above the national average (Attainment 8: 51.4 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Good by Ofsted in 2017
- This is a Roman Catholic school, so faith criteria may apply to admissions
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
51.4
7.6 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
56%
14.0pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
52%
A-Level Average
Mean grade across subjects
C+
A-Level Value Added
Progress vs expected
-0.05
Band 3Source: 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
96%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
91%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
3%
Employment
Directly into work
2%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
1%
Based on 206 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 13 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, 20 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 13 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 94 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Voluntary aided school
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–18
- Intake
- Mixed
- Character
- Roman Catholic
Numbers
- Pupils
- 1,254
- Capacity
- 90%
- FSM
- 30%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Barnet
- Head
- Mr Anthony Ellul (Headteacher)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- Yes
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection
9 official reports linked on this page, including 8 earlier reports.
Previous reports
Monitoring visit
October 2020 | Monitoring Visit
Full inspection: Good
March 2017 | Full Inspection
Full inspection: Good
February 2013 | Full Inspection
Curriculum and development visit
May 2011 | Curriculum and development visit Curriculum and development visit
Full inspection: Satisfactory
January 2010 | Full Inspection
Curriculum and development visit
November 2008 | Curriculum and development visit Curriculum and development visit
Full inspection: Good
May 2007 | Full Inspection
Full inspection
October 2001 | Full Inspection
Location
Great Strand, Colindale, London, NW9 5PE
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmNorth London Grammar School
Independent · 1.2km away
Sunnyfields Primary School
Primary · 1.3km away
Colindale Primary School
Primary · 1.4km away
St Mary's and St John's CofE School
All-through · Grammar · 1.5km away
Beis Yaakov Primary School
Primary · 1.5km away
St Joseph's Catholic Primary School
Primary · 1.6km away
Kisharon College
Miscellaneous · 1.7km away
Kisharon School
Free school · 1.8km away
Questions parents ask
Is St James' Catholic High School a selective school?
No. St James' Catholic High School is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is St James' Catholic High School's Ofsted rating?
St James' Catholic High School was rated Good at its most recent inspection in May 2022. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend St James' Catholic High School?
St James' Catholic High School currently has 1,254 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does St James' Catholic High School take?
St James' Catholic High School caters for pupils aged 11 to 18. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is St James' Catholic High School?
St James' Catholic High School is in London, NW9 5PE, in the Barnet local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does St James' Catholic High School have a sixth form?
Yes, St James' Catholic High School has a sixth form, so pupils can continue to A-levels or equivalent qualifications without changing school.
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