Central Foundation Boys' School
School summary
Central Foundation Boys' School is one of Islington's larger state secondaries, with around 1,133 pupils and a sixth form that opens its doors to girls as well as boys. Ofsted rates the school Outstanding across the board, from quality of education and behaviour to leadership and sixth-form provision. A pupil-to-teacher ratio of about 14 is favourable for a school of this size, and nearly a quarter of pupils receive SEN support, pointing to a genuinely inclusive intake. Entry at 11+ is available for families seeking a place at a non-selective school with a strong track record.
Where every mark matters.
Places are limited and demand is high, so exam performance is what sets candidates apart. Passmate turns the months ahead into ten focused minutes a day on the exact topics this school tests.
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Latest results
GCSE grade 9-7
36%
National average 23%
A-level A*-A
29%
National average 28%
A-level A*-B
61%
National average 55%
Inspection reports
- Quality of education
- Outstanding
- Behaviour & attitudes
- Outstanding
- Last inspected
- 11 March 2025
Teaching & academics
Results are solid for a comprehensive, with 36% of GCSE entries graded 9-7 and 61% of A-level grades reaching A*-B. The curriculum leans confidently towards the sciences and mathematics, with Further Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Economics among the most popular A-level choices. A broad GCSE menu spanning three languages, the separate sciences, humanities and creative subjects gives pupils plenty of room to find their direction before sixth form.
Languages
GCSE subjects
Head teacher · Mr J Brownhill
Sixth form
- Sixth-form pupils
- 176
- Sixth-form Ofsted
- Outstanding
A-level subjects
Qualifications offered
Beyond the classroom
Football and basketball anchor the school's sporting life. Language learning extends beyond the usual European options to include Chinese, and subjects such as Music, Drama and Design & Technology feature among popular GCSE choices.
Main sports
School life & ethos
- Boarding
- No
- SEN support
- 24.71%
- EHC plans
- 3%
Schools nearby
Capital City College – Sixth Form
London
King's College London Maths School
London
Harris Westminster Sixth Form
London
The Grey Coat Hospital
London
The Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School
London
Twyford Church of England High School
London
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Answer as a child would. Left: what they see. Right: what it learns about them.
A large, inclusive Islington school that earns straight Outstanding ratings from Ofsted, with a science-strong sixth form now open to girls.
That’s where Passmate comes in. Tutoring is the most effective thing in a child’s preparation - a well-tutored child can outperform the vast majority of their peers. Passmate works alongside your tutor, not instead of them: it learns how your child thinks, finds the gaps, and shows the tutor exactly where to spend each session - so the limited time you have lands on what actually decides a place.
Works alongside your child’s tutor - not instead of them.
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Central Foundation Boys' School 11+: frequently asked questions
Compiled from public data. Last checked 5 June 2026.