MixedIndependent

The King Alfred School

London, Barnet, Greater London · NW11 7HY

Founded in 1898 and now educating around 720 pupils from age four through to eighteen, The King Alfred School in Barnet has long been associated with a distinctive, progressive approach to learning. The Independent Schools Inspectorate awarded it an "excellent" rating in both education and personal development, and confirmed that compliance standards were met. With a sixth form of 123 and a relatively high proportion of pupils on SEN support (around 11 per cent), it is a school that places real weight on the individual child rather than league-table conformity. Families drawn to its ethos should note that its headline GCSE attainment figures sit well below national averages, which the school's reputation for personal growth needs to be weighed against.

720

Pupils

excellent

ISI

£28,857

Day fees / yr

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Overview & data

Gender
Mixed
Type
independent (fee-paying) school
Age range
4-18
Pupils
720
Location
London, Barnet, Greater London
Telephone
020 84575200

Entrance & admissions

Entry age
11

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Headteacher

Head Robert Lobatto

Latest results

Attainment 8

28

National average 46.9

GCSE grade 5+ (English & Maths)

15%

National average 47%

GCSE grade 9-7

48%

A-level A*-A

48%

A-level A*-B

77%

Teaching & academics

The school's measured results tell a particular story: an Attainment 8 score of 28 against a national average of 46.9, and 15 per cent of pupils reaching grade 5 or above in English and Maths compared with 47 per cent nationally. That said, 48 per cent of GCSE grades fall in the 9-7 band, and at A-level 48 per cent reach A*-A with 77 per cent at A*-B, suggesting stronger outcomes at the top end and in the sixth form. Popular subjects span the humanities and social sciences alongside Maths, with History, English Literature and Art recurring at both GCSE and A-level. An EPQ option is offered alongside the standard GCSE and A-level programme.

Sixth form

Sixth-form pupils
123

Popular A-level subjects

HistoryMathematicsEnglish LiteraturePsychologySociologyEconomicsArt and DesignGeographyGovernment and PoliticsSpanish

Qualifications offered

GCSEA-levelEPQ

Learning support & SEN

SEN support
10.92%
EHC plans
0.99%

Arts & extracurricular

Languages

Spanish

Popular GCSE subjects

MathematicsHistoryGeographyEnglish LiteratureArt & Design

Beyond the classroom

Art and Design features prominently at both GCSE and A-level, pointing to a school where creative subjects hold genuine standing alongside the academic core. The breadth of A-level choices, from Psychology and Sociology to Economics, Government and Politics and Spanish, reflects a curriculum designed to follow pupils' interests.

Ethos & heritage

Founded
1898
Boarding
No

Mobile phone policy

No phones in lower school (reception to year 6). In years 7-9, phones are collected at the beginning of the day and returned at home time. In years 10 and 11, phones are deposited in monitored phone lockers to support the development of self-management. Sixth formers are also allocated phone lockers.

Money matters

Day fees (per year)
£23,475 - £28,857

Some bursary support available, primarily at year 7 and sixth form entry

Inspection reports

ISI rating
excellent
ISI personal development
excellent
Last inspected
1 April 2025
Read the full inspection report ↗

The last word

A progressive, child-centred independent for families who value personal development and creativity over conventional academic metrics. Parents will want to look closely at the GCSE attainment data and decide whether its ethos is the right fit.

The Passmate verdict

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The King Alfred School 11+: frequently asked questions

Where is The King Alfred School located?

The King Alfred School is located at 149 North End Road, London, NW11 7HY.

What type of school is The King Alfred School?

The King Alfred School is an independent (fee-paying) school in Greater London.

How many pupils attend The King Alfred School?

The King Alfred School has approximately 720 pupils on roll.

What is The King Alfred School's inspection rating?

The King Alfred School is inspected by the ISI and was judged "excellent" at its inspection on 1 April 2025.

Compiled from public data. Last checked June 2026.