Highlands School

Highlands School is a highly effective, inclusive secondary school where pupils and sixth-form students achieve strongly. Inspectors found outstanding provision across all judged areas: quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and sixth-form provision. The school had previously been judged outstanding and was exempt from routine inspection until 2020; it received an urgent section 8 inspection in 2021. Since September 2024, schools inspected under section 5 are no longer given an overall effectiveness grade. Pupils are exceptionally positive about the school and thrive in its diverse community, embodying the school’s DARE values. The curriculum is ambitious and consistently delivered, including for pupils with SEND, and pupils achieve highly, including in national examinations. Behaviour is exemplary, safeguarding is effective, and pupils are well prepared for life in modern Britain through a strong personal development and careers programme. The sixth form is also outstanding, with students benefiting from a broad curriculum, enrichment and strong progression support. Leadership is highly effective and outward-facing, governance is strong, and staff feel well supported with manageable workloads. Parents are overwhelmingly positive about the education and support their children receive. The report identifies no areas for improvement.

Strengths

• Pupils are exceptionally proud of their school and thrive in a diverse, inclusive community.
• The school’s DARE values of determination, aspiration, respect and equality are clearly realised.
• Pupils, including those with SEND, achieve highly, including in national examinations.
• The curriculum is ambitious, well designed and consistently delivered across subjects and the sixth form.
• Teachers have strong subject knowledge and use assessment effectively to address misconceptions.
• Pupils with SEND and those who struggle with reading are swiftly identified and well supported.
• Behaviour is exemplary, with high expectations consistently applied and additional support available.
• Bullying and ‘banter’ are not tolerated and incidents are swiftly addressed.
• Pupils and sixth-form students are well prepared for life in modern Britain.
• Careers advice and guidance are comprehensive, including individual interviews for all sixth-form students.
• Leaders are highly effective, analytical and outward-facing, working closely with external professionals.
• Governance is strong and leaders engage well with staff, parents and the wider community.
• Staff feel leaders are considerate of their workload and well-being and value development opportunities.
• Parents are overwhelmingly happy with the education and support their children receive.
• Safeguarding arrangements are effective.
• The sixth form provides strong academic and enrichment opportunities, including visits and work experience.

• Primary Schools
• Secondary Schools

• St Anne's Catholic High School for Girls
• St Ignatius College
• Waverley School
• West Lea School

What is Highlands School's Ofsted rating?

The latest Ofsted rating for Highlands School is Outstanding, from an inspection in December 2024.

When was Highlands School last inspected by Ofsted?

Highlands School was last inspected in December 2024.

How many pupils does Highlands School have?

Highlands School has 1,694 pupils on roll.

What age range does Highlands School cover?

Highlands School for pupils aged 11 to 18.

What are Highlands School's GCSE results?

In 2026 its average Attainment 8 score was 54.9, and 64% of pupils achieved grade 5 or above in both English and maths GCSE.

Where is Highlands School?

Highlands School is at 148 Worlds End Lane, London, N21 1QQ.