Southgate School

Southgate School has demonstrated overall good performance in its recent inspection, marking its first evaluation since becoming an academy in 2016. The leadership team, under the newly appointed headteacher, has successfully raised expectations and improved both pupil behaviour and academic achievement. The school culture fosters positive attitudes towards education, supported by a strong commitment from staff to help pupils excel. The school is praised for its supportive environment where pupils feel valued and secure, contributing to a high level of parent and carer satisfaction. However, the inspection also identified areas needing improvement, particularly in the quality of teaching in subjects such as science and geography. Gaps in pupils' understanding of subject content were noted, indicating a need for more consistent assessments and checks on learning. Additionally, careers guidance for younger students was found lacking compared to that provided for older students. Despite these concerns, the school possesses a solid foundation for continued growth and improvement as it navigates its developmental journey.

Strengths

• Pupils have positive attitudes towards education and are eager to attend school.
• The leadership team has effectively raised expectations of pupil behaviour.
• The school provides a supportive environment where pupils feel valued and safe.
• There are many opportunities for pupils to take on leadership roles.
• Pupils achieve well in their GCSEs due to effective planning and teaching.
• Most teachers demonstrate strong subject knowledge and expectations.

Areas for Improvement

• Teaching in science and geography is not as strong as in other subjects.
• Careers advice and guidance in key stage 3 are poorly planned compared to key stage 4.
• Occasionally, teachers do not check for gaps in pupils' understanding effectively.

• Primary Schools
• Secondary Schools

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

Southgate School is part of Middlesex Learning Trust, which runs 3 schools. The nearest others:

• The Compton School London
• Stopsley High School Luton

What is Southgate School's Ofsted rating?

The latest Ofsted rating for Southgate School is Good, from an inspection in May 2025.

When was Southgate School last inspected by Ofsted?

Southgate School was last inspected in May 2025.

How many pupils does Southgate School have?

Southgate School has 1,447 pupils on roll.

What age range does Southgate School cover?

Southgate School for pupils aged 11 to 18.

What are Southgate School's GCSE results?

In 2026 its average Attainment 8 score was 54.4, and 61% of pupils achieved grade 5 or above in both English and maths GCSE.

Where is Southgate School?

Southgate School is at Sussex Way, Cockfosters, Barnet, Hertfordshire, EN4 0BL.