St Michael’s Catholic Grammar School – Ofsted Outstanding and How to Apply

St Michael’s Catholic Grammar School sits in North Finchley, London, as a selective girls’ school with a distinctive Catholic identity. Each year, it admits 128 pupils to Year 7 through a competitive 11+ process that relies on GL Assessment tests in English, maths, verbal reasoning, and non-verbal reasoning. For families considering a faith-based grammar education in Barnet, understanding how the school selects its students and what it offers is essential.

The school describes itself as a place where academic ability and Catholic values meet. Admission to the entrance tests is by invitation only, and the school makes clear that it prioritises baptised Catholic girls from practising families. Beyond Year 7, the school also runs a co-educational Sixth Form, though the main school remains girls-only from Year 7 to Year 11.

Parents looking at St Michael’s often need clear information on Ofsted outcomes, exam requirements, open day dates, and how the application timeline works. The sections below draw on the school’s own admissions pages, third-party guides, and publicly available records to provide a detailed overview.

What is the Ofsted rating and overall performance of St Michael’s Catholic Grammar School?

St Michael’s Catholic Grammar School was rated Outstanding in all areas by Ofsted following its most recent inspection. The inspection took place in November 2022, and the report highlighted that pupils feel safe, happy, and proud of their school. Leaders were noted for holding high expectations for every pupil.

The school’s strong academic reputation is supported by its selective intake and its emphasis on Catholic formation. Third-party guides regularly describe it as a high-performing school within the London Borough of Barnet, and its pupils typically progress to well-regarded universities.

Key Insights

• St Michael’s Catholic Grammar School has been rated Outstanding in all areas by Ofsted following its November 2022 inspection.
• The school is a selective girls’ grammar with a co-educational Sixth Form that accepts boys from Year 12.
• Admission to Year 7 is based on 11+ exam results and Catholic commitment criteria set out in the school’s admissions policy.
• The school regularly achieves strong academic outcomes and high rates of pupil progression to universities.
• Year 7 intake is limited to 128 places, making competition significant for each cohort.
• There is no catchment area for admission, according to third-party sources such as Atom Learning.

Quick Facts

How to apply to St Michael’s Catholic Grammar School: entry requirements, exam papers, and open day

Applying to St Michael’s involves several clear steps, but the process is shaped by the school’s Catholic character and its selective entrance test. The school’s admissions pages state that applications to sit the test should be made during the summer term of Year 5 for entry the following year.

For September 2027 entry, the school has published specific dates: applications open on Tuesday 14 April 2026, the deadline for all forms is 4 pm on Tuesday 7 July 2026, and the entrance tests will be held on Friday 11 September 2026. Results are issued before the local-authority secondary application deadline, and parents use the normal secondary school application process after the test results are known. The school’s admissions policy provides the definitive rules for entry.

Entrance exam format

The entrance test for Year 7 entry consists of four separate papers taken on the same day: Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning, Maths, and English. The school uses GL Assessment as the test provider, a common choice among grammar schools in the region. The tests are held in person at the school on the specified test date.

Catholic priority and admissions criteria

The school’s admissions policy gives priority to girls who are baptised Catholics and from practising Catholic families. The school’s admissions policy PDF for 2026-27 confirms that it admits only girls whose ability suits the curriculum and whose parents want a Catholic education. This means that Catholic commitment is a significant factor in how places are allocated after the test results.

Open day and visiting the school

For the 2026 admissions cycle, the school’s Year 7 Open Day is scheduled for Wednesday 24 June 2026, from 5 pm to 7 pm. No booking is required. For the 2025 cycle, a similar open day was held on Wednesday 25 June 2025. The school also holds a Sixth Form Open Evening, which for 2026 is planned for November 2026. Dates for future cycles are confirmed on the school’s admissions page.

Sixth Form entry

The Sixth Form at St Michael’s is co-educational, meaning boys are accepted from Year 12. This information comes from third-party guides, as the school’s own admissions pages focus primarily on Year 7 entry. The school’s website has a dedicated Sixth Form section with information under “Applying,” and the next Sixth Form Open Evening is scheduled for November 2026. Entry requirements for Sixth Form courses are published on that section of the site.

What are the key dates: term dates and Sixth Form information for St Michael’s Catholic Grammar School?

Term dates for St Michael’s Catholic Grammar School are not published far in advance on the publicly available pages found in this research. The school’s admissions pages focus on application windows and open days rather than the full academic calendar. Parents are advised to check the school website directly for the most current term dates.

Sixth Form details

The Sixth Form at St Michael’s operates as a co-educational environment, accepting male students from Year 12 while the main school remains girls-only from Year 7 to Year 11. This arrangement is noted by third-party guides, though it does not appear explicitly on the school’s own admissions pages in the search results. The school’s Sixth Form section on its website provides information on subject choices, entry requirements, and the application process.

Photos and visual information

Photographs of the school are available through the school’s own website and third-party sources such as KSOL and Pass Eleven Plus. These typically show the school buildings, grounds, and student life. For a more immersive view, the school’s website may offer a virtual tour or image gallery.

Key dates timeline for St Michael’s Catholic Grammar School

The following timeline is based on the school’s published admissions schedule for September 2027 entry and typical patterns for previous cycles. Exact dates should be confirmed on the school website.

1. September 2025 – Applications open for Year 7 entry (11+) for September 2026.
2. October 2025 (likely) – Open Evening for prospective parents.
3. November 2025 (tbc) – 11+ Entrance Exam (verbal/non-verbal reasoning, English, Maths).
4. March 2026 – National Offer Day for secondary school places.
5. September 2026 – Start of academic year for Year 7.
6. Ongoing – Sixth Form applications typically open in autumn for Year 12 entry.

For September 2027 entry specifically, the school has confirmed that applications open on Tuesday 14 April 2026, the deadline is 4 pm on Tuesday 7 July 2026, and the entrance tests are on Friday 11 September 2026. Always verify these dates with the school before acting.

What information about St Michael’s is certain, and what remains unclear?

When researching St Michael’s Catholic Grammar School, some details are well established while others are less certain. The table below separates what is known from what requires further verification.

What is the broader context and position of St Michael’s Catholic Grammar School?

St Michael’s Catholic Grammar School is a highly regarded selective school within the London Borough of Barnet. Its Outstanding Ofsted status, strong academic record, and Catholic ethos make it a popular choice among families seeking a faith-based grammar education. The school operates in a competitive environment where many families apply for a limited number of Year 7 places.

Competition for places is high, and clarity around admissions processes is critical for parents. The school’s Sixth Form is co-educational, offering a broad curriculum. The main gap in online information concerns precise exam preparation materials and up-to-date term dates, which are not always published far in advance on the school website. For parents navigating this competitive landscape, understanding the nuances of the admissions process is crucial, and further details can be found at Hermann Göring IQ mistakes.

Sources and quotes on St Michael’s Catholic Grammar School

The following quotations come from the Ofsted report, the school’s own website, and Wikipedia. They reflect different perspectives on the school’s character and performance.

“Pupils feel safe and happy. They are proud of their school. Leaders have high expectations for all pupils.”

– Ofsted Report 2022

“St Michael’s is a place of spiritual formation – we recognise that Jesus has taught us that we should love one another as he loved us.”

– School Website

“St Michael’s Catholic Grammar School is a voluntary aided Roman Catholic Grammar School for girls, and boys in the sixth form.”

– Wikipedia

Summary: what families should know about St Michael’s Catholic Grammar School

St Michael’s Catholic Grammar School offers a selective, faith-based education in North Finchley with a strong Ofsted record and a clear Catholic ethos. The admissions process is structured around the 11+ exam and Catholic priority criteria, with a limited intake of 128 places for Year 7. For parents considering this school, the most important next steps are to check the official school website for the latest open day and exam registration dates, and to contact the admissions office directly with specific questions. The school’s admissions policy provides the definitive rules for entry, while the 11 Plus entrance exams guide from Atom Learning offers additional context on test preparation.

Frequently asked questions about St Michael’s Catholic Grammar School