Best 3 Secondary schools in Islington – comparison

Q: How are these comparisons built?

We align public datasets side-by-side. Headline Ofsted judgement and publication date are shown when available. Exact pupil counts and precise FSM% are available to Pro users; free users see rounded values.

Q: What if a school has a recent ungraded visit?

Ungraded Section 8 visits do not replace the last graded judgement. We continue to show the latest graded judgement until a new graded inspection is published.

Q: Why can’t I see exact numbers?

To keep the service sustainable, exact pupil counts and precise FSM% are Pro features. Everyone can still compare approximate values.

Q: How should I choose a school?

Start with the most recent graded Ofsted judgement, then consider distance and travel, roll versus capacity, and the admissions policy. Visit the school, ask about pastoral support and enrichment, and ensure it fits your child’s needs.

Q: What should I look for when comparing schools?

Compare headline Ofsted and publication dates for recency; check FSM% and local context; review capacity utilisation (under, near, or over capacity); and look at trust or local authority governance. Read the official Ofsted report for curriculum and safeguarding details.

Comparison of secondary schools: City of London Academy Islington (Secondary) in London; Highbury Fields School (Secondary) in London; Central Foundation Boys' School (Secondary) in London — covering Ofsted outcomes, size, FSM%, governance, capacity & more.

At a glance

This page compares City of London Academy Islington, Highbury Fields School and Central Foundation Boys' School. They are secondary phase and academy sponsor led, community school and voluntary aided school type located around London. The strongest headline Ofsted judgement here is 1 (City of London Academy Islington), published Apr 2019. The most recent inspection on record is for City of London Academy Islington (Apr 2019). average roll around ≈ 900, combined total ≈ 2,750, typical FSM 50–55%, range 40–45%–60–65%; all within the City of London Academies Trust trust.

🔒 Export (Pro)

Attribute	City of London Academy Islington N1 8PQ	Highbury Fields School N5 1AR	Central Foundation Boys' School EC2A 4SH
Phase / Type	Secondary • Academy sponsor led	Secondary • Community school	Secondary • Voluntary aided school
Location	London N1 8PQ	London N5 1AR	London EC2A 4SH
Latest Ofsted	1 4 Apr 2019	1 10 Nov 2016	1 2 Mar 2015
Ofsted report	—	—	—
Pupils (roll)	≈ 900 🔒 Unlock exact pupils	≈ 750 🔒 Unlock exact pupils	≈ 1,150 🔒 Unlock exact pupils
FSM %	60–65% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %	50–55% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %	40–45% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %
Capacity	805	1050	1050
Capacity utilisation	Over capacity 🔒 View exact %	Under capacity 🔒 View exact %	Over capacity 🔒 View exact %
Age range	—	—	—
Gender	Mixed	Girls	Boys
Admissions policy	Non-selective	Non-selective	Non-selective
Trust / Local authority	City of London Academies Trust	Islington (206)	Islington (206)
Website	www.colai.org.uk	www.highburyfields.islington.sch.uk	www.centralfoundationboys.co.uk
Telephone	02072268611	02072881888	02072533741
SEN provision	None reported	None reported	None reported
Profile	View profile	View profile	View profile

City of London Academy Islington

N1 8PQ

Phase / Type: Secondary • Academy sponsor led
Location: London
N1 8PQ
Ofsted: 1 4 Apr 2019
Pupils: ≈ 900 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 60–65% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: City of London Academies Trust
Website: www.colai.org.uk
Telephone: 02072268611

Highbury Fields School

N5 1AR

Phase / Type: Secondary • Community school
Location: London
N5 1AR
Ofsted: 1 10 Nov 2016
Pupils: ≈ 750 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 50–55% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: Islington (206)
Website: www.highburyfields.islington.sch.uk
Telephone: 02072881888

Central Foundation Boys' School

EC2A 4SH

Phase / Type: Secondary • Voluntary aided school
Location: London
EC2A 4SH
Ofsted: 1 2 Mar 2015
Pupils: ≈ 1,150 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 40–45% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: Islington (206)
Website: www.centralfoundationboys.co.uk
Telephone: 02072533741

Map of compared schools

How are these comparisons built?

We line up public school data side-by-side. Ofsted “headline” judgement is shown with the publication date when available. Exact pupil counts and precise FSM% are available to Pro users; everyone sees rounded values.

What if a school has a recent ungraded visit?

Ungraded visits (Section 8) check whether the previous graded judgement still stands, but do not replace it. We keep the latest graded judgement as the headline until a new graded inspection is published.

Why can’t I see exact numbers?

To keep the service sustainable, we show approximate pupils and bucketed FSM% to free users. Upgrade to AllSchools Pro to unlock precise figures and exports.

How should I choose a school?

Start with the most recent graded Ofsted judgement, then check whether it aligns with your child’s needs. Look at distance and travel, typical class sizes (roll vs capacity), and the school’s admissions policy. Speak to the school, arrange a visit, and ask about pastoral support and enrichment.

What should I look for when comparing schools?

Compare headline Ofsted and publication dates for recency; check FSM% and local context; scan capacity utilisation (under, near, or over capacity); and review trust/local authority for governance. If available, read the official Ofsted report for curriculum and safeguarding detail.