- Before joining the United Learning group and converting to an academy in 2016, Totteridge had the lowest progress scores in Barnet, north London. It is now among the nation’s top-performing schools.
- It runs a farm, set on six acres of school grounds, in conjunction with the charity Grow. Pupils can plant and harvest fruit and vegetables and take tasting tours during food technology studies. The grounds are also ideal for photography and creative writing sessions. Produce is sold at a weekly farm stand and used in the school kitchen.
- Wellbeing is a priority here, and the school works with the mental health charity Place2Be. On-site counselors and drop-in services are complemented by equine therapy sessions and wellbeing groups based on the farm, as well as time spent with the school dog, Peggy.
- There is a current affairs club, young philosopher’s group and many sporting options, as well as a breakfast club and daily homework club.
- Sixth-form students receive lots of support for their next steps: there is a dedicated Oxbridge group as well as a UCL open day, and students are offered help with their applications to summer schools and leading universities, plus one-to-one support with writing a personal statement.
Sign up to The Times and The Sunday Times weekly parenting newsletter