North London Grammar School in Colindale is more than a place of learning— it’s a diverse and inclusive community where students excel academically and feel supported pastorally. This selective, co-educational independent school serves students aged 4 to 18. In September 2025, the school will expand to include Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 classes, becoming a complete all-through school.

Here, senior students achieve outstanding results, ranking in the top 1% for 2024 GCSE performance. Blending high academic achievement with pastoral care at the heart of its mission, ensuring every pupil has a supportive environment that balances high expectations with feeling supported, confident, compassionate individuals.

Success is measured not just by grades, but by the strength of its community and the character of its students.

Happy school pupils line up on a football pitch

In its latest Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) inspection report, released this month. North London Grammar School has been recognised for its commitment to educational excellence, effective leadership, and strong pastoral support.

Following a comprehensive and almost forensic review of the school, every test across the five areas found that North London Grammar School meets all inspection standards –

Leadership, management and governance
Quality of education, training and recreation
Physical and mental health and emotional wellbeing
Social and economic education and contribution to society
Safeguarding

School pupils taking part in a music lesson

Leadership That Inspires

The inspection of North London Grammar School found that leaders clearly communicate the school’s values to students, and that these values are well understood and consistently upheld.

“Leaders and staff work closely together to ensure that policies, especially those related to pupil behaviour, assessment and learning, are consistently and effectively implemented. This helps pupils have a clear understanding of how to behave in school and to work well.”

Academic Progress Shines Through

The report praises the school’s teachers for their effective training and understanding of individual pupil needs. Inspectors noted that staff are well equipped to support pupils in securing knowledge and understanding, and that feedback policies are applied consistently. This results in pupils having a clear sense of how to improve their work and leads to strong academic progress across the school.

Relationships between pupils, and between pupils and staff, are described as being built on mutual respect and understanding. Pupils were seen to take pride in their school and of their achievements, reinforcing the school’s positive culture.

“Pupils are confident and articulate communicators. They want to achieve, show determination and resilience and engage well with their work in lessons. Teachers plan lessons that take account of pupil’s prior attainment and what they know and understand.”

Additionally, the wide-ranging extra-curricular programme helps pupils to develop leadership, communication, and a broader understanding of global cultures and current affairs.

“Pupils are able to develop their interests, skills and knowledge through a range of sports, clubs and activities which take place at a time in the school day that allows all pupils to participate. “

Wellbeing is Prioritised

The inspection recognised the school’s attentiveness to student physical, mental health and emotional wellbeing. It was observed that mutual respect is the norm. Pupils consistently demonstrate consideration for both peers and staff, embodying the schools values. Students take pride in their school community and value the guidance they receive.

“Leaders provide a number of opportunities for pupils to develop their self-knowledge and self- esteem well.

Pupils find helping others a rewarding experience. Pupils from different year groups mix freely and respect and help each other.”

Boarding provision at North London Grammar School also received positive remarks. “Boarders are well supported and cared for by dedicated and well-trained staff who know and understand their needs. “

The Headteacher of North London Grammar School, Mr Fatih Adak comments “ The findings of this ISI report is not simply a validation of our school’s approach – it is a testament to the partnership between our dedicated staff, pupils, and supportive families that makes North London Grammar so special. The inspectors have captured what those in our school community experience daily: a culture where high expectations and mutual respect create the perfect conditions for learning.”

Our full report can be found on ISI website: www.isi.net

If you would like to learn more about North London Grammar, please contact our Admissions Team at [email protected] or visit our website www.northlondongrammar.com

North London Grammar School, 110 Colindeep Lane, Colindale, London NW9 6HB

No news is bad news

Independent news outlets like ours – reporting for the community without rich backers – are under threat of closure, turning British towns into news deserts.

The audiences they serve know less, understand less, and can do less.

If our coverage has helped you understand our community a little bit better, please consider supporting us with a monthly, yearly or one-off donation.

Choose the news. Don’t lose the news.

Monthly direct debit

Annual direct debit

£5 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else, £10 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else and a print copy posted to them each month. £50 annual supporters get a digital copy of each month's paper before anyone else. £84 annual supporters get a print copy by post and a digital copy of each month's before anyone else.