

St Michael's Catholic Grammar School
Nether Street, North Finchley, London, N12 7NJ
02084462256
admissions@st-michaels.barnet.sch.uk
Welcome Message
Thank you for visiting and may I extend a warm welcome to you. At St Michael’s Sixth Form, we are truly committed to educating young people to fulfil their God-given potential and ambition in life. Driven by Christ’s instruction to “Love one another, as I have loved you”, we seek to develop a community in which academic excellence is pursued alongside service to others and love for our neighbour. We are immensely proud of our students: of their hard work, of their grades and achievements, of the fantastic university places they secure, and, importantly, of how they give back to our community. We are very pleased to have recently enjoyed a record-breaking year in terms of students going to read Medicine as well as 13 students starting their studies at Oxford or Cambridge this September. We are also very proud that our sixth form has recently been judged as 'Outstanding' by Ofsted.
In the 2025 Daily Telegraph Best School Guide St Michael's was named as the second best state school in the country, and the best in London. We are proud that this ranking reflects the outstanding dedication of our staff, the great support that our parents give the school, and, most importantly, the hard work of our students.
Whilst it is always good to hear from the Headteacher of a school, I think the statement below from our Head Girl gives you a special insight into what it is like to study at St Michael's.
WELCOME FROM THE STUDENT HEAD TEAM
St Michael’s is more than just a school; for me it has been a place of growth, discovery and unwavering support. From the moment I began my sixth form journey, I became part of a community that values kindness, ambition and excellence. The relationships I have built with my peers and teachers, along with the opportunities I have been given, have shaped me into the individual I am today. This sixth form is a testament to excellence, where academic ambition meets a thriving social environment, producing remarkable results and
opening the doors to our futures. Transitioning into any sixth form can be an exciting yet daunting step, but at St Michael’s you will be met with an environment that eases any worries. From the friends you make to those you collaborate with, you will be reminded that success is not merely based on our own efforts as the proverb says, “If you want to go fast, go alone, if you want to go far go together”. Here everyone strives to be their best, but not at the expense of supporting and uplifting one another. No matter your background or aspirations, you will find your place at St Michael's, surrounded by those who will become your biggest supporters. That being said, our St Michael's community extends far beyond just our students, one of our greatest strengths is the support from our teachers. They go far beyond simply delivering lessons, they are our guides on our journeys to reaching our full potential. With the smaller class sizes and an engaging learning environment, at St Michael's you will always be heard and valued. Regardless of your subject or your struggle there will always be someone willing to help you to navigate the challenge of A Levels, whether it's your form tutor, subject teachers or the student support team. Since becoming Head Girl, I have had the honour of working alongside the Sixth Form Head Team and witnessing firsthand the care and dedication St Michael's invests into our community. However, sixth form is about far more than academics, from societies and competitions to charity events and school performances. Being involved in the wider school community is not only enjoyable but allows you to connect with like-minded individuals, whilst also developing a range of skills which will extend beyond the two years you spend here. St Michael's is not just a place where we learn; it is a place where we grow, constantly challenging ourselves and finding those who support us through every success. The friendships you form and the lessons you learn will stay with you long after you leave this school. Whether you are continuing your journey from the lower school or anew, you will find more than just an education here but a family; a community that extends beyond the 4 walls of a classroom. You will leave St Michael’s with not only outstanding achievements, but with the confidence and connections to face whatever comes next.
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A detailed admissions process on ApplicaaOne is coming soon.
Please see our website for more information on our admissions process.
Admissions Process
Quick Apply| Nov 2025 | Dec 2025 | Jan 2026 | Feb 2026 | Mar 2026 | Apr 2026 | May 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Applications being accepted | ||||||
Open Evening | Applicant Tours - 4 dates intended for prospective external students and parents | |||||
Offers will be made from February onwards | ||||||
Offer Holder Talks - By invitation: 2 dates for applicants holding a conditional offer | ||||||
Key Dates & Deadlines
04/11/2025
Appplications for September 2026 Open
06/11/2025
Open Evening
27/01/2026
Applicant Tour - Further details to be announced in January
29/01/2026
Applicant Tour - Further details to be announced in January
03/02/2026
Applicant Tour - Further details to be announced in January
04/02/2026
Applicant Tour - Further details to be announced in January
18/03/2026
Offer Holder Talk - Invitations will be sent after conditional offers have been made
25/03/2026
Offer Holder Talk - Invitations will be sent after conditional offers have been made
25/06/2026
Sixth Form Taster Day
Alumni Stories
Show all storiesRanyechi Udemezue
September 2017
University
Naturally, deciding to attend a new school for Sixth Form was a difficult and daunting decision. I was anxious about whether I would fit in and make friends, and whether I would be able to keep up with the rigorous style of education. I even worried about whether the teachers would treat me differently, or overlook me because I was a new student. Since starting at St. Michael's however, all of my anxieties have dissipated and I wouldn't want to study anywhere else. The Sixth Form generates an aura of positivity due to the fact that the 'old girls' are extremely welcoming and excited to meet new people. The staff are also very helpful and supportive; you are never made to feel as though you don't belong, and you become part of the school community the moment that you arrive. The Catholic ethos of the school enables students to reflect upon the ways in which they treat others, and encourages pupils to think about their vocation and purpose, whatever that may be. Students who do not come from a faith background or are of other faiths appreciate this aspect of St. Michael's, as it aids personal growth and provides a way for the whole school to come together as a community. If you are looking for a fresh start, at a school that will provide you with an outstanding education and direct you to success, then St. Michael's is definitely the right school for you.
Alice Maini
September 2017
University
Life in Sixth Form - staying on from Year 11 - When I entered the Sixth form I wasn't sure how the relationship between teacher and student would change. I was pleasantly surprised to find that, since you spend more time with your teachers, the relationship soon becomes friendly and amicable. I found that you could really rely on your teachers to help and support you in any way needed, particularly when you find yourself falling behind or struggling. Often setting up extra classes or revision sessions, giving up their own time to help you keep up with everything. You also receive a lot of support from the Head of Sixth Form as he sorts out any issues you may have with new subjects or settling in if you are new. In addition to this we receive mentoring from our form tutors, finding out how we are getting on and pointing us in the right direction both in terms of school life and future career ideas.
Lucie Murphy
September 2017
University
One of the things I loved most about my time at the school was the freedom we were granted. Sixth formers were trusted to use their free time wisely with minimal supervision, and in the classroom we were given the space and freedom to explore new concepts which not only prepared us well for exams, but also for a life of learning outside the classroom. This approach prepared me well to read an undergraduate History and English (joint honours) at Merton College, Oxford. Since finishing my degree in June 2020, I have become a mentoring manager for a tutoring company, and am planning to undertake a Master's degree in Gender Studies next academic year.
Enrichment Activities
Show all activities'Super-curricular' is a phrase used to cover the learning that happens in a sixth form that goes beyond the curriculum and A Level specifications. The super-curriculum ensures that students develop their "ability to think criticially and independently, to argue logically while keeping an open mind to new ideas . . . (and to develop) a genuine passion and enthusiasm for their subject." (University of Cambridge). At St Michael's we encourage every sixth form students to fully engage in a range of super-curricular activities, including: * Extra reading, including academic works and journals (suggestions are available from teachers) * Attendance at university lectures and taster courses * Online lecture courses * Visiting museums and galleries * Listening to academic podcasts * Entering academic competitions
Debate Club is a lively, exciting way to connect with students in the years above and below. Each session we cover a piece of news or a current affair, which each member has the opportunity to share their opinion on. Then, in a low-stakes environment, we discuss and argue them, in preparation for competitions which the club engages in regularly. If you’re interested in learning something new, gaining confidence, or making new friends with similar interests, debate club is the perfect place to do so!
All the articles within Lenses are researched and written by sixth form students. Please take a look at the issues that are available on our website https://www.st-michaels.barnet.sch.uk/sixth-form/enrichment/lenses-sixth-form-academic-journal/
Sixth formers serve the school community by running clubs for younger students. In recent years, this has included diverse organisations from the Gardening Club to the Gaming and Coding Club to running and editing the student magazine, ‘Purple Ink’.. The newest society run by sixth formers, The Feminist Society, started in October 2022 with female students in sixth form looking to inspire the future female leaders in society. Sixth form students also act as Near-Peer Mentors for younger students, advising them on how to cope with a challenging workload and the pressures of exams. All Year 7 pupils will meet the sixth form ‘Guardian Angels’, former St Michael’s ‘purples’ who look after the new pupils and help them settle in.
In December, students at St. Michael’s elect a Head Girl/Head Boy who will serve for a calendar year alongside his/her deputies. The Head Team acts as the highest representatives of the student body to teaching staff, SLT and the Governing Body. They chair the School Council, oversee the work of its committees and help to organise social and charity events in the school. The Head Team is ably supported by 28 Form Reps, two from each of the 14 forms in Key Stage 5, who are elected from within their form.
As part of the Year of Service, undertaken by all Year 12 students, a greater number of our sixth form students volunteer as helpers in our local care homes or as reading buddies in Frith Manor and Northside primary schools. Students are also encouraged to be active in their local communities and parishes.
Students at St Michael's have 1-2 tutorials weekly in their form groups. The sixth form tutorial curriculum ensures our students are engaging with the pressing issues facing young adults in contemporary British society. Furthermore, it prepares students to realise their full potential, in life, education and in their career, through PSHE and Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG).
About Education Provider
| Region | London |
| Local Authority | Barnet |
| Ofsted Rating | Outstanding |
| Gender Type | Co-Educational |
| Address | Nether Street, North Finchley, London, N12 7NJ |