Focus 1st Academy
London · N11 1BA
Focus 1st Academy is a small, emerging independent secondary school in North London specialising in social, emotional, and mental health support for young people. With just 41 pupils across multiple campuses (Arnos Grove, Cheshunt, Welwyn), it offers a highly personalised, nurture-focused environment designed for students who may have struggled in mainstream settings. The school emphasises individual potential, confidence-building, and recognised qualifications within a supportive, safeguarding-conscious framework.
- →Small cohort size (41 pupils) enabling highly individualised attention and pastoral care
- →Explicit focus on emotional and mental health support alongside academic learning
- →Flexible, compassionate approach for students who have not thrived in traditional schools
- →Multiple campus locations offering choice of setting within North London/Herts corridor
Who thrives here
Students who have experienced anxiety, behavioural challenges, or social-emotional difficulties in mainstream settings, or who benefit from a smaller, more nurturing environment with emphasis on confidence-building and wellbeing alongside academic progress.
Strengths at a glance
Percentiles within UK independent + grammar schools we track.
At a glance
Contact & visit
339 Bowes Road, New Southgate
London
N11 1BA
Nearest stations
Frequently asked questions
How do you get into Focus 1st Academy?
Focus 1st Academy admits pupils at 11+, 13+, 16+. Entry is assessed by Interview, Assessment. See the Admissions section above for open days and key dates.
What are Focus 1st Academy's exam results?
At Focus 1st Academy, 0% of GCSEs were grade 7/A or above. Full results are in the Results section above.
Is Focus 1st Academy a boarding school?
Focus 1st Academy is a day school in London and does not offer boarding.
What is Focus 1st Academy's latest inspection rating?
Ofsted rated Focus 1st Academy “Requires improvement” (2023).
What parents say
Frequently praised
✓Caring, nurturing staff who genuinely know individual pupils
✓Safe, non-judgmental environment for vulnerable or struggling students
✓Small size enabling rapid response to emotional or behavioural needs
✓Transparent communication around safeguarding and wellbeing
Common concerns
!Limited published academic outcomes or university destinations data due to school's recent emergence and small cohort
!Single Ofsted inspection pending raises questions about operational maturity and consistency
!Relatively unknown in broader independent-school sector; limited track record or reputation outside local area
!Multiple dispersed campuses may create coordination or consistency challenges