Barnet Council is set to formally congratulate Queen Elizabeth's School Barnet (QE) on its outstanding achievements, following a motion proposed by Councillor Emma Whysall. The motion, passed at the Council meeting on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, recognised the school's multiple accolades from The Sunday Times.

These included being named State Secondary School of the Year for Academic Excellence, State Secondary School of the Year for A-Levels, State Secondary School of the Year in London, and State Secondary School of the Year in London for Academic Excellence. The school also secured first place in The Sunday Times' State School Parent Power rankings.

Councillor Whysall's motion stated that the entire borough is proud of the school's accomplishments, demonstrating that its success extends beyond academic results. The motion further highlighted that Barnet is proud of all its schools, which collectively have achieved A-Level results in the top 5% of the country over the last eight years.

As a result of the motion being carried, the Leader of the Council, Councillor Barry Rawlings, will write to the Headteacher of Queen Elizabeth's School Barnet, Neil Enright, to convey congratulations to the leadership, teachers, staff, governors, parents, and most importantly, the students, for their magnificent achievements.

The school's success is attributed not only to academic rigour but also to its extensive co-curricular programme, known as 'QE Flourish'. Headteacher Neil Enright is quoted as saying, Academically, we are second to none. However, our achievement in winning the State Secondary School of the Year award once again demonstrates that it is not all about exam results here at QE. Instead, what goes on beyond the classroom goes hand in hand with the academic outcomes. Our extensive co-curricular programme, delivered through QE Flourish, is not in tension with our academic high standards; rather, it complements boys' studies.

This emphasis on a holistic approach, where co-curricular activities complement academic high standards, appears to be a key strategy contributing to QE's consistent success. The motion also noted that Barnet is proud of all its schools, which collectively have achieved A-Level results in the top 5% of the country over the last eight years.

The motion itself can be found in the Administration motion in the name of Cllr Whysall document.