“I want to learn.” East Barnet School’s motto reflects its commitment to education. This academy stands on Chestnut Grove in East Barnet. It has a rich history and a focus on technology.
East Barnet School began as East Barnet Modern School. Allan Clayton became Headteacher in 1937. He prepared for sixty-four students’ arrival that April. These students transferred from other secondary schools. By September 1937, the school grew to two hundred students. It was renamed East Barnet County School in 1939. In 1945, it became East Barnet Grammar School.
The original building was meant for 350 students. By 1947, it housed 547. Classrooms and science labs were added between 1948 and 1958. Major construction from 1961 to 1965 added an assembly hall. A gymnasium, music rooms and a dining hall were also built.
In 1965, the school became part of the London Borough of Barnet. It was previously under Hertfordshire County Council. In 1971, East Barnet Grammar School changed its name again. It became East Barnet Senior High School. This was a comprehensive school for ages 14–18. The John Hampden School became East Barnet Junior High School. Students moved from the junior to the senior school after their third year.
The two schools combined in 1976 as East Barnet School. It operated from two sites: Lower School and Upper School. In the late 1980s, the sites switched. Years 7 to 10 moved to Chestnut Grove. Years 11 to 13 moved to Westbrook Crescent.
In 2005, there was a proposal for a new Jewish school. The government would pay for it. Barnet Council agreed if the Chestnut Grove site was rebuilt. The bid was rejected that autumn.
In February 2006, JCoSS joined a government pilot scheme. East Barnet School was rebuilt on Chestnut Grove by September 2007. JCoSS would open on Westbrook Crescent in September 2009.
New buildings were constructed on playing fields. This allowed East Barnet School to remain open during construction. After the new buildings were done, the old ones were torn down. They were replaced with sports fields and parking.
Planning permission for East Barnet School’s rebuild was granted in July 2007. Construction was to begin in January 2008. The school would occupy the new building from September 2009.
In January 2008, the council stopped the architects due to budget concerns. The new Chestnut Grove building’s opening was delayed until 2010.
A new design was submitted in April 2008. The plans were approved in June 2008.
The new building opened in May 2010. Students and staff moved in that June. The Westbrook Crescent site became JCoSS.
The Project Faraday science facilities opened on October 5, 2010. Nobel Laureate Sir Tim Hunt opened them. H.R.H. The Duke of Gloucester officially opened East Barnet School on March 15, 2011. Representatives from every year group since 1937 attended.
East Barnet School has a tradition of strong leadership. Leann Swaine has been Headteacher since 2018. The Sixth Form is consistently in the top 10% nationally for exam results.
East Barnet School received the Carnegie Centre of Excellence for Mental Health in Schools award. This shows their dedication to students and staff. East Barnet School continues to provide a memorable education. Its history shows its commitment to growth and excellence.