Chair of Governors: Mr J Mason
Head: Mr A Önaç
Deputy Heads: Mr M E Henson; Mrs L Katzen
Roll: 1650
Fortismere is a high achieving and dynamic mixed Foundation school, highly regarded by the local Muswell Hill community that it serves. With a strong focus on academic excellence for all, as well as diverse cultural enrichment, the school recently featured as one of the Top 20 comprehensives in the country in a Times newspaper article and is heavily over-subscribed in all years.
Now a specialist Maths/Computing and Music college, Fortismere was recently awarded a second specialism, Modern Foreign Languages. Resulting investment has enabled 21st century hi-tech facilities, including a brand new Science block and Sports Centre, fully networked ICT and Digital Sound Studio, and an all-weather Sports Pitch. An increasingly international perspective has led to new links with schools in Africa, India and China, supported by the introduction of Mandarin alongside traditional European languages.
With a Sixth Form of 450 students, the school attracts applications from over 500 post-16 students each year. Most of our Year 13 leavers go on to university, with over 50% gaining places at top Russell Group universities. This year 10 students will be reading for degrees at Oxford, Cambridge or Medical School in highly competitive areas like Medicine, Natural Sciences, Law, Mathematics, Languages and English.
Examination results are consistently excellent, in comparison to other top schools. At KS3, 90% of our students gain level 5+ in Maths, English and Science. At GCSE, results consistently show between 75 - 80% of students gaining 5 or more A*-C grades, and in 2008 almost 50% of results were at A*/A grade. A level results consistently show around 60% of grades are at A or B, with 20-30 students regularly gaining AAAA or AAA.
We believe that excellence will be achieved by constantly challenging and raising aspirations, and by insisting that good behaviour enables great learning. Traditional values of tolerance, courtesy and respect are important at Fortismere. We also believe in an holistic educational package that is about more than just academic success. This involves developing the whole person through confidence, student voice, responsibility and leadership; creating opportunities for students to develop their talent and creativity; capitalising on diversity, not uniformity; creating an environment of vibrancy and excitement for learning. We want Fortismere to be a place where all students can develop self belief, aim for the top, and not be afraid to chase their dreams. Our students are confident, articulate, compassionate young people. It is no surprise that Fortismere is often cited as North London's "Jewel in the Crown".
The School vision
Fortismere will be an outstanding school nationally, championing high aspirations and academic excellence, and nurturing the individuality and potential of every student.
This vision is underpinned by:
A distinctive ethos of high aspirations and academic excellence
The very best teaching, to challenge and enable outstanding learning
Top quality curricular and extra-curricular opportunities
A distinctive academic 6th Form
A culture of confidence, respect, individuality, responsibility and leadership
A caring, supportive and well-ordered community
Strong communications and community involvement
A leading international dimension, promoting global citizenship
Pride in being a Fortismere student
Opportunities enabled by Foundation status
Curriculum
A broad, balanced curriculum, with smaller class sizes and early setting by ability, from Year 7, supports fast-tracking and challenge for the more able whilst, at the same time, providing additional support for those who need it. Many departments compact Key Stage 3 into 2 years to create time for greater depth of study at KS4. All pupils study French or Spanish in year 7, with a second language (Mandarin or German) added in Year 7 for the top 4 sets.
In Key Stage 4 students study up to 12 GCSEs, depending on their ability. The rich and varied options system allows for the study of three separate sciences as well as 2 languages; a range of courses in the Humanities and Arts, including accelerated or double options; Economics and business courses with vocational options for appropriate students.
The school places great emphasis on the development of the whole person; all students follow PSHE, including religious studies, physical and ***** education.
The 6th Form:
Fortismere has an outstanding Sixth Form with a strong focus on academic excellence. Applications are received from a wide geographical area, mostly with a portfolio of very good GCSE results. Students usually study four AS level subjects in Year 12 and, subsequently, four or three A2 subjects in Year 13 for the full A level award. The impressive range of subject choices attracts buoyant numbers in all the traditional A levels as well as specialist areas like Further Maths, German, Economics, etc. Academic progress is supported by a very close system of target setting and monitoring. Excellent guidance is provided for all students, as well as additional preparation for those making Oxbridge applications or preparing for AEA, BMAT(medical) or Law entrance exams. There is a strong focus on leadership and on students taking responsibility for their progress. A range of extra-curricular opportunities enriches and contributes to an holistic package so that our students become confident and articulate young adults. The vast majority progress on to university and a sophisticated guidance system ensures that they are well advised in their decision making. We also offer a small number of Vocational Qualifications. A separate 6th Form online prospectus can be viewed on the school website.
Entry to the Universities of Cambridge, Oxford and Medical School, 2008.
|
Harriet Evans |
Queen's College |
Oxford |
English Literature and French |
|
Anthony Herzig |
Queens' College |
Cambridge |
Mathematics |
|
Rowena Page |
Emmanuel College |
Cambridge |
Law |
|
Alex Sussman |
St Peter's College |
Oxford |
History and German |
|
Louisa Long |
Clare College |
Cambridge |
Modern and Medieval Languages |
|
Rachel Pilling |
|
Manchester |
Medicine |
|
Nathan Asher |
|
UCL |
Medicine |
|
Noa Keren |
|
Kings |
Medicine |
|
Clare Campbell-Carter |
|
UCL |
Medicine |
|
Ruth Brown |
|
Sus***** |
Medicine |
