Plans for a school to open a new sixth form have been given the green light.

The Compton School, in Summers Lane, North Finchley, will open its sixth form next September after receiving the go ahead from the Department for Education in July.

Headteacher Teresa Tunnadine said: “We have been planning it for about a year. Staff members are really excited about teaching A-levels. They were unanimous in favour of it. There was huge support from staff, parents and governors.

“The teaching here is exceptional, so to have students study here for sixth form makes sense. I think it’s good for our students to be able to stay on, and it means older students can be positive role models for younger pupils."

The sixth form will be based in a new building. The school is also extending across other years too.

The school is part of the Mayor’s London Schools Gold Club, which recognises exceptional schools across London. It has about 100 members in total, which support other London schools by sharing their experience and practice.

Mrs Tunnadine, who has been headteacher at the school for 15 years, said: “We have some excellent staff who are very dedicated and students who are well behaved. Parents are very supportive. It’s a great place to work in and learn in.”

The Compton School was given education watchdog Ofsted's 'outstanding' rating in September 2006, and an assessment in 2010 found that this performance had been sustained.

Mrs Tunnadine, who lives in Enfield, joined the school as a deputy headteacher in 1992, shortly before it was opened following the closure of its predecessor in 1991.

She added: “It’s very satisfying to see it do so well. It’s a team effort.”

Regional schools commissioner Martin Post said: “We were very impressed with the application to open a sixth form from the Compton School and are pleased that they will be offering more places in an area where they will be needed in the future – giving young people in north London the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in modern Britain.”