The short version
Average GCSE results. At capacity. Rated Good by Ofsted (2019).
- GCSE results are broadly in line with the national average (Attainment 8: 46.1 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Good by Ofsted in 2019
- The school is at capacity (97% full)
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
46.1
2.3 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
42%
0.2pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
36%
A-Level Average
Mean grade across subjects
C+
A-Level Value Added
Progress vs expected
+0.12
Band 3Source: Department for Education Performance Tables 2024-25
Post-GCSE Destinations
These figures track pupils 6 months after leaving. Source: DfE destination measures.
Sustained destination
In education, employment or training
93%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
85%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
4%
Employment
Directly into work
3%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
6%
Based on 230 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 18 days per year on average — nearly a month of school.
27% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
5% of pupils miss half or more of school sessions
Source: DfE School Census
Staffing
On average, 18 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 13 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 112 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Academy converter
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–18
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 1,454
- Capacity
- 97%
- FSM
- 16.7%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Hertfordshire
- Trust
- BIRCHWOOD HIGH SCHOOL
- Head
- Mr Sam Griffin (Principal)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- Yes
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection
8 official reports linked on this page, including 7 earlier reports.
Previous reports
Full inspection: Good
June 2019 | Full Inspection
Monitoring visit
May 2018 | Monitoring Visit
Full inspection: Requires Improvement
May 2017 | Full Inspection
Monitoring visit
January 2016 | Monitoring Visit
Full inspection: Requires Improvement
July 2015 | Full Inspection
Interim assessment
January 2013 | Interim assessment Interim assessment
Academy conversion letter
February 2012 | Academy Conversion Letter
Location
Parsonage Lane, Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire, CM23 5BD
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmSummercroft Primary School
Primary · Very close
All Saints Church of England Primary School and Nursery, Bishop's Stortford
Primary · 453m away
The Hertfordshire & Essex High School and Science College
Secondary · 1.1km away
Thorn Grove Primary School
Primary · 1.3km away
White Trees Independent School
Independent · 1.8km away
Windhill21
Primary · 1.9km away
St Mary's Catholic School
Secondary · 2.0km away
Avanti Meadows Primary School
Primary · 2.1km away
Questions parents ask
Is Birchwood High School a selective school?
No. Birchwood High School is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is Birchwood High School's Ofsted rating?
Birchwood High School was rated Good at its most recent inspection in January 2025. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend Birchwood High School?
Birchwood High School currently has 1,454 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does Birchwood High School take?
Birchwood High School caters for pupils aged 11 to 18. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is Birchwood High School?
Birchwood High School is in Bishop's Stortford, CM23 5BD, in the Hertfordshire local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does Birchwood High School have a sixth form?
Yes, Birchwood High School has a sixth form, so pupils can continue to A-levels or equivalent qualifications without changing school.
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