The short version
Above-average GCSE results. At capacity. Rated Outstanding by Ofsted (2023).
- GCSE results are above the national average (Attainment 8: 62.8 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Outstanding by Ofsted in 2023
- The school is at capacity (113% full)
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
62.8
19.0 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
76%
33.7pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
52%
A-Level Average
Mean grade across subjects
B+
A-Level Value Added
Progress vs expected
+0.18
Band 2Source: 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
97%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
96%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
1%
Employment
Directly into work
0%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
3%
Based on 200 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 8 days per year on average — about two weeks of school.
9% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
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 102 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Academy converter
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–18
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 1,356
- Capacity
- 100%
- FSM
- 8.9%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Hertfordshire
- Trust
- SCHOLARS' EDUCATION TRUST
- Head
- Mr Philip Newbery (Headteacher)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- Yes
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection: Outstanding
2 official reports linked on this page, including 1 earlier report.
Location
Manland Way, Harpenden, Hertfordshire, AL5 4QP
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmManland Primary School
Primary · Very close
St George's School
Secondary · 531m away
Sauncey Wood Primary School
Primary · 820m away
Crabtree Junior School
Primary · 825m away
Crabtree Infants' School
Primary · 851m away
The Lea Primary School and Nursery
Primary · 905m away
Harpenden Academy
Primary · 916m away
Katherine Warington School
Secondary · 935m away
Questions parents ask
Is Sir John Lawes School a selective school?
No. Sir John Lawes School is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is Sir John Lawes School's Ofsted rating?
Sir John Lawes School was rated Outstanding at its most recent inspection in March 2023. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend Sir John Lawes School?
Sir John Lawes School currently has 1,356 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does Sir John Lawes School take?
Sir John Lawes School caters for pupils aged 11 to 18. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is Sir John Lawes School?
Sir John Lawes School is in Harpenden, AL5 4QP, in the Hertfordshire local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does Sir John Lawes School have a sixth form?
Yes, Sir John Lawes School has a sixth form, so pupils can continue to A-levels or equivalent qualifications without changing school.
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