The short version
Below-average GCSE results. Nearly full. Rated Good by Ofsted (2021).
- GCSE results are below the national average (Attainment 8: 34.7 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Good by Ofsted in 2021
- The school is nearly full at 90% capacity
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
34.7
9.1 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
27%
15.1pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
12%
A-Level Average
Mean grade across subjects
D+
A-Level Value Added
Progress vs expected
-0.23
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
87%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
81%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
3%
Employment
Directly into work
3%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
7%
Based on 135 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 26 days per year on average — over a month of school.
38% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
8% of pupils miss half or more of school sessions
Source: DfE School Census
Staffing
On average, 17 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 11 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 89 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Community school
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–18
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 947
- Capacity
- 90%
- FSM
- 33.6%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Hertfordshire
- Head
- Mr Sam Orsborne (Headteacher)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- Yes
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection: Good
10 official reports linked on this page, including 9 earlier reports.
Previous reports
Full inspection: Good
June 2016 | Full Inspection
Monitoring visit
November 2014 | Monitoring Visit
Full inspection: Requires Improvement
May 2014 | Full Inspection
Monitoring visit
March 2013 | Monitoring Visit
Full inspection: Requires Improvement
November 2012 | Full Inspection
Monitoring visit
February 2011 | Monitoring Visit
Full inspection: Satisfactory
September 2009 | Full Inspection
Full inspection: Satisfactory
February 2007 | Full Inspection
Full inspection
March 2002 | Full Inspection
Location
St Agnell's Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 7HL
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmMaple Grove Primary School
Primary · Very close
Haywood Grove School
Special school · Very close
Holtsmere End Junior School
Primary · 436m away
Worldshapers Academy
Independent · 595m away
Redbourn Park School
Independent · 630m away
Aycliffe Drive Primary School
Primary · 861m away
Brockswood Primary School
Primary · 910m away
Hammond Academy
Primary · 913m away
Questions parents ask
Is The Astley Cooper School a selective school?
No. The Astley Cooper School is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is The Astley Cooper School's Ofsted rating?
The Astley Cooper School was rated Good at its most recent inspection in November 2021. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend The Astley Cooper School?
The Astley Cooper School currently has 947 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does The Astley Cooper School take?
The Astley Cooper School caters for pupils aged 11 to 18. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is The Astley Cooper School?
The Astley Cooper School is in Hemel Hempstead, HP2 7HL, in the Hertfordshire local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does The Astley Cooper School have a sixth form?
Yes, The Astley Cooper School has a sixth form, so pupils can continue to A-levels or equivalent qualifications without changing school.
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