The short version
Average GCSE results. At capacity. Rated Good by Ofsted (2013).
- GCSE results are broadly in line with the national average (Attainment 8: 48.5 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Good by Ofsted in 2013
- The school is at capacity (96% full)
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
48.5
4.7 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
49%
7.4pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
33%
A-Level Average
Mean grade across subjects
B-
A-Level Value Added
Progress vs expected
+0.14
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
93%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
87%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
4%
Employment
Directly into work
1%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
6%
Based on 205 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 15 days per year on average — nearly a month of school.
20% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
4% 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 10 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 120 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Foundation school
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–18
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 1,242
- Capacity
- 96%
- FSM
- 23.2%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Hertfordshire
- Head
- Mr Matt Blayney (Headteacher)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- Yes
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection
8 official reports linked on this page, including 7 earlier reports.
Previous reports
Monitoring visit
November 2020 | Monitoring Visit
Short inspection
February 2017 | Short Inspection
Full inspection: Good
March 2013 | Full Inspection
Full inspection: Satisfactory
March 2011 | Full Inspection
Full inspection: Good
March 2008 | Full Inspection
Curriculum and development visit
October 2006 | Curriculum and development visit Curriculum and development visit
Full inspection
February 2004 | Full Inspection
Location
Bedford Road, Hitchin, Hertfordshire, SG5 2UR
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmStrathmore Infant and Nursery School
Primary · Very close
Our Lady Catholic Primary School
Primary · 401m away
The Chrysalis School for Autism
Independent · 719m away
Oughton Primary and Nursery School
Primary · 905m away
Wilshere-Dacre Junior Academy
Primary · 977m away
Hitchin Boys' School
Secondary · 1.3km away
Samuel Lucas Junior Mixed and Infant School
Primary · 1.3km away
Hitchin Girls' School
Secondary · 1.9km away
Questions parents ask
Is The Priory School a selective school?
No. The Priory School is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is The Priory School's Ofsted rating?
The Priory School was rated Good at its most recent inspection in October 2022. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend The Priory School?
The Priory School currently has 1,242 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does The Priory School take?
The Priory School caters for pupils aged 11 to 18. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is The Priory School?
The Priory School is in Hitchin, SG5 2UR, in the Hertfordshire local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does The Priory School have a sixth form?
Yes, The Priory School has a sixth form, so pupils can continue to A-levels or equivalent qualifications without changing school.
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