The short version
Average GCSE results. Nearly full. Rated Good by Ofsted (2019).
- GCSE results are broadly in line with the national average (Attainment 8: 44.2 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Good by Ofsted in 2019
- The school is nearly full at 90% capacity
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
44.2
0.4 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
35%
6.5pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
70%
A-Level Average
Mean grade across subjects
C
A-Level Value Added
Progress vs expected
-0.05
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
91%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
2%
Employment
Directly into work
1%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
7%
Based on 123 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 17 days per year on average — nearly a month of school.
26% 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, 15 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 11 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 71 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Free schools
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–18
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 753
- Capacity
- 90%
- FSM
- 20.7%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Hertfordshire
- Trust
- REACH LEARNING LIMITED
- Head
- Mr Richard Booth
Provisions
- Sixth form
- Yes
- Boarding
- Not applicable
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection
3 official reports linked on this page, including 2 earlier reports.
Previous reports
Location
Long Lane, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire, WD3 8AB
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmShepherd Primary
Primary · 680m away
St John Catholic Primary School
Primary · 995m away
Arnett Hills Junior Mixed and Infant School
Primary · 1.5km away
Maple Cross Junior Mixed Infant and Nursery School
Primary · 1.7km away
Chorleywood Primary School
Primary · 2.0km away
St Mary's Rickmansworth CofE Primary School
Primary · 2.0km away
Charlotte House Preparatory School
Independent · 2.3km away
Royal Masonic School for Girls
Independent · 2.7km away
Questions parents ask
Is The Reach Free School a selective school?
No. The Reach Free School is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is The Reach Free School's Ofsted rating?
The Reach Free School was rated Good at its most recent inspection in October 2024. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend The Reach Free School?
The Reach Free School currently has 753 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does The Reach Free School take?
The Reach Free School caters for pupils aged 11 to 18. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is The Reach Free School?
The Reach Free School is in Rickmansworth, WD3 8AB, in the Hertfordshire local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does The Reach Free School have a sixth form?
Yes, The Reach Free School has a sixth form, so pupils can continue to A-levels or equivalent qualifications without changing school.
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