Barclay Academy
Stevenage, SG1 3RB · Hertfordshire · secondary school
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41st of 78 secondary schools in Hertfordshire we can score, 82 in total — the rest without enough published data. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 6.6/10 against 904 of them, against 6.1/10 nationally. Both figures are results only, without the inspection grade. A lower figure here means a stronger comparison group, not a weaker school.
How this is worked out
| Measure | Percentile | Weight | Adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.84 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 48.5 · 59 | 30% | 1.77 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 0.17 · 62 | 25% | 1.56 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 48.0 · 60 | 10% | 0.60 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Barclay Academy overview
How it's doing
Ofsted rated the school Good in June 2023. In 2024/25, 57.3% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 49.5, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was +0.17 in 2023/24, indicating better progress than pupils nationally who started from the same place. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (7.9 out of 10 against similar schools, 7.1 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Chess, Coding, Mythology, Performing Arts Company, Drama, Dance, Woodwind, string, and Guitar groups. KS3 and KS4 choirs and instrumental lessons are available. Trips include the Duke of Edinburgh Award and an A-Level Geographers visit to Constable Country. An after-school club is provided.
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,044 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,181. These whole-school figures do not establish entry-year vacancies or the likelihood of an offer. Confirm entry-year availability and admissions criteria with the school or local authority.
Worth asking on a visit
How does the school support pupils to maintain the progress seen in the 2023/24 data? What specific support is available for students aiming to join the Performing Arts Company? How are the 137
What Ofsted said about Barclay Academy
Overview
Barclay Academy is described as a school where "expectations are high for their achievement and their behaviour," with leaders having made "significant improvements since the school opened." The report highlights that pupils are "happy and feel safe," benefiting from an "exceptional" range of extra-curricular activities and a curriculum that supports strong outcomes in core subjects.
Strengths
- Personal development is rated "Outstanding," with an "exceptional" programme including twice-weekly PSHE, visiting speakers, and strong support for character development and resilience.
- Leadership and management are rated "Outstanding," with staff receiving "comprehensive ongoing training" and thoughtful consideration given to workload.
- Pupils achieve very well in English, mathematics, and science due to "very well-designed, well-sequenced and well-taught programmes of study."
- There is a "strong programme of intervention work" for reading, alongside a whole-school approach to reading for pleasure that positively promotes literature to all pupils.
- The "range of extra-curricular clubs is exceptional," offering diverse opportunities in arts, sports, and trips, fostering leadership qualities in sixth-form students.
Areas to improve
- In a small number of foundation subjects, curriculum planning lacks sufficient content or detail, meaning pupils do not produce work of a "consistently high quality."
- A small minority of pupils cannot yet "self-regulate their behaviour effectively," leading to isolation or exclusion and disrupting their learning.
Safeguarding
The report states that "the arrangements for safeguarding are effective," with all required checks made, concerns managed swiftly, and staff receiving regular training.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 48.4 |
| 2024/25 | 49.5 |
| 2025/26 | 48.0 |
| England | 44.9 |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 3,682 state schools in England we hold a 2025/26 figure for — a school-level median, not the DfE's pupil-weighted national figure.
Your offer chance
—Based on official applications/offers, distance and catchment where we have it. Bands only — never a percentage.
Sibling, faith, looked-after and other criteria can override distance. Always confirm with the school or local authority.
Next dates
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2026
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2027
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2027
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2028
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