Barnwell School
Stevenage, SG2 9SW · Hertfordshire · secondary school
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72nd 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.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 2.0/10 against 766 of them, against 2.2/10 nationally. So this is not simply a reflection of who attends. 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 | 12 | 35% | 0.42 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 33.1 · 21 | 30% | 0.62 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | -0.32 · 26 | 25% | 0.64 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 38.7 · 14 | 10% | 0.14 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Barnwell School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 37.4% of pupils achieved grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 41.5, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was -0.32 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did worse than those nationally who started from the same place. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (3.4 out of 10 against similar schools, 2.9 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted inspected the school in January 2026 under the new framework, which grades areas separately without an overall grade.
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,270 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,590. 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 close the gap between their current attainment and the national median? What specific support is available for students who are below the national average in Progress 8? How does the new Ofsted framework affect the school’s current improvement plans?
What Ofsted said about Barnwell School
Overview
Barnwell School is described as a place where pupils typically enjoy learning and feel safe, supported by staff who are "fully committed" to their welfare. The report highlights a "strong standard" in inclusion, with effective support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. However, the school faces challenges in attendance and achievement, which are rated as needing attention, particularly for those who do not attend regularly.
Strengths
- Staff "swiftly and accurately identify pupils' specific needs" and provide "precise and effective interventions" for those with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
- The curriculum is "broad, increasingly ambitious" and includes a "strength" in careers education, raising pupils' aspirations through work experience and employer engagement.
- Pupils benefit from an "extensive range of clubs" and enrichment activities that develop their character and interests.
- Sixth-form students enjoy a "close family" atmosphere with "considerable support and guidance" for future applications.
- Staff wellbeing is prioritised, with staff feeling "very well supported" and enjoying working at the school.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must ensure "effective strategies are in place to improve attendance for all groups of pupils," as irregular attendance creates significant knowledge gaps.
- Leaders should continue to support staff to "embed and sustain high-quality teaching across the curriculum" so that all pupils achieve highly, addressing occasions where the curriculum is not taught as intended.
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing "an open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" and concerns are actively identified and managed.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 39.6 |
| 2024/25 | 41.5 |
| 2025/26 | 38.7 |
| 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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