Longdean School
Hemel Hempstead, HP3 8JB · Hertfordshire · secondary school
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57th 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 — 3.3/10 against 873 of them, against 3.4/10 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 | 52 | 35% | 1.84 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 40.3 · 38 | 30% | 1.15 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | -0.29 · 28 | 25% | 0.70 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 43.7 · 38 | 10% | 0.38 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Longdean School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 35.3% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 42.4, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was -0.29 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did worse than those nationally who started from the same place. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 2.3 out of 10 among them, against 2.9 out of 10 nationally. Ofsted rated the school Good in April 2025.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the Zen Club, Dungeons and Dragons, Geek Club, Drama Club, Board Games, Geography Club, Keyboard Club, and Knit and Natter. Sports options include the Sports Leadership Academy and Young Herts Talent, alongside music lessons. An after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,436 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,500. 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 aiming to improve their Progress 8 scores?
What Ofsted said about Longdean School
Overview
Longdean School has taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection. The school is described as "friendly and nurturing," with pupils feeling safe and supported by trusted adults. While recent changes to the curriculum and behaviour policy have improved the quality of education, some inconsistencies remain in teaching standards and attendance.
Strengths
- Pupils benefit from a "broad and ambitious curriculum" that reflects their interests and career aspirations.
- Provision for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) is "very strong," with high-quality support enabling them to thrive.
- Sixth-form students are "well prepared for their next stages" and appreciate the range of subjects available.
- Staff demonstrate pride in their work and feel well supported regarding workload and well-being.
- The school offers a wide range of extra-curricular activities, such as basketball and choir, which pupils "relish."
Areas to improve
- The curriculum is not consistently implemented to the same high standard across all subjects, meaning some pupils do not develop deeper thinking skills.
- Attendance rates remain persistently high for some pupils, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds and those with SEND, causing them to miss vital learning.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 42.5 |
| 2024/25 | 42.4 |
| 2025/26 | 43.7 |
| 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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