Robert Barclay Academy
Hoddesdon, EN11 8JY · Hertfordshire · secondary school
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49th 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 — 4.4/10 against 912 of them, against 4.8/10 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 | 40.9 · 40 | 30% | 1.19 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 0.11 · 58 | 25% | 1.44 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 45.6 · 48 | 10% | 0.47 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Robert Barclay Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 39.3% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 44.2, compared with the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was +0.11 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did better than those nationally who started from the same place. Its position is much the same whether compared with all schools or only those whose pupils have similar backgrounds (4.2 out of 10 against similar schools, 4.6 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in 2023.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Young Enterprise, Eco Schools, and the Duke of Edinburgh Award. They participate in House Sports Day, instrumental groups, and the House Dance Competition, and visit the Tower of London.
Getting in
The published school roll is 821 pupils against a stated capacity of 940. 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 improve their Attainment 8 scores relative to the national median? What specific support is available for students aiming for the Duke of Edinburgh Award? How does the school maintain its Good Ofsted rating in practice?
What Ofsted said about Robert Barclay Academy
Overview
The inspection found that pupils feel part of ‘a family’ and are safe, with adults caring passionately about their well-being. Leaders have developed a ‘well-constructed, ambitious curriculum’ that builds on prior learning, resulting in high parental approval and significant improvement since the previous inspection. The school is judged as ‘Good’ across all key areas, including the quality of education, behaviour, and leadership.
Strengths
- Teachers explain ideas clearly and help pupils grasp important ideas through staged content and opportunities to revisit learning.
- Pupils behave well, are respectful, and ‘do not tolerate any prejudicial comments’, preparing them for life in multicultural Britain.
- Sixth-form students act as positive role models, supporting younger pupils with reading and mathematics.
- Leaders provide effective support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), ensuring they gain knowledge well.
- The careers curriculum equips pupils well for the future, with high-quality advice and increased access to higher education.
Areas to improve
- Leaders should develop willingness among pupils to participate in extra-curricular activities, particularly for those with SEND and pupil premium funding, to hone artistic, sporting, and musical skills.
- Leaders need to formulate precise plans to increase the number of pupils studying languages at key stage 4, as current uptake remains low.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with leaders establishing a ‘highly vigilant safeguarding culture’ that ensures staff quickly identify signs of harm and report concerns promptly.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 42.7 |
| 2024/25 | 44.2 |
| 2025/26 | 45.6 |
| 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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