Sandringham School
St Albans, AL4 9NX · Hertfordshire · secondary school
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2nd 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 the 321 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 8.3/10 among them, against 9.7/10 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 | 94 | 35% | 3.29 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 84.4 · 96 | 30% | 2.87 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 1.06 · 98 | 25% | 2.46 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 65.7 · 96 | 10% | 0.96 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Sandringham School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 83.5% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 65.1, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was +1.06 in 2023/24, indicating better progress than pupils nationally who started from the same place. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 8.2 out of 10 among them, against 9.6 out of 10 nationally. Ofsted rated the school Outstanding in March 2024.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils join the Homework Club, Dance Club, Tuxedo Dance Company, SYCD, and TripleEdge Contemporary Dance Company. Sports include football, rugby, netball, tennis, swimming, and athletics. Arts activities feature Velocity, House Dance Choreography, the Whole School Show, and the Summer Show. Trips visit the Peak District, France, Germany, the Isle of Wight, Borneo, China, Central America, and Ecuador. An after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,777 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,278. 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
With the roll exceeding capacity by 499, how does the school manage class sizes for new int
What Ofsted said about Sandringham School
Overview
Sandringham School is judged to be outstanding across all inspection categories, including the quality of education, behaviour, and leadership. The report describes a school where pupils "flourish" and are "well prepared to build enriching and successful futures," supported by a "superbly designed curriculum" and high expectations.
Strengths
- The curriculum is "precisely planned" and delivered expertly, ensuring pupils "build a rich understanding of their subjects" and master key knowledge.
- Reading is "very well developed" as both an academic and leisure pursuit, with staff effectively supporting pupils to become "fluent, confident readers."
- Provision for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) is highly effective, with leaders providing "precise guidance" that enables these pupils to "learn the curriculum extremely well."
- Pupils demonstrate excellent behaviour, showing "kindness and humility" and taking their studies seriously in a "positive learning environment."
- The "super curriculum" and careers programme provide exceptional opportunities for pupils to engage with global issues and secure "highly competitive destinations."
Areas to improve
- The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.
Safeguarding
The report states that "the arrangements for safeguarding are effective."
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 64.6 |
| 2024/25 | 65.1 |
| 2025/26 | 65.7 |
| 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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