The Astley Cooper School
Hemel Hempstead, HP2 7HL · Hertfordshire · secondary school
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77th 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 — 0.5/10 against 682 of them, against 0.7/10 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 | 9 | 35% | 0.30 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 20.7 · 4 | 30% | 0.12 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | -0.6 · 12 | 25% | 0.29 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 33.5 · 4 | 10% | 0.04 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
The Astley Cooper School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 26.7% of pupils achieved grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 34.7, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was -0.6 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did worse than those nationally who started from the same place. Its results are much the same when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so the gap is not explained by intake (1.0 out of 10 against similar schools, 1.1 out of 10 against all schools). The school was inspected in April 2026 under the new report-card framework, which grades each area separately and gives no overall grade.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join a Homework Club and an after-school club. Sports include football, rugby, gymnastics, netball, swimming, handball, athletics, and cricket. Dance is offered as an arts activity, and there is a trip to see The Lion King.
Getting in
The published school roll is 914 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,055. 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 Attainment 8 and the national median? What specific measures are in place to improve Progress 8 scores
What Ofsted said about The Astley Cooper School
Overview
The report describes a school where leaders demonstrate a "clear moral purpose" and have established a "caring and inclusive" environment, particularly for vulnerable pupils. However, academic outcomes and attendance remain below national averages, with teaching quality and curriculum implementation described as inconsistent and not yet securely embedded across the school.
Strengths
- Safeguarding standards are met, with an "open culture" where concerns are actively identified and managed.
- Provision for vulnerable pupils is "thoughtfully planned and well led," with positive relationships and effective support for those with special educational needs.
- The post-16 provision is "highly inclusive," offering strong pastoral care and high retention rates in a familiar environment.
- Pupils feel they "belong to a caring and inclusive school community" and appreciate the support from trusted adults.
- A comprehensive careers programme effectively prepares pupils for "successful destinations" and next steps.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must ensure teachers use assessment data effectively to identify knowledge gaps and adapt lessons, as current practice is inconsistent.
- Attendance rates, particularly for disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs, remain significantly below national averages and hinder progress.
- Leaders and governors need to ensure monitoring is "rigorous and precise" to embed improvements in teaching, behaviour, and the understanding of fundamental British values.
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, meaning leaders have established an open culture where safeguarding is everyone's responsibility and pupils are made safer.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 37.2 |
| 2024/25 | 34.7 |
| 2025/26 | 33.5 |
| 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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