The Hemel Hempstead School
Hemel Hempstead, HP1 1TX · Hertfordshire · secondary school
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61st 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 886 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 4.1/10 among them, against 5.2/10 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 | 18 | 35% | 0.63 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 50.0 · 62 | 30% | 1.87 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | -0.14 · 39 | 25% | 0.98 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 47.3 · 57 | 10% | 0.57 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
The Hemel Hempstead School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 51.2% of pupils achieved grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 49.9, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was -0.14 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 4.4 out of 10 among them, against 5.7 out of 10 nationally. Ofsted inspected the school in March 2026 under the new report-card framework.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils participate in football, netball, rugby, basketball, badminton, table tennis, trampolining, and athletics. Trips include Warwick Castle, Kew Gardens, the British Museum, Whipsnade Zoo, the Barbican, the Imperial War Museum, Preston Montford, and CERN.
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,287 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,450. 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 progress scores? What specific support is available for students aiming for higher attainment in English and maths?
What Ofsted said about The Hemel Hempstead School
Overview
The inspection highlights a school where pupils feel "known, supported and included" within a culture of kindness and respect. Leaders have established effective systems that are driving improvements in attendance, behaviour, and academic outcomes, with many pupils achieving well and feeling prepared for their next steps.
Strengths
- The ‘Hemel Hempstead Experience’ fosters strong social skills, teamwork, and a deep understanding of British values.
- Personal development is "coherent, well established and ambitious," significantly boosting pupils' confidence and wellbeing.
- Attendance and behaviour systems are effective, resulting in "sustained improvement" and a calm, respectful environment.
- Leaders provide structured careers guidance and enrichment opportunities that prepare all pupils, including those with special educational needs, for future pathways.
- Post-16 teaching is "high quality," fostering student independence and autonomy.
Areas to improve
- Leaders should ensure gaps in pupils' foundational knowledge, including early reading and writing, are "swiftly identified and addressed."
- Teachers across subjects must consistently adapt teaching and provide effective feedback to address weaknesses or misunderstandings in pupils' learning.
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing "an open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" and concerns are actively managed.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 47.8 |
| 2024/25 | 49.9 |
| 2025/26 | 47.3 |
| 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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