The Marlborough Science Academy
St Albans, AL1 2QA · Hertfordshire · secondary school
Check the area around this school
66th 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 914 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 1.3/10 among them, against 2.8/10 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 | 52 | 35% | 1.84 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 29.0 · 14 | 30% | 0.41 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | -0.1 · 42 | 25% | 1.06 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 42.6 · 32 | 10% | 0.32 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
The Marlborough Science Academy overview
How it's doing
The school was rated Good by Ofsted in January 2024. In 2024/25, 36.4% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 43.4, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was -0.1 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did slightly 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 2.0 out of 10 among them, against 3.6 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join The Scholars Programme and Home learning club, participate in Sports Day and the Coast to coast competition, and enter the MFL Bake off. An after-school club is also available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,337 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,250. 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 8 scores? What specific support is available for students aiming to raise their Attainment 8 above the national median?
What Ofsted said about The Marlborough Science Academy
Overview
The inspection found that pupils are polite, respectful and behave very well, with "excellent relationships" between staff and pupils. Leaders prioritise well-being and safety, ensuring pupils feel "safe, cared for and happy," while the curriculum is carefully designed to help all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, achieve well.
Strengths
- "Behaviour and attitudes to learning are very positive," with calm breaktimes and productive lessons.
- The curriculum is well-considered, with staff teaching new knowledge so pupils can "build on their prior learning."
- Sixth-form provision is strong, with students acquiring an "exceptional understanding of the curriculum" and high progression to further education.
- Staff provide "precise and targeted support" for pupils with SEND, enabling them to overcome challenges and achieve well.
- Leaders maintain a "sharp focus on improving attendance" and support staff well-being, which is highly valued by the school community.
Areas to improve
- In a few instances, teachers present too much knowledge without routinely checking pupils’ understanding, meaning some pupils do not learn as well as they should.
- The school should ensure staff requiring support are sufficiently supported and trained to deliver lessons that enable all pupils to make strong progress.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 44.1 |
| 2024/25 | 43.4 |
| 2025/26 | 42.6 |
| 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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