The Priory School
Hitchin, SG5 2UR · Hertfordshire · secondary school
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43rd 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 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 6.5/10 against 879 of them, against 5.6/10 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 | 51.0 · 65 | 30% | 1.94 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | -0.05 · 46 | 25% | 1.16 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 46.5 · 53 | 10% | 0.53 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
The Priory School overview
How it's doing
The school was rated Good by Ofsted in 2022. In 2024/25, 49.2% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 48.5, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was -0.05 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did slightly worse than nationally matched peers. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (6.8 out of 10 against similar schools, 5.7 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the Grow programme, participate in team sports, exercise classes, and gym sessions, and pursue Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award, international expeditions, and World Challenge trips.
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,221 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,300. 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 for Duke of Edinburgh Gold?
What Ofsted said about The Priory School
Overview
The Priory School continues to be a good school, described as an inclusive environment where pupils are well supported to succeed. Leaders have devised a broad, ambitious curriculum and strengthened the post-16 offer through a local consortium. The school fosters positive relationships, with staff helping pupils reach their potential in a calm and purposeful setting.
Strengths
- Pupils are polite, friendly, and respectful, contributing to a "calm and purposeful" atmosphere where they feel safe.
- Teachers generally possess strong subject knowledge and use effective strategies, ensuring pupils "progress well through the curriculum."
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are "well supported," with leaders accurately identifying needs and teachers adapting strategies thoughtfully.
- Leaders provide a wide range of enrichment experiences, including music, sport, and leadership activities like the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
- Safeguarding arrangements are effective, with staff being "highly vigilant" and pupils confident in reporting concerns.
Areas to improve
- Leaders should ensure chosen pedagogical approaches are applied consistently, as some teachers do not always use them effectively, hindering pupil learning.
- Leaders must ensure consistency in applying behaviour systems to eliminate inappropriate or ill-considered behaviour in some lessons.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with a positive culture where staff are well trained to identify risks and pupils understand how to avoid dangers such as online abuse.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 46.5 |
| 2024/25 | 48.5 |
| 2025/26 | 46.5 |
| 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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