Barnwell School
83%
Capacity
1,315
Pupils
1.3x
Demand
About Barnwell School
Barnwell School is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the Stevenage community, welcoming children from age 11 to 18. The school has 1,315 pupils on roll and is well-filled (83% of 1,590 places).
Ofsted has rated Barnwell School "Good", the school is led by headteacher Maria Townsend, it falls under Hertfordshire local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.32 is below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 39.6. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of C. Additionally, ranked 2280th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 5th out of 6 in Stevenage.
Barnwell School is a popular choice with families — it received 297 applications for 226 places, making it 1.3x oversubscribed. Of these, 125 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 9 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 6 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Barnwell School include Astro Turf, Swimming Pool, Science Labs, Art Studios, Sports Hall, Sixth Form Centre, Playing Fields, Library, ICT Suite, Theatre, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Hockey, Dance, Rugby, Gymnastics and 2 more, as well as clubs including Film Club, Drama, Choir, Orchestra and 5 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 29.3%, which is above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Stevenage, Barnwell School is one of the options available in the East of England region. Use Classpot to compare it side-by-side with nearby alternatives and find the best fit for your child.
Key Details
| School Type | Secondary (State) |
| Age Range | 11 to 18 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | Barnwell, Stevenage, Stevenage, SG2 9SW |
| Headteacher | Maria Townsend |
| Local Authority | Hertfordshire |
| Number of Pupils | 1,315 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 29.3% |
| School Capacity | 1,315 / 1,590 (83% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
24 Nov 2021Overall Effectiveness
Good
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 18 Jan 2022. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.32)
2280th of 3,141
Nationally
262nd of 350
In East of England
5th of 6
In Stevenage
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make less progress than similar students nationally
Attainment 8 (vs national avg)
Students achieve significantly higher grades than the national average
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. Progress 8 compares to students with similar Key Stage 2 results.
A-Level Results
2023/24Average Points per Entry
Value Added Score
Best 3 A-Levels (Average)
'21/22
36.3
'22/23
29.5
'23/24
31.1
Source: Department for Education 16-18 Performance Tables, 2023/24. Value Added measures progress compared to students with similar GCSE results.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
11Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
15Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed226
297
Balanced
Applications roughly match available places
125 families put this school as their 1st choice (42% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Barnwell School
Helpful Guides for Parents
Ofsted Ratings Explained
Understand the 4 Ofsted ratings and what they mean
Understanding Progress 8
Learn how Progress 8 measures pupil progress from primary to GCSE
SEN & EHCP: A Parent's Guide
Understanding SEN support, EHC Plans and your legal rights
Understanding School Catchment Areas
How admission distances work and tips for maximising your choices
Contact Information
Barnwell, Stevenage
Stevenage, SG2 9SW
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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