Classpot

Barnwell School

Stevenage, SG2 9SWSecondaryAges 11–18MixedState
Ofsted Rating
Good
Nov 2021
Progress 8
-0.32
Below average
−20+2
Competition
0.6×
Not oversubscribed
125 1st-choice / 226 places
Ranking
#2,280
of 3,141 nationally

About Barnwell School

Barnwell School is a large mixed secondary in Stevenage, currently educating 1,315 pupils against a capacity of 1,590, meaning it is not yet full. The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals stands at 29.3%, significantly above the national average and a clear indicator of the school’s role in serving a community with above-average levels of disadvantage. Despite this, demand for places is strong: for the 2025/26 intake, the school received 297 applications for 226 places, an oversubscription ratio of 1.31, with 125 first-preference offers made. That suggests Barnwell is a popular choice locally, even though it operates below its physical capacity. The school has no religious character and is a standard state secondary with a co-educational sixth form. Its headteacher is Maria Townsend, who has been leading the school since at least its most recent Ofsted inspection.

Key Details

School TypeSecondary (State)
Age Range11 to 18 years
GenderMixed
Religious CharacterDoes not apply
AddressBarnwell, Stevenage, Stevenage, SG2 9SW
HeadteacherMaria Townsend
Local AuthorityHertfordshire
Number of Pupils1,315
Free School Meals (FSM)29.3%
School Capacity1,315 / 1,590 (83% full)
Sixth FormYes

Ofsted Inspection Breakdown

24 Nov 2021
View Report
Overall Effectiveness
Good
Quality of Education
Good
Behaviour & Attitudes
Good
Personal Development
Good
Leadership & Management
Good
Sixth Form Provision
Good

Source: Ofsted, 18 Jan 2022. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.

Facilities

11
Astro TurfSwimming PoolScience LabsArt StudiosSports HallSixth Form CentrePlaying FieldsLibraryICT SuiteTheatreChapel

Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.

Extracurriculars

15

Sports

HockeyDanceRugbyGymnasticsRoundersMartial Arts

Clubs & Activities

Film ClubDramaChoirOrchestraNewspaperModel United NationsDuke of EdinburghDebateYoung Enterprise

Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.

SEND Support

AutismDyslexiaMental HealthSpeech & LanguageHearingVisionPhysicalLearning DifficultyOther

Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Barnwell School

Barnwell School has been rated "Good" by Ofsted. This means the school provides a good standard of education and effectively supports all pupils to succeed.