Classpot

Hitchin Boys' School

North Hertfordshire, SG5 1JBSecondaryAges 11–18BoysState
Ofsted Rating
Outstanding
Feb 2026
Progress 8
+0.57
Well above average
−20+2
Competition
1.3×
Oversubscribed
263 1st-choice / 201 places
Ranking
🏆Top 25%
#408 of 3,141 nationally

About Hitchin Boys' School

Hitchin Boys' School is clearly a popular choice among local families. For the 2025/26 intake, the school received 263 first-preference applications for just 201 places, giving an oversubscription ratio of 2.39. That means nearly two and a half families put it as their top choice for every available spot, and in total 481 applications were submitted. While the school data doesn't include a specific parent recommendation percentage, this level of demand is a strong signal in itself. The school is led by headteacher Timothy Bennett and operates as a state secondary for boys aged 11 to 18 in North Hertfordshire. It has a capacity of 1,400 pupils and currently enrols 1,357, so it is running very close to full. Just 7.5% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, which is below the national average.

Key Details

School TypeSecondary (State)
Age Range11 to 18 years
GenderBoys
Religious CharacterDoes not apply
AddressGrammar School Walk, Hitchin, North Hertfordshire, SG5 1JB
HeadteacherTimothy Bennett
Local AuthorityHertfordshire
Number of Pupils1,357
Free School Meals (FSM)7.5%
School Capacity1,357 / 1,400 (97% full)
Sixth FormYes

The full report on this school

The inspection in plain English, admissions context, and how this school compares to nearby alternatives — all in one full school report.

  • Ofsted inspection in plain English
    Strengths, concerns and what inspectors flagged
  • Parent View survey results
    What parents told Ofsted — when the school has 10+ responses
  • Where Ofsted and parents disagree
    Gaps to probe + questions to ask at the open day
  • Admissions & catchment
    Admission criteria, distance cutoffs (where the LA publishes them)
  • Nearby schools compared
    Backup options with Ofsted, demand and distance
  • Attendance & behaviour data
    Persistent absentees, suspensions and exclusions vs national
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Ofsted Inspection Breakdown

22 Sept 2021
View Report
Overall Effectiveness
Outstanding
Leadership & Management
Outstanding
Sixth Form Provision
Outstanding

Latest monitoring visit (22 Sept 2021): School remains Outstanding

Source: Ofsted, 29 Feb 2016. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.

Facilities

12
LibraryGymnasiumMusic RoomsAstro TurfPlaying FieldsArt StudiosSixth Form CentreICT SuiteTennis CourtsSwimming PoolSports HallChapel

Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.

Extracurriculars

17

Sports

RugbyHockeyBadmintonGymnasticsCricketFootballAthletics

Clubs & Activities

DebateCodingGardeningOrchestraBook ClubArt ClubModel United NationsChoirDuke of EdinburghYoung Enterprise

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

SEND Support

AutismDyslexiaMental HealthSpeech & LanguageHearingPhysicalLearning DifficultyOther

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

School day

Verified

Teaching hours

09:10 – 15:30

Source: hitchinboys.co.uk. Extracted automatically — confirm with the school before relying on these times.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Hitchin Boys' School

Hitchin Boys' School has been rated "Outstanding" by Ofsted. This means the school provides an exceptional quality of education, and pupils thrive both academically and personally.