Samuel Ryder Academy
104%
Capacity
1,577
Pupils
4.9x
Demand
About Samuel Ryder Academy
Samuel Ryder Academy is a state-funded None secondary school serving the St Albans community, welcoming children from age 4 to 19. The school has 1,577 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (104% of 1,520 places).
Ofsted has rated Samuel Ryder Academy "Good", the school is led by headteacher Matthew Gauthier, it falls under Hertfordshire local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of +0.35 is above the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is solid at 50.4. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of C+. Additionally, placing it in the top 25% nationally. Additionally, ranked 737th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 10th out of 12 in St Albans.
Samuel Ryder Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 714 applications for 145 places, making it 4.9x oversubscribed. Of these, 134 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 Samuel Ryder Academy include Science Labs, Sports Hall, Gymnasium, Playing Fields, Theatre, Astro Turf, Sixth Form Centre, Dining Hall, Library, Swimming Pool.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Rowing, Martial Arts, Dance, Netball and 4 more, as well as clubs including Model UN, Chess, Orchestra, Gardening and 6 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 18.5%, which is below the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in St Albans, Samuel Ryder Academy 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 | 4 to 19 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | None |
| Address | Drakes Drive, St Albans, St Albans, AL1 5AR |
| Headteacher | Matthew Gauthier |
| Local Authority | Hertfordshire |
| Number of Pupils | 1,577 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 18.5% |
| School Capacity | 1,577 / 1,520 (104% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
29 Jun 2022Overall Effectiveness
Good
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 26 Sept 2022. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+0.35)
737th of 3,141
Nationally
78th of 350
In East of England
10th of 12
In St Albans
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make more 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
36.8
'22/23
33.4
'23/24
34.2
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
10Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
18Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed145
714
High Demand
Competitive - many more applications than places available
134 families put this school as their 1st choice (19% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Samuel Ryder Academy
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
Drakes Drive, St Albans
St Albans, AL1 5AR
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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