Classpot

The Priory School

North Hertfordshire, SG5 2URSecondaryAges 11–18MixedState
Ofsted Rating
Good
Oct 2022
Progress 8
-0.05
Below average
−20+2
Competition
0.7×
Not oversubscribed
121 1st-choice / 178 places
Ranking
#1,656
of 3,141 nationally

About The Priory School

The Priory School is a popular choice among local families, with 567 applications for 178 places in the 2025/26 admissions round, giving an oversubscription ratio of 3.19. Of those, 121 families put it as their first preference, and all of those received an offer. The school does not publish a parent recommendation percentage in its data, but the high demand suggests a solid reputation in North Hertfordshire. The school is a mixed, non-religious state secondary with a sixth form, led by headteacher Matt Blayney. It currently holds a Good rating from Ofsted, following a graded inspection in 2013 and an ungraded inspection in 2022 that confirmed it remains Good. This is a notable improvement from its previous inspection in 2011, when it was rated Requires Improvement.

Key Details

School TypeSecondary (State)
Age Range11 to 18 years
GenderMixed
Religious CharacterDoes not apply
AddressBedford Road, Hitchin, North Hertfordshire, SG5 2UR
HeadteacherMatt Blayney
Local AuthorityHertfordshire
Number of Pupils1,242
Free School Meals (FSM)23.2%
School Capacity1,242 / 1,300 (96% 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

5 Oct 2022
View Report
Overall Effectiveness
Good
Leadership & Management
Good

Latest monitoring visit (5 Oct 2022): School remains Good

Source: Ofsted, 19 Apr 2013. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.

Facilities

10
Swimming PoolDining HallGymnasiumPlaying FieldsTheatreAstro TurfSports HallTennis CourtsChapelSixth Form Centre

Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.

Extracurriculars

16

Sports

Cross CountrySwimmingCricketGymnasticsRoundersTennisRowingRugby

Clubs & Activities

Science ClubChoirEco ClubCodingNewspaperGardeningDuke of EdinburghModel United Nations

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 The Priory School

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