The Priory School
96%
Capacity
1,242
Pupils
3.2x
Demand
About The Priory School
The Priory School is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the North Hertfordshire community, welcoming children from age 11 to 18. The school has 1,242 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (96% of 1,300 places).
Ofsted has rated The Priory School "Good", the school is led by headteacher Matt Blayney, it falls under Hertfordshire local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.05 is below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is solid at 46.5. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of C+. Additionally, ranked 1656th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 4th out of 7 in North Hertfordshire.
The Priory School is a popular choice with families — it received 567 applications for 178 places, making it 3.2x oversubscribed. Of these, 121 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 The Priory School include Swimming Pool, Dining Hall, Gymnasium, Playing Fields, Theatre, Astro Turf, Sports Hall, Tennis Courts, Chapel, Sixth Form Centre.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Cross Country, Swimming, Cricket, Gymnastics and 4 more, as well as clubs including Science Club, Choir, Eco Club, Coding and 4 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 23.2%, which is close to the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in North Hertfordshire, The Priory 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 | Bedford Road, Hitchin, North Hertfordshire, SG5 2UR |
| Headteacher | Matt Blayney |
| Local Authority | Hertfordshire |
| Number of Pupils | 1,242 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 23.2% |
| School Capacity | 1,242 / 1,300 (96% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
5 Oct 2022Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (5 Oct 2022): School remains Good
Source: Ofsted, 19 Apr 2013. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.05)
1656th of 3,141
Nationally
188th of 350
In East of England
4th of 7
In North Hertfordshire
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make similar progress to students nationally with the same starting point
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
34.1
'22/23
36.0
'23/24
32.5
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
16Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed178
567
High Demand
Competitive - many more applications than places available
121 families put this school as their 1st choice (21% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Priory 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
Bedford Road, Hitchin
North Hertfordshire, SG5 2UR
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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