The Reach Free School
90%
Capacity
753
Pupils
3.3x
Demand
About The Reach Free School
The Reach Free School is a state-funded None secondary school serving the Three Rivers community, welcoming children from age 11 to 18. The school has 753 pupils on roll and is well-filled (90% of 840 places).
Ofsted has rated The Reach Free School "Good", the school is led by headteacher Richard Booth, it falls under Hertfordshire local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.02 is below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is solid at 46.6. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of C+. Additionally, ranked 1583rd out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 7th out of 7 in Three Rivers.
The Reach Free School is a popular choice with families — it received 353 applications for 107 places, making it 3.3x oversubscribed. Of these, 121 were first-preference applications.
The Reach Free School parent feedback on Ofsted Parent View is very positive, with 91% recommending the school (130 responses).
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 10 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 7 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at The Reach Free School include Swimming Pool, Sixth Form Centre, Library, Dining Hall, Tennis Courts, ICT Suite, Art Studios, Science Labs.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Netball, Cross Country, Swimming, Athletics and 5 more, as well as clubs including Art Club, DofE, Film Club, Book Club and 6 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 20.7%, which is close to the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Three Rivers, The Reach Free 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 | None |
| Address | Long Lane, Rickmansworth, Three Rivers, WD3 8AB |
| Headteacher | Richard Booth |
| Local Authority | Hertfordshire |
| Number of Pupils | 753 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 20.7% |
| School Capacity | 753 / 840 (90% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
16 Oct 2024Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (16 Oct 2024): Standards maintained
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 2 Apr 2019. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.02)
1583rd of 3,141
Nationally
178th of 350
In East of England
7th of 7
In Three Rivers
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
39.8
'22/23
29.4
'23/24
33.3
Source: Department for Education 16-18 Performance Tables, 2023/24. Value Added measures progress compared to students with similar GCSE results.
Ofsted Parent View
130 responsesWould Recommend This School
Source: Ofsted Parent View (GOV.UK statistical data), Sep – Sep 2025
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
8Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
19Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed107
353
High Demand
Competitive - many more applications than places available
121 families put this school as their 1st choice (34% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Reach Free 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
Long Lane, Rickmansworth
Three Rivers, WD3 8AB
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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