The Knights Templar School Review 2026: Baldock's Established Comprehensive with Strong Community Roots

The Knights Templar School occupies a prominent position in Baldock, a historic market town in Hertfordshire with Saxon origins and medieval character. This non-selective academy serves students from Year 7 through Sixth Form, welcoming pupils from across North Hertfordshire and beyond. The school has built its reputation on the twin pillars of academic rigour and personal development, embodied in its guiding motto of Courage and Courtesy. With approximately 1,420 students on roll and a published admission number of 210 for Year 7, the school is larger than the original capacity of 1,330, reflecting sustained local demand for places.

The April 2023 Ofsted inspection confirmed the school's continued Good rating, with inspectors noting that pupils are happy, feel safe, and work hard in lessons. The school operates as a single-academy trust, maintaining its distinctive identity while benefitting from the autonomy that academy status provides. Parents in the Baldock area have long regarded KTS as the established choice for comprehensive education, with the school's reputation for high expectations and structured support appealing to families seeking a traditional yet forward-looking educational environment.

The balance between academic ambition and broad extracurricular opportunity defines the KTS experience. Students benefit from specialist teaching across the curriculum, with dedicated facilities for science, technology, the arts, and physical education. The house system provides a framework for inter-form competition and pastoral support, while the extensive activities programme ensures that learning extends far beyond the classroom. For families navigating the Hertfordshire secondary school landscape, The Knights Templar School represents a proven option with clear systems and established practice.

The school culture at Knights Templar reflects its name and motto with genuine coherence. Courage and Courtesy are not merely words displayed in the entrance hall but values that staff consistently reinforce through the behaviour policy and daily interactions. Visitors to the site encounter a purposeful atmosphere where students move between lessons with evident familiarity with expectations and routines. The physical environment combines original buildings with later additions, creating a campus that has evolved to meet the changing demands of secondary education while retaining a sense of history and continuity.

Edward Hutchings has led the school as Headteacher, bringing a focus on clear communication and structured improvement that parents and staff alike have described as stabilising. Under his leadership, the school has maintained its Good rating while implementing curriculum developments and refining pastoral systems. The Senior Leadership Team includes specialist responsibilities for key areas including Behaviour and Attitudes, SEND, and Sixth Form, ensuring that different phases of the school receive focused attention from experienced leaders. This distributed leadership model means that students benefit from staff who understand the specific challenges of their age group while remaining connected to the whole-school vision.

The house system at KTS provides both competitive spirit and pastoral belonging. Seven houses, named after figures with connections to the Knights Templar legacy, compete for points throughout the year through academic achievement, attendance, and extracurricular participation. Each house has dedicated staff who monitor student welfare and coordinate activities, creating smaller communities within the larger school. This structure helps students in Years 7 through 13 find their place and build relationships with peers and staff across age groups. The emphasis on mutual support and respectful competition fosters a climate where students feel known as individuals while participating in the collective life of the school.

Behaviour at Knights Templar reflects the high expectations set by leadership. The 2023 Ofsted inspection found that pupils are kind to one another and want to succeed, with students working hard in lessons and enjoying their subjects. The school's approach combines clear consequences with restorative practices, creating a fair system that parents understand and students respect. Low-level disruption is managed effectively, allowing teaching to proceed without interruption and enabling students to focus on their learning. For families considering the school, the structured environment provides reassurance that standards are maintained consistently across subjects and year groups.

The Knights Templar School delivers solid academic outcomes that place it in line with national averages while outperforming many schools in the local area. The 2024 GCSE results show an Attainment 8 score of 44.9, reflecting the combined performance across eight subjects that pupils study during Key Stage 4. The Progress 8 measure of -0.27 indicates that students make progress broadly in line with expectations based on their prior attainment, neither significantly above nor below the national average. This positioning suggests that the school adds consistent value without dramatic acceleration or concerning decline, a pattern that parents seeking steady progress rather than exceptional peaks may find reassuring.

In the context of England-wide comparisons, Knights Templar ranks 1,600th among secondary schools, placing it in the national typical band for GCSE performance. More significantly, the school ranks first among secondary schools in Baldock, confirming its position as the leading option locally. The combined A-level and GCSE ranking of 1,153rd in England reflects the school's broader performance across phases, while the A-level ranking of 1,231st (46.47th percentile) indicates results in line with middle performance nationally. These rankings, calculated from official data, provide parents with comparative context without suggesting either exceptional strength or significant weakness.

The A-level results show a pass rate that reflects the challenging nature of post-16 study. The A*-B grade percentage of 44.32% places the sixth form in solid national company, with students achieving the top grades at rates comparable to similar comprehensive sixth forms across England. The distribution across grades shows the full range of outcomes that any sixth form must manage, with some students excelling while others achieve grades that nonetheless open doors to their next steps. For parents comparing sixth form options, these results suggest that Knights Templar provides genuine preparation for higher education and employment without promising or delivering exceptional outcomes that would place it among the highest-performing sixth forms nationally.

University progression from Knights Templar reflects both the academic offer and the careers guidance provided throughout Years 12 and 13. The 2024 leavers data shows 43% progressing to university, with a further 37% entering employment and 8% starting apprenticeships. These destinations indicate that the school prepares students for the full range of post-18 options rather than treating university as the only valued outcome. The careers programme includes university visits, apprenticeship information, and employment guidance, helping students make informed decisions about their futures regardless of the path they choose.

The curriculum at Knights Templar follows the national framework with thoughtful adaptations that reflect school priorities and local context. At Key Stage 3, students study the full range of foundation subjects including the sciences, humanities, languages, and the arts. The setting arrangements in mathematics and some other subjects allow teachers to tailor their approach to different groups, providing appropriate challenge and support. Subject specialists teach from Year 7 onwards, ensuring that students develop subject-specific knowledge and skills from the start of their secondary education rather than receiving generalist teaching that would need unpicking later.

The option process at the end of Year 9 allows students to specialise while maintaining a broad foundation. The English Baccalaureate remains available to those who choose it, with students able to study separate sciences, humanities, and languages alongside their core qualifications. The school provides clear guidance during the options process, helping students and families understand which combinations will keep future pathways open while respecting individual interests and aptitudes. The careers team works with students throughout Key Stage 4 to ensure that GCSE choices align with later ambitions, whether those involve A-levels, apprenticeships, or vocational qualifications.

At Key Stage 5, the sixth form offers A-levels across the traditional range of subjects with entry requirements appropriate to each course. Students typically study three subjects at A-level, with the option to take four for the most able or to combine academic and vocational qualifications. The sixth form team provides tutorial support and UCAS guidance, helping students navigate the university application process while managing the demands of advanced study. The 16-19 Bursary Fund provides financial support for students who need help with the costs of studying, ensuring that financial circumstances do not create barriers to sixth form participation.

Teachers at Knights Templar benefit from strong subject knowledge and access to professional development. The school invests in staff training, with particular emphasis on curriculum development and assessment practice. The department structure allows teachers to collaborate within subjects, sharing resources and approaches to common challenges. Parent feedback consistently highlights the dedication of teaching staff, with teachers described as approachable and supportive by families who have experienced the school directly. This professional culture contributes to the stable learning environment that characterises Knights Templar and helps explain the consistent outcomes achieved across different cohorts of students.

The destinations of Knights Templar leavers reflect both the academic preparation they receive and the guidance provided by the careers team. University progression stands at 43% for the 2024 cohort, a figure that places the school in line with national patterns for comprehensive sixth forms. Students progress to a range of institutions, from local universities to more competitive universities further afield. The Russell Group and wider progression patterns suggest that ambitious students can progress to competitive courses with appropriate support, while the emphasis on apprenticeships and employment recognises that university is not the right choice for all students.

The Oxbridge application process receives particular attention, with five students from the most recent cohort applying to Oxford or Cambridge. One student received an offer and accepted, representing the success rate that many comprehensive schools achieve when they support talented students through the demanding application process. While these numbers are small, they demonstrate that Knights Templar provides genuine preparation for the most competitive university places, identifying suitable candidates and supporting them through interviews, entrance exams, and the personal statement process.

For students not pursuing university, the school maintains relationships with local employers and apprenticeship providers that inform careers education. The careers bulletin and careers fair connect students with opportunities ranging from local businesses to national apprenticeship programmes. The Duke of Edinburgh's Award programme develops skills and experiences that strengthen applications for both employment and higher education, while work experience placements in Year 10 and Year 12 provide exposure to different workplace environments. These provisions ensure that all students, regardless of their post-18 plans, receive guidance and support appropriate to their next steps.

The transition from Year 11 to Year 12 benefits from the shared site and familiar staff, with internal students often feeling confident about the move to sixth form. Entry requirements for sixth form study are clearly communicated, with students needing appropriate GCSE grades for their chosen subjects. The school publishes these requirements in advance, allowing students to make informed choices about their A-level combinations during Year 11. This clarity helps families plan and reduces the uncertainty that some students experience when moving between institutions for their post-16 education.

Admission to The Knights Templar School is coordinated through Hertfordshire County Council for Year 7 entry, with the school's own admissions policy determining how places are allocated within the published admission number of 210. The 2024 admissions round received 491 applications for 210 places, creating significant competition for Year 7 entry. This demand has remained consistent in recent years, with 519 applications in 2023, reflecting the school's strong local reputation and the genuine preference of families in the area.

The oversubscription criteria prioritised looked-after children and previously looked-after children, followed by children with an Education, Health and Care Plan naming the school. The remaining places were allocated to siblings of existing students who live within the priority area, then to other children living in the priority area based on distance from the school. Children of staff received priority before students outside the priority area, who were also allocated places by distance. These criteria are typical for popular comprehensive schools and ensure that local families receive consideration while the school can draw from a wider area.

The priority area for Knights Templar extends beyond Baldock to include surrounding villages and neighbourhoods, reflecting the rural nature of North Hertfordshire and the limited alternatives available to some families. Families considering the school should verify their position relative to the priority boundary and understand that living outside this area significantly reduces the likelihood of receiving an offer. The distance of the furthest child offered a place varies each year based on the distribution of applications, with parents advised to use the FindMySchool Map Search to check their precise distance from the school gates compared to the last distance offered.

Applications for sixth form are managed directly by the school, with entry requirements varying by subject. Students from other schools are welcome to apply, competing for places alongside internal students seeking to continue their education at KTS. The sixth form prospectus and admissions information are available through the dedicated sixth form website, providing detailed guidance on courses, entry requirements, and the application process. Families should contact the sixth form team directly for the most current information about September 2026 entry, as dates and requirements may change.

The pastoral system at Knights Templar provides multiple layers of support for students navigating the challenges of adolescence. Each year group has a dedicated Head of Year responsible for attendance, behaviour, and student welfare, working with form tutors who see students daily and develop relationships over the year. The pastoral team meets regularly to discuss students who may need additional support, ensuring that concerns are identified early and appropriate interventions are put in place. This structured approach means that students have identifiable adults who know their circumstances and can provide consistent guidance.

Mental health and wellbeing receive increasing attention within the pastoral offer. The school has developed an information hub covering topics from bullying to sexuality and gender identity, providing resources for students who may need support outside of direct pastoral contact. The mental health provisions include access to counselling services and partnerships with external agencies that can provide specialist support when needed. The emphasis on creating a supportive environment reflects both the school values and the growing recognition that emotional wellbeing is foundational to academic success.

The SEND provision at Knights Templar ensures that students with additional needs receive appropriate support to access the curriculum. The SEND Information Report details the provision available, including access arrangements for public examinations and in-class support for students with identified needs. The SENDCO works with teaching staff to ensure that classroom practice meets diverse needs, while the learning support team provides targeted interventions for students who need additional help. Families of students with SEND should contact the school directly to discuss whether Knights Templar can meet their child's needs, with the local authority's Ordinarily Available Provision providing context for the support that can be expected.

Safeguarding receives the highest priority, with designated safeguarding leads and regular training for all staff. The 2023 Ofsted inspection confirmed that safeguarding is effective, providing reassurance to families about the school's approach to protecting students. The school's policies and procedures reflect current requirements, with appropriate checks on staff and volunteers and clear protocols for reporting concerns. Parents can access information about safeguarding through the school website and are encouraged to discuss any concerns with pastoral staff.

The extracurricular programme at Knights Templar reflects the school's commitment to developing well-rounded individuals. The activities booklet and termly clubs timetable provide options across sports, the arts, academics, and personal development. Team sports feature prominently, with competitive opportunities against other schools in local and county competitions. The school fields teams in major sports including football, netball, rugby, and cricket, with fixtures scheduled throughout the academic year and regular training sessions to develop skills and team cohesion.

The Duke of Edinburgh's Award programme offers students the chance to develop independence, resilience, and teamwork through the expedition, volunteering, and skill sections of the award. Students in Years 9 and above can begin their Bronze award, progressing to Silver and Gold as they move through the school. These expeditions take students into the countryside around Hertfordshire and beyond, providing experiences of self-reliance and adventure that complement classroom learning. The award is highly valued by universities and employers, demonstrating qualities of determination and organisation that go beyond academic achievement.

LAMDA lessons provide opportunities for students to develop performance skills through the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art qualifications. Individual lessons are available during the school day, with examinations held on-site and results contributing to students' broader achievements. The school production, staged annually, brings together students from all year groups in a major theatrical undertaking that develops confidence, creativity, and collaborative skills. Recent productions have demonstrated the talent within the school community and the commitment of staff who direct, design, and support the performances.

Music education at Knights Templar benefits from the school's membership in Music Mark, recognising its commitment to providing a high-quality music education. Students can learn instruments through peripatetic lessons, with opportunities to participate in ensembles, bands, and choirs. The music department organises concerts throughout the year, showcasing student achievement and providing performance opportunities for those who develop their musical abilities. These provisions ensure that students with musical interests can pursue their talents within the school environment, developing skills that enrich their lives beyond any formal qualification.

The school day at Knights Templar begins at 8:50am and ends at 3:20pm, with registration and tutorial time at the start and end of each day. The timing allows for a full school day while accommodating the logistics of students travelling from across North Hertfordshire. The school operates a two-week timetable with Period 1 through Period 5 each day, providing sufficient lesson time for the full curriculum while maintaining manageable daily structures for students and staff.

Uniform expectations are clearly communicated and consistently enforced, with smart dress contributing to the professional atmosphere of the school. The uniform policy is available on the website, with guidance on required items and where these can be purchased. Second-hand uniform sales through the Friends of KTS parent group provide a more affordable option for families, while theWisePay system manages payments for uniform and other school-related costs. The emphasis on uniform reflects the school's high expectations and creates a sense of shared identity among students.

Travel to school arrangements reflect the rural nature of the catchment area, with many families relying on car transport while others use public buses that serve Baldock from surrounding villages. The transport page on the website provides information about routes and passes, while the local authority coordinates school transport for eligible students living beyond the walking distance threshold. Parking at the school is limited, with families advised to consider the drop-off and pick-up arrangements that work best for their circumstances. The train station in Baldock provides a viable option for families living to the south, with regular services to London and Cambridge.

The school calendar is published online, with key dates including term dates, parents' evenings, and examination periods clearly indicated. The weekly bulletin keeps families informed about current events, achievements, and practical matters, providing regular communication that helps parents stay connected with school life. The Satchel One and EduLink One platforms allow families to access homework, attendance, and progress information, supporting the partnership between home and school that contributes to student success.

Competition for Year 7 places remains intense, with almost 500 applications for 210 places in recent years. Families living outside the priority area face significantly reduced chances of securing a place, and even those within the area cannot assume entry based on proximity alone. The distance of the furthest child admitted varies each year based on the distribution of applications, and parents should use the FindMySchool tools to verify their position and understand that proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place. Early application through the Hertfordshire coordinated process is essential, with the deadline typically in October for the following September entry.

Progress 8 results indicate that students make progress in line with expectations rather than exceeding them, suggesting that the school maintains standards without accelerating outcomes beyond the national average. Families seeking exceptional academic results that would place their children among the highest performers nationally may wish to consider alternatives with stronger Progress 8 or Attainment 8 scores. However, for families seeking solid, consistent education that adds value without creating pressure, this positioning reflects genuine achievement within a comprehensive context.

The size of the school, with over 1,400 students across five year groups, creates a large community that may feel overwhelming to some students. The house system and pastoral structures help students find their place, but families of more reserved children should consider how their child might navigate the scale and social complexity of a school of this size. Visiting during the school day and talking to current families can provide insight into whether the environment would suit a particular child's temperament and needs.

The sixth form progression rates indicate that the majority of students do not continue to university, with employment and apprenticeships representing significant destinations. While this reflects realistic outcomes for comprehensive sixth forms, families with university ambitions should discuss the support available for competitive applications and consider whether the school's track record in supporting students through the Oxbridge process or Russell Group applications meets their expectations.

The Knights Templar School offers established comprehensive education in a well-maintained setting with clear values and consistent practice. The Good Ofsted rating, solid academic outcomes, and genuine breadth of opportunity create a compelling offer for families in the North Hertfordshire area who want a structured environment with high expectations. The school excels in providing steady, reliable education that prepares students for their futures without promising exceptional outcomes that would place it among the highest performers nationally.

Best suited to families who value traditional comprehensive education with strong pastoral support and broad extracurricular opportunity. The competitive admissions mean that securing a place requires early application and, ideally, location within the priority area. For those who gain entry, the school provides a stable, well-organised environment where students can develop academically, socially, and personally under the banner of Courage and Courtesy.

The main challenge lies in the admissions process itself, where strong local demand creates pressure that not all families will navigate successfully. Those who secure places benefit from an established school with experienced staff, clear systems, and a genuine commitment to developing the whole student. The balance of academic preparation and personal development makes Knights Templar a sound choice for families seeking comprehensive education with traditional values and modern practice.