Freman College

A rural upper school delivering results that defy its modest setting. Freman College sits in Buntingford, a small market town in north Hertfordshire, yet its sixth form ranks in the top 10% in England for value-added progress. This is a school where students join at 13, an unusual entry point that creates a distinctive community; where pupils arrive from a network of local middle schools and stay through to 18; and where the vast majority leave for university, apprenticeships, or employment well prepared for what comes next.

The college serves approximately 900 students from Year 9 through to Year 13. Founded in 1970 as Ward Freman School, it draws on an educational heritage stretching back to 1633, when Elizabeth Freman first endowed a grammar school in this Hertfordshire town. The institution became Freman College in 1999, converted to academy status in 2011, and has since carved out a reputation for academic achievement alongside genuine breadth of opportunity.

The atmosphere at Freman is purposeful without being pressurised. Behaviour is calm and orderly. Students move between lessons in a relaxed manner that speaks to clear expectations embedded over time. Staff know students by name; vertical tutor groups ensure that Year 9 pupils learn alongside sixth formers, and the house system provides a structure for competition, collaboration, and belonging.

Headteacher Ms Lisa Jones, who holds a Cambridge master's degree, has built on the foundations laid by her predecessor Roger Harcourt, whose 2018 British Shakespeare Association fellowship alongside Dame Vanessa Redgrave speaks to the cultural ambition the college has long maintained. The ethos centres on three core objectives: excellence in teaching and learning, opportunities for personal discovery, and a strong sense of community responsibility extending from local to global contexts.

The site itself reflects practical investment rather than heritage grandeur. Eight science laboratories, specialist art rooms, dedicated music practice spaces, a drama studio, and a sports hall with fitness suite provide the infrastructure for a broad curriculum. Outside, extensive playing fields include hard tennis courts, netball courts, a cricket square, and a multi-use games area. The purpose-built Sixth Form centre offers study and social spaces separate from the main school, giving older students the independence they need while remaining connected to the wider community.

The house system is central to college life. Inter-house competitions span sport, music, drama, art, and photography. These events are largely organised by senior students, creating leadership opportunities that teach responsibility. Younger students benefit from interaction with older peers during form time, developing confidence and a sense of progression through the school.

GCSE Performance

Freman College achieves GCSE results that sit comfortably above England averages. In 2024, the Progress 8 score of +0.58 placed the school among the highest nationally for the progress students make between Key Stage 2 and GCSE. This means students at Freman achieve significantly better GCSE grades than pupils with similar starting points at other schools.

Attainment 8 reached 53.6 points, compared to the England average of 45.9. The school ranks 1,226th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), reflecting solid performance in line with the middle 35% of schools nationally (25th to 60th percentile). Locally, it ranks 1st in Buntingford.

In English Language, 22.7% of students achieved Grade 7 or above, compared to 15.5% nationally. In Mathematics, 24.7% reached Grade 7 or higher against a 16.5% England average. The EBacc average point score of 4.63 exceeds the England average of 4.08.

A-Level Performance

The sixth form is where Freman particularly distinguishes itself. In 2024, the college achieved its best ever A-level results. Over a third of entries were graded A* or A, with the average grade sitting at B. Cambridge Technical courses averaged a Distinction grade.

The A-level progress score of +0.39 in Summer 2024 was the third highest among Hertfordshire's 124 sixth form providers and placed Freman in the top 10% of schools and colleges in England. The school ranks 514th in England for A-level outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it above the England average and within the top 25% of sixth forms nationally. Locally, it ranks 1st in Buntingford.

Overall, 62% of A-level grades were A*-B, exceeding the England average of 47.2%. Student retention is strong: 94% of those who begin Year 12 complete their studies through Year 13, significantly above national comparisons.

The college also supports GCSE resit students effectively. Among those entering without Grade 4 in Mathematics, 62% achieved the grade at Freman compared to 14% nationally. For English, 100% achieved Grade 4, against a national figure of 22%.

Teaching follows a consistent model of high expectations and clear explanation. Staff demonstrate secure subject knowledge and explain new concepts precisely. Teachers are trained to check pupil understanding accurately, adjusting their approach based on what students need. Leaders have overseen significant developments in the quality of education since the previous inspection, and the curriculum is designed to set students up well for their next stages.

The curriculum spans a broad range of subjects. The sixth form offers over 25 A-level and Cambridge Technical courses, including Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, English Literature, History, Geography, Psychology, Sociology, Art, Drama, and Music. Vocational pathways sit alongside traditional academic routes, giving students options that match their strengths and ambitions.

A distinctive feature of the college's structure is its position within the Rib Valley pyramid. Students typically progress from lower schools to Edwinstree Church of England Middle School or Ralph Sadleir School before arriving at Freman for Year 9. The three schools have historically shared senior leadership and maintain strong links, creating continuity in curriculum and expectations. This partnership, though the formal Humanities College specialism has ended, still shapes how students experience their education from primary through to sixth form.

The sixth form prepares students effectively for a range of destinations. In the most recent cohort, 60% progressed to university, 7% began apprenticeships, 5% moved to further education, and 21% entered employment. These figures reflect a school that supports multiple pathways rather than funnelling everyone toward a single route.

Among university applicants, 95% secured places at their first choice institution. Recent destinations include Russell Group universities such as Durham, Warwick, Manchester, York, Bristol, Bath, Liverpool, and Loughborough. Students have also progressed to Oxford to study German and Beginners Czech, and to Cambridge to read Law.

One student in the most recent cohort secured a place at Cambridge, with three having applied to Oxbridge overall. The college does not produce Oxbridge candidates in large numbers, but those who apply are well supported. Beyond traditional universities, students have taken places at specialist institutions including Harper and Keele Veterinary School.

Degree apprenticeships and higher apprenticeships represent a growing pathway. Recent leavers have secured positions with employers including GSK (Engineering), Amazon (Project Management), Willmott Dixon (Quantity Surveying), and Hardcastle Burton (Accountancy). The college's careers guidance encompasses all routes, helping students identify options that match their abilities and interests.

Freman College admits students at Year 9, an unusual entry point reflecting its position as an upper school within Hertfordshire's three-tier system. The main feeder schools are Edwinstree Church of England Middle School and Ralph Sadleir School, both of which direct their students to Freman at the end of Year 8.

The college offers 210 places for Year 9 entry each September. Admissions are coordinated through Hertfordshire County Council, not directly by the school. Applications must be submitted online via the Hertfordshire admissions portal between 1 September and 31 October for the following September intake. Applications received after the deadline are classified as late and given lowest priority.

The catchment area encompasses Buntingford, Puckeridge, Braughing, Anstey, Hormead, and Ardeley, though the school regularly admits students from beyond this area, including from Ware, Royston, and Stevenage. Oversubscription criteria follow standard patterns: looked after children and those with EHCPs naming the school receive priority, followed by siblings, then distance from the school.

In-year admissions are handled directly by the college. Families seeking a place outside the normal admissions round should contact the school office for an application form; decisions are typically communicated within 10 to 15 working days.

Sixth Form Admissions

External students may join at Year 12. Entry requirements are detailed in the sixth form prospectus, with specific GCSE grades needed for different A-level and vocational courses. The prospectus and application forms are available on the school website, and students are encouraged to attend the open evening or arrange a visit before applying.

Open Events

The main open evening for Year 9 entry takes place in September. For September 2026 entry, the open evening is scheduled for Wednesday 24 September 2025, 5:30pm to 7pm. Tours run between 5:30pm and 6pm, departments are open throughout, and the Headteacher's talk begins at 7pm. Individual tours during the school day can also be arranged by contacting the college office at 01763 271818 or admin@freman.org.uk.

The vertical tutor system creates natural mentoring relationships. Younger students benefit from the presence of older peers in their form groups, while sixth formers develop responsibility by supporting those below them. The house system adds a further layer of pastoral structure, with house events and competitions building camaraderie across year groups.

The latest Ofsted inspection, conducted in June 2024, rated the school Good overall. Inspectors noted that pupils behave very well, moving around the school calmly and in an orderly way. The vast majority are prepared for their next steps, whether further education, apprenticeships, or employment. Leaders, including governors, have high ambitions for the college and have overseen significant improvements in the quality of education.

Support for wellbeing includes dedicated SEND provision and resources for mental health. The college provides information for students acting as carers. Safeguarding arrangements meet requirements. The pastoral care structure ensures that students have multiple adults they can approach if they need support.

Extracurricular life is varied and accessible. The college holds Artsmark Gold, reflecting sustained investment in creative and performing arts. The range of lunchtime and after-school activities includes College Choir, Male Choir, drama productions, art clubs, badminton, table tennis, basketball, football for both boys and girls, fitness suite sessions, model making, miniature painting, craft club, and Minecraft club.

Sport

Physical education follows a core programme in the first term before students choose from a combination of activities including trampolining, swimming and life-saving, and a range of individual and team games. National governing body awards are offered in trampolining, Sports Leadership, the FA Junior Football Organisers Award, and Royal Life Saving Society qualifications. The sports hall, fitness suite, and extensive outdoor facilities support both curricular and extracurricular sport.

Creative Arts and Music

The drama studio hosts house competitions and whole-school productions. Music practice rooms allow individual and small group work, while events such as "A Night at the Movies" bring together performers across the school. The creative arts benefit from specialist teaching rooms and equipment, with strong take-up at both GCSE and A-level.

Duke of Edinburgh and Trips

A large number of students participate in the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, progressing through Bronze, Silver, and Gold awards. Educational trips are a regular feature: ski trips, visits to Greece, Rome, Germany, Belgium, and France expand horizons beyond Hertfordshire. A partnership with a school in Ghana has enabled reciprocal visits, extending the college's commitment to global awareness.

The school day runs from standard hours appropriate to secondary education. Wraparound care is not typically offered for this age range, as students arrive from Year 9 upward. The college is located on Bowling Green Lane in Buntingford, accessible by car or local bus routes. Parking is available for visitors. Individual tours can be arranged during the school day by contacting the college office.

Unusual entry point. Year 9 entry means students join at 13, rather than the more common transition at 11. Families relocating from outside Hertfordshire's three-tier areas may need to consider whether their child is ready for this transition, and whether prior schooling has prepared them for the curriculum expectations here.

Rural location. Buntingford is a small market town without the urban amenities of larger Hertfordshire settlements. Students from Ware, Royston, or Stevenage may face longer journeys. The rural setting is part of the college's identity, but families should consider travel practicalities.

Sixth form expectations. The strong A-level progress scores reflect demanding teaching and high expectations. Students who thrive here are self-motivated and ready to take responsibility for their learning. Those seeking a less intensive sixth form environment might find the pace challenging.

Limited Oxbridge track record. While the college has sent students to both Oxford and Cambridge, numbers are small. Families specifically seeking a school with an established Oxbridge programme may want to explore options with larger applicant cohorts and dedicated preparation support.

Freman College delivers an education that punches above its weight. Strong GCSE results are complemented by exceptional sixth form progress scores that place this rural comprehensive among the best in Hertfordshire and in the top 10% nationally for value added. The unusual Year 9 entry point, inherited from the three-tier system, creates a cohesive community where students grow from early adolescence through to adulthood in a single institution.

Best suited to families within the Rib Valley pyramid who want their children to progress naturally from middle school to an upper school with genuine academic ambition. Also worth considering for families from further afield who value strong pastoral care, broad extracurricular provision, and a sixth form that consistently helps students exceed expectations. The main challenge is not getting in, but making the most of the opportunities once there.