Prince Henry's High School Review 2026: Outstanding Evesham High School

Sitting in the Vale of Evesham, Prince Henry's High School is an institution that wears its history with pride while operating as a thoroughly modern engine of social mobility. As a Teaching School Hub, it plays a central role in training educators across the region, suggesting a culture of introspection and professional standards. Unusually for much of England, it operates as a High School within a three-tier system, welcoming pupils at age 13 (Year 9) rather than the standard age 11. This creates a distinct atmosphere; there are no nervous eleven-year-olds here, only teenagers stepping into a more adult environment from day one.

The school traces its origins to the Benedictine monks of Evesham Abbey, though it was refounded in 1605 by Prince Henry, eldest son of James I. This heritage is visible in the crest and the motto, Parvis Componere Magna (Great things from small things grow), but the campus itself is a blend of eras. The site on Victoria Avenue has expanded over decades to accommodate over 1,300 students, including a large Sixth Form.

Dr Tony Evans has led the school since 2012. His long tenure provides stability in a landscape of frequent leadership changes. The atmosphere is purposeful and orderly, reflecting the "Universal Values" the school promotes: honesty, integrity, and mutual respect. Because students arrive in Year 9, the intake process is intensive, designed to mold cohorts from various middle schools into a cohesive whole quickly.

Facilities are a clear strength. The Henrician (formerly the Evesham Arts Centre) is located on-site, providing professional-grade theatre space that benefits both the school and the local community. This fosters a particularly strong performing arts culture that permeates the school year.

Prince Henry's consistently delivers solid academic outcomes, particularly in terms of student progress. In 2024, the school achieved a Progress 8 score of +0.39. This figure indicates that students achieve nearly half a grade higher per subject than peers of similar ability nationally, a significant value-add.

Ranked 1638th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking) and 1st in Evesham, performance reflects solid performance, in line with the middle 35% of schools in England (25th to 60th percentile). However, the progress score suggests the raw ranking understates the impact of the teaching.

At A-level, the picture is more complex. The school ranks 1673rd in England (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the national lower band. In 2024, 40.9% of grades were A*-B, slightly below the England average of 47.2%. While top-end achievement exists—evidenced by the 0.4% A* rate—the published figures suggest a broad-access Sixth Form rather than an exclusively elite academic hothouse.

As a Teaching School Hub, Prince Henry's is a centre of pedagogical practice. This status means the school is heavily involved in teacher training and development, ensuring that staff are kept abreast of the latest evidence-based strategies.

The March 2024 Ofsted inspection rated the school Outstanding in all areas, noting that "pupils flourish academically and grow into caring young adults." Inspectors highlighted that classrooms are places where students "think, question and reflect," rather than passively absorb information.

The curriculum is broad. In Year 9, students complete a foundation year to settle in before commencing GCSEs in Year 10. The three-year Key Stage 4 (often compressed to two years elsewhere) is not the model here; instead, the structure acknowledges the transition from middle school. Modern Foreign Languages are valued, with French, German, and Spanish offered.

The destinations data reveals a school that supports diverse pathways effectively. While 38% of 2024 leavers progressed to university, a nearly identical proportion (39%) entered employment directly. This is unusually high for a school with a large Sixth Form and suggests a robust careers programme that values work-readiness alongside academic routes.

Apprenticeships are also a strong feature, with 9% of the cohort choosing this route. For those aiming for elite universities, support is available; one student secured a place at Cambridge in 2024. The school is clearly not just a university factory but a launchpad for various careers in the local and national economy.

Admission to Prince Henry's differs from the standard secondary model. The main entry point is Year 9 (age 13), not Year 7. Families relocating to the area must understand this three-tier distinction. The Published Admission Number (PAN) is 325, and the school is often oversubscribed.

Applications are handled by Worcestershire County Council. The closing date is typically 31 October of the year prior to entry (when the child is in Year 8).

The oversubscription criteria prioritise looked-after children, followed by siblings, and then children living within the catchment area (Evesham and surrounding villages like Bredon and Broadway). The final criterion is distance.

The House system is the backbone of pastoral care, with students allocated to one of five houses: Burlingham, Deacle, Holland, Lichfield, or Workman. These names honour historical benefactors, reinforcing the school's link to the town's history.

Form tutors move with their groups through the school, providing continuity. Because students join at a vulnerable age (13), the pastoral team is adept at managing the "middle school to high school" transition, which can be unsettling. The school invests in a dedicated Student Welfare Manager and has established links with external agencies for mental health support.

The extracurricular life is vibrant, anchored heavily by the arts. The Henrician theatre hosts major school productions that involve large numbers of students, from cast to technical crew.

Sport is the other major pillar. The school takes advantage of its location and facilities to offer a wide range of options. The Sports Hall and sprawling playing fields host fixtures in rugby, hockey, netball, and cricket. The Duke of Edinburgh Award is popular, with high uptake at Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels, leveraging the nearby Cotswolds for expeditions.

Clubs like the Interact Club (linked to Rotary) focus on service, while departmental clubs range from Robotics to Creative Writing.

The school day runs from 9:00am to 3:35pm. Being a catchment school for a semi-rural area, a significant number of students rely on school transport. Buses serve the surrounding villages; families should check Worcestershire County Council's transport policy for eligibility, as this can be a significant cost for those out of catchment.

Three-Tier Entry Point. Entry is at Year 9 (age 13). Families moving from two-tier areas (primary/secondary) with a child in Year 7 or 8 will need to navigate the local Middle School system first or seek in-year admission if spaces allow.

Rural Transport. While the school serves Evesham, the catchment extends into rural Worcestershire. Families outside the immediate town should budget for transport costs if they do not qualify for council support.

Sixth Form Entry. Entry to the Sixth Form requires a Grade 4 in Mathematics and English Language or Literature, plus a minimum of 30 points across the best six GCSEs. External applicants are welcome but must meet these criteria.

Prince Henry's High School is a pillar of the Evesham community, offering a stable, values-driven education with standout facilities in the arts. The transition at age 13 allows for a mature environment that suits teenagers ready to step up. With a fresh Outstanding rating in 2024 and strong progress scores, it remains the premier choice for families in the Vale. Best suited to local families wanting a large, well-resourced school where arts and character development sit comfortably alongside academic work.