The Priory School, Hitchin Review 2026: Inclusive Community Education

Located on Bedford Road in the historic market town of Hitchin, The Priory School (TPS) serves a diverse catchment as a mixed, all-ability secondary. Established in its current form in 1988 following the amalgamation of Hitchin School and Bowes Lyon School, it occupies a campus that blends 1950s architectural roots—the main building was opened by the Queen Mother in 1955—with modern additions like the purpose-built Sixth Form Centre. With around 1,300 students on roll, it is large enough to offer breadth but retains a distinct community feel. The school is consistently oversubscribed, reflecting its solid reputation among local families.

Visitors often remark on the purposeful energy that greets them. The school operates on three core values: Responsibility, Respect, and Resilience. These are not merely slogans painted in the reception area; they underpin the behaviour policy and daily interactions. Mr Matt Blayney, who took up the Headship in September 2025, has continued the school's focus on wellbeing alongside academic expectation.

The campus includes extensive outdoor spaces which are well-used at breaktimes. Inside, the atmosphere is generally calm. Students move between the specialist science labs and the dedicated music block with a sense of ownership. A dedicated Wellbeing Hub provides a physical space for emotional support, signalling the school's commitment to mental health as a prerequisite for learning.

Academic performance is consistent and grounded. In 2024, the school ranked 2,011th in England for GCSE outcomes, placing it in the national typical band (middle 35% of schools in England). The Attainment 8 score of 46.5 sits just above the England average of 45.9, suggesting students achieve grades comparable to their peers nationally.

Progress metrics tell a similar story. The Progress 8 score of -0.05 indicates that students make progress broadly in line with national expectations from their primary school starting points.

At A-level, the school ranks 1,560th in England. Results here are solid; 42% of grades were A*-B in 2024. While not an exam factory, the Sixth Form enables the majority of students to secure their first-choice destinations.

The curriculum is broad and follows the National Curriculum framework. In Key Stage 3, students cover a wide range of subjects including drama, music, and design technology. The school resists narrowing the curriculum too early, ensuring students maintain creative outlets alongside core academic subjects.

Teaching is structured and supportive. Lessons typically follow clear routines, which helps maintain focus. Support for students with Special Educational Needs (SEN) is well-integrated, with teaching assistants often deployed effectively within mainstream classes rather than isolating students.

The school prepares students for a variety of futures. In 2024, 54% of Year 13 leavers progressed to university. The school has a functional pipeline to elite institutions, with one student accepting a place at Cambridge in the most recent cycle and ten applying to Oxbridge overall.

Notably, 27% of leavers moved directly into employment, a figure significantly higher than many local competitors. This reflects a strong careers programme that values apprenticeships and vocational pathways as much as traditional degrees. 4% of the cohort secured apprenticeships, supported by the school's links with local Hertfordshire businesses.

Admission to Year 7 is coordinated by Hertfordshire County Council. The Priory School is a popular choice and is regularly oversubscribed. In the most recent cycle, the school received 567 applications for approximately 178 offers, resulting in a subscription ratio of over 3 applicants per place.

Places are allocated primarily on distance after priority groups (looked-after children, medical/social needs, and siblings) are satisfied. Families living in Hitchin typically secure places, but those in surrounding villages should check historical catchment data carefully. Parents should use the FindMySchoolMap Search to check their precise distance from the school gates.

Pastoral care is organised through a year-group system, meaning students have a Head of Year who stays with them as they progress through the school. This continuity allows staff to build genuine relationships with families.

Bullying is taken seriously. The school uses online reporting tools to allow students to raise concerns discreetly. The Wellbeing Hub is a key asset, offering a sanctuary for students finding the school day overwhelming.

The extracurricular offer is robust, particularly in sport and the arts. The Duke of Edinburgh Award is a major pillar of school life, with high participation rates at Bronze and Silver levels.

Sport

The PE department makes good use of the on-site gymnasium, tennis courts, and expansive playing fields. Fixtures against other North Hertfordshire schools are regular, with competitive teams in football, netball, and rugby.

The Arts

Music and Drama are central to the TPS identity. The annual school production is a calendar highlight, involving over 100 students in cast and crew roles. The music department runs several ensembles, including the Senior Choir and Big Band, which perform locally and in school concerts.

STEM: Innovation at Scale

The school actively promotes STEM subjects beyond the classroom. Clubs like "Robot Rumble" and the "Code Club" allow students to apply technical skills in practical contexts, while "Girls in Computing" initiatives work to address gender balance in technology subjects.

The school day begins at 8:50 am and concludes at 3:15 pm. Situated on Bedford Road, the school is accessible by foot for many Hitchin residents. For those further afield, several public and school bus routes serve the site. There is no on-site parking for parents, so drop-offs usually occur on nearby residential streets; parents are asked to be considerate of neighbours.

Competition for places. With over three applications for every place, securing entry is not guaranteed even for those living relatively close. Families should always list realistic backup options on the Common Application Form.

Mixed ability groups. Much of the teaching, particularly in lower years, happens in mixed ability groups. While this supports inclusivity, some parents of highly academic children may feel the pace could be faster.

Campus layout. The site is a mix of old and new buildings spread over a large area. While facilities are good, moving between lessons in wet weather requires resilience.

The Priory School offers a grounded, inclusive education that reflects the diversity of Hitchin itself. It avoids the pressure-cooker atmosphere of some high-performing rivals, focusing instead on producing well-rounded, employable young adults. Best suited to local families seeking a supportive community school where academic solidity meets genuine pastoral care. The main challenge is securing a place in Year 7.