The Highfield School Review 2026: Popular Letchworth Academy

Located in Letchworth Garden City, The Highfield School serves a diverse community with a reputation for inclusivity and a strong tradition in science. Now part of the Scholars' Education Trust having converted to academy status in January 2024, the school balances a fresh institutional chapter with the stability of established leadership. Despite some fluctuation in GCSE progress metrics, the school remains popular locally, with a Sixth Form that consistently delivers solid outcomes.

The school benefits from the Garden City’s ethos of green space and community. The architecture mixes original 1960s blocks with modern additions, including a dedicated science centre that reflects the school's historic specialism. Students move through the site with purpose; the atmosphere is generally calm, supported by a house system—named after scientists like Franklin and Hawking—that breaks the larger population into manageable communities.

Mrs Lucy Miles has led the school since 2020. Her vision focuses on "high expectations" and developing well-rounded citizens rather than just exam candidates. This is not a breathless academic hothouse but a grounded comprehensive where staff know students well. The ethos is underpinned by the "Highfield High Five" values, emphasizing resilience and respect, which are referenced frequently in assemblies and pastoral conversations. Since joining the Scholars' Education Trust, the school has begun to benefit from wider collaborative networks while retaining its distinct Letchworth identity.

Academic outcomes at The Highfield School present a mixed picture between main school and Sixth Form.

At GCSE in 2024, the Average Attainment 8 score was 42.1, sitting below the England average of 45.9. The Progress 8 score of -0.41 indicates that, on average, students made less progress from their primary school starting points than their peers in England. While 16.8% of pupils achieved strong passes (Grade 5 or above) in the English Baccalaureate, this remains an area of focus for the leadership.

The Sixth Form tells a stronger story. In 2024, 41.9% of A-level grades were A*-B. This performance places the school in the "national typical" band, reflecting solid performance in line with the middle 35% of schools in England. Ranked 4th in Letchworth for A-level outcomes, the Sixth Form provides a reliable pathway to university.

The curriculum is broad and balanced, maintaining the full breadth of arts and technology alongside core subjects. Science teaching is a traditional strength, supported by specialist laboratories and a team that goes beyond the syllabus. In Key Stage 3, students follow a three-year programme that avoids narrowing choices too early.

Teaching styles vary, but there is a clear push towards collaborative learning. In the Sixth Form, the dynamic shifts significantly; classes are smaller, and the relationship between staff and students becomes more collegiate. The school operates a consortium arrangement for some A-level subjects, ensuring a wider range of options—such as Sociology and Photography—than a standalone sixth form could sustain.

Progression routes are well-established. The majority of Year 11 students choose to stay on for the Sixth Form, which acts as a major hub for the local area.

University destinations are diverse. In 2024, the school celebrated one student securing a place at Cambridge, demonstrating that the pathway to elite institutions remains open for top performers. The majority of leavers progress to varied universities, with a healthy contingent securing apprenticeships in local engineering and pharmaceutical industries, capitalizing on Hertfordshire's strong STEM sector.

Admission to The Highfield School is coordinated by Hertfordshire County Council. The school is typically oversubscribed. In the most recent intake, there were 479 applications for 170 places, a ratio of 2.8 applications per place.

Places are allocated primarily on distance from the school, after priority for looked-after children and siblings. The school’s popularity means the catchment area can shrink in years with high sibling numbers. Families living on the fringes of Letchworth should check historical distance data carefully.

Pastoral care is structured around the House system, which provides a vertical community where older students mentor younger ones. This helps soften the transition from primary school. A dedicated Student Support Centre offers a sanctuary for those finding the school day overwhelming.

The school has invested in mental health support, with trained staff available for counselling and guidance. Bullying is taken seriously; inspectors have noted that students generally feel safe and report that staff deal with issues effectively when raised.

The extracurricular programme is robust, particularly in sports and performing arts. Students have access to the Highfield Dance Academy, which puts on annual showcases, and the drama department is known for ambitious productions. Sport is central to school life, with teams competing regionally in netball, football, and athletics.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is a major pillar of the school’s enrichment, with high participation rates at Bronze and Silver levels. This fosters the resilience the school prizes in its values. Additionally, the STEM club capitalizes on the school's science heritage, offering students chances to engage in robotics and engineering challenges.

The school day runs from 8.50am to 2.55pm. The campus is located on Highfield, Letchworth, with easy access for pedestrians and cyclists from the town centre. There are ample bike racks to encourage active travel. Uniform is strictly enforced, including a blazer and house tie, creating a smart, purposeful identity.

GCSE Progress: The Progress 8 score of -0.41 suggests that some students do not achieve the grades predicted by their primary data. Parents of high-ability children should ask about the specific stretch and challenge provisions in Key Stage 4.

Oversubscription: With nearly three applicants for every place, this is not a "safe backup" school. Families outside the immediate residential area need to be realistic about their chances of securing a spot.

Recent Conversion: The school became an academy in January 2024. While day-to-day life remains stable, families are joining an institution in the early stages of a new partnership with the Scholars' Education Trust.

The Highfield School is a community-focused academy that serves Letchworth well. While recent GCSE progress figures indicate room for improvement, the strong Sixth Form, stable leadership, and genuine care for student wellbeing explain its enduring popularity. Best suited to families seeking a grounded, supportive environment with excellent opportunities for students who stay the course to A-levels. The main challenge is securing a place in Year 7.