St Albans Girls' School

A century after opening as a grammar school, St Albans Girls' School has transformed into one of Hertfordshire's most sought-after comprehensives. The November 2024 Ofsted inspection awarded Outstanding across every category, confirming what local families already suspected: this is a school that combines academic ambition with genuine pastoral warmth. Over 730 applications compete annually for 240 Year 7 places, a ratio of more than three to one. Students achieve results that place the school comfortably within the top 25% in England at both GCSE and A-level, while the extensive facilities and extracurricular programme rival many independent schools in the region.

The school occupies an expansive site on Sandridgebury Lane, on the northern edge of St Albans. Purpose-built additions have steadily complemented the original campus: a new sixth form centre, three Mac suites for creative and digital work, and dedicated music and drama facilities reflect ongoing investment in both infrastructure and curriculum breadth.

Paul Kershaw leads the school, having been appointed Head in January 2025. His trajectory illustrates the promotion-from-within culture here. He joined STAGS in 2011 after teaching in the Middle East and Japan, starting as Head of English, then rising to Head of Key Stage 4 and Deputy Head; in 2023 he became Head of School under Executive Headteacher Margaret Chapman. The school operates as part of Ambition Education Trust, a multi-academy trust comprising ten schools across Hertfordshire serving approximately 7,500 students.

The house system reinforces identity and belonging. Eight houses carry the names of influential women: Austen, Bronte, Curie, Franklin, Hepworth, Johnson, Parks, and Seacole. This deliberate choice reflects the school's broader ethos of celebrating female achievement and aspiration. Competition between houses runs through the academic year, from sporting fixtures to charitable fundraising.

The atmosphere is purposeful without being pressured. The November 2024 Ofsted inspection noted that students are welcomed into a warm and supportive community where they develop a deep sense of belonging and pride. Inspectors observed behaviour that was exemplary throughout, reflecting embedded values of respect and excellence. The curriculum is described as rich and varied, inspiring students at every stage of their education to excel and achieve their best.

The school motto, Shaping Tomorrow, Today, captures a forward-looking ethos. There is genuine emphasis on preparing students not merely for examinations but for life beyond school.

GCSE Performance

St Albans Girls' School ranks 638th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking based on official data), placing it above the England average and within the top 25% of schools nationally. Locally, it ranks 5th among schools in the St Albans area.

In 2024, the Attainment 8 score reached 56.6, substantially above the England average. The Progress 8 score of +0.55 indicates students make well above expected progress from their starting points, a significant achievement for a non-selective comprehensive.

At grade level, 39% of all GCSE entries achieved grades 9-7 in 2025, with 210 Grade 9s awarded across the cohort. Nine subjects saw more than half their entries graded 9-7. Overall, 90% of entries achieved grades 9-4, compared to the England average of 67%.

A-Level Performance

The sixth form ranks 369th in England for A-level outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), again placing results above England average and within the top 25% nationally. It ranks 4th among sixth forms in the St Albans area.

In 2025, 66% of A-level entries achieved grades A*-B, 11% above the England average. Nineteen students achieved straight A and A* grades across all three subjects. Subject performance shows particular depth: 12 subjects achieved 100% A*-C grades, Further Mathematics achieved 100% A*-A, and Politics recorded 71% A*-A.

BTEC provision is equally strong. Health and Social Care achieved a 100% pass rate, with half of entries securing Distinction* or Distinction grades.

The combined GCSE and A-level performance places St Albans Girls' School 375th in England (FindMySchool composite ranking), reflecting sustained quality across both key stages.

Curriculum Structure

The curriculum follows a carefully planned sequence. In Key Stage 3, students rotate through topics in biology, chemistry, and physics three times per week, developing scientific thinking alongside practical skills. Modern languages begin in Year 7, with setting in mathematics and broader groupings in French and Spanish allowing tailored progression.

At GCSE, all students study combined science, with some taking biology, chemistry, and physics as separate subjects. Languages, history, and geography prove particularly popular, alongside options including textiles, media studies, food technology and dance. This breadth accommodates different interests and aptitudes while maintaining academic rigour.

At A-level, 27 subjects span sciences, mathematics, humanities, languages, creative arts, and applied disciplines. The range includes physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, further mathematics, history, economics, politics, sociology, geography, classical civilisation, religious studies, French, Spanish, English literature, art and design, drama and theatre studies, music, dance, photography, fashion and textiles, film studies, business, health and social care, computer science, psychology, and physical education.

STEM Excellence

Approximately 60% of sixth form students take STEM subjects, reflecting both strong provision and student confidence in these areas. The science department offers Olympiad participation at Key Stage 5 to stretch the most capable students. Subject-specific enrichment includes Physics and Biology in Action conferences and spectroscopy sessions for chemists, delivered in partnership with London universities.

Science Club runs weekly for Year 7 students, led by staff and supported by sixth formers. British Science Week brings activities for all year groups. The emphasis on working scientifically throughout Key Stage 3 builds foundations for later success.

Teaching Quality

The Ofsted inspection confirmed teaching quality as a significant strength. Inspectors found that teachers are specialists in their subjects who demonstrate deep passion and knowledge for what they teach. Staff receive high-quality professional development, and teaching is skilfully adapted for students with diverse needs, including those with SEND.

Formative assessment is used effectively. Teachers check understanding expertly, ensuring misconceptions are addressed and high academic standards maintained throughout.

Consortium Arrangements

STAGS Sixth Form participates in the Alban Learning Partners (ALPS) consortium alongside Loreto College, Marlborough Science Academy, Nicholas Breakspear School, Samuel Ryder Academy, and Townsend Church of England School. This collaboration enables students to access an even broader subject range than any single school could offer. A student might study two A-levels at STAGS while travelling to Samuel Ryder for media studies, for example. Transport between sites is coordinated during allocated lesson times.

University Destinations

In the 2023/24 cohort of 125 leavers, 78% progressed to university. Over 60% secured their first-choice institution, with more than half progressing to Russell Group universities. Popular destinations include Warwick, Leeds, Nottingham, Liverpool, Cardiff, and the University of Hertfordshire. UCL and King's College London feature among metropolitan choices.

One student secured a place at Cambridge in the most recent cycle, from four applications. The school's approach is encouraging rather than pressuring regarding Oxbridge applications, recognising that the right university fit matters more than prestige alone.

Course destinations demonstrate impressive breadth. Students progressed to study medicine, psychology, economics, computer science, costume design, midwifery, digital media, veterinary medicine, and civil engineering, among many others. This diversity reflects both the broad curriculum and the school's commitment to supporting individual aspirations rather than funnelling students toward particular pathways.

Alternative Pathways

The Step Up programme prepares students for routes beyond traditional university entry. Degree-level apprenticeships in growing sectors represent a valued pathway, and the school's careers provision ensures students understand the range of options available.

Approximately a quarter of students leave after Year 11, pursuing further education, apprenticeships, or vocational training in areas including travel and tourism, digital content production, mechanics, animal care, catering, and childcare. The majority, however, continue into STAGS Sixth Form.

Year 7 Entry

Admissions are administered by Hertfordshire County Council. St Albans Girls' School is its own admitting authority but follows the coordinated admissions process. The Published Admission Number (PAN) is 240 places for Year 7.

Competition is intense. The school received 734 applications for 239 offers in the most recent cycle, a subscription ratio exceeding 3:1. This makes STAGS one of the most oversubscribed schools in Hertfordshire.

Admission is non-selective. After places are allocated to looked-after children and those with Education, Health and Care Plans naming the school, remaining places typically go by distance from the school gates. The school does not publish a formal catchment boundary, but historical patterns indicate that successful applicants generally live within a relatively tight radius.

Applications should be submitted through Hertfordshire County Council by the deadline, typically 31 October for September entry. For queries or to arrange a school tour, contact the admissions team via Mrs Molloy.

Sixth Form Entry

External applicants are welcomed into Year 12 alongside internal progression. Around 50 additional places are available, attracting students from across St Albans and beyond.

Minimum entry requirements are 40 GCSE points from a student's best eight results, using the standard 9-1 grading scale. Individual subjects have specific requirements; for example, A-level Biology requires combined science at 7-6 or separate chemistry at high 6, plus mathematics at grade 6.

The application deadline for September 2026 entry is 30 January 2026. Both internal and external applicants complete online forms. External students report settling quickly into the sixth form community.

Open Events

The school holds an annual open evening in October. The 2025 event took place on Thursday 9 October, with Headteacher speeches at 4pm, 5pm, 6pm, and 7pm. Similar timing typically applies annually; families should check the school website for confirmed dates.

The Ofsted inspection emphasised the highly nurturing environment where pupils thrive. Wellbeing is treated as foundational rather than supplementary, woven through tutor time, assemblies, and the house system.

Safeguarding is robust. Inspectors reviewed the single central record and found a positive culture around safeguarding, with staff and students confident in reporting concerns.

Learning support serves approximately 12% of students requiring additional help, supported by five full-time SENCo teaching assistants. Around 20% of students have English as an additional language, reflecting the diverse community the school serves. A gifted and talented programme reaches 15% of pupils, ensuring stretch at the top end alongside support where needed.

The Step Up programme for sixth formers addresses personal development alongside academic preparation. Weekly sessions cover study skills, health and wellbeing, social awareness, and planning for life after Year 13. A speaker programme brings ten annual sessions featuring professionals from organisations including the United Nations and Civil Service.

Music and Drama

Around 16% of students take individual music lessons. The purpose-built music department supports ensemble work, with performances throughout the year. Two drama studios enable both curriculum teaching and extracurricular productions. Recent shows include Frozen Jr., demonstrating the scale of ambition in school productions.

Sport

The facilities are exceptional for a state school. Year-round sporting options include a heated outdoor pool, an athletics track, a cricket square, a 3G pitch, three hockey pitches and nine tennis courts. The sports hall contains four badminton courts, a volleyball court, a netball court, and a basketball court with eight additional training hoops. A multi-gym supports fitness training.

Particular strengths include swimming, athletics, football, rugby, and netball. The pool offers summer membership at £55, extending school facilities to the wider community.

Clubs and Societies

The extracurricular programme begins in Year 7 and runs throughout. Distinctive offerings include the Spitfire and Battle of Britain Club, reflecting the school's proximity to wartime history. Philosophy Club, Debate Club, Film Club, and Textiles Club provide intellectual and creative outlets. The Jewish Club and Pride demonstrate commitment to representing diverse identities.

Over two-thirds of Year 10 students complete the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award, with progression to Silver and Gold available through the sixth form.

STEAM Enrichment

British Science Week brings activities for all year groups. The Science Club for Year 7 students builds enthusiasm for practical investigation. Older students access Olympiad competitions, university visits, and conferences that extend learning beyond the examination syllabus.

The school day runs from 8:40am to 3:00pm. Sixth form students have additional independent study time built into their timetables.

Transport links serve the northern St Albans location adequately. The school sits on Sandridgebury Lane, accessible by local bus routes and with parking for those travelling by car. Cycling is common among students living within reasonable distance.

Intense competition for places. With over three applications for every Year 7 place, securing entry requires living close to the school. Families should not assume a place is guaranteed based on general proximity; historical last distances offered provide the best guide to realistic catchment.

Non-selective intake with selective outcomes. The school achieves strong results without academic selection at entry. However, the academic culture is genuinely ambitious. Students who prefer a more relaxed environment may find the expectations stretching.

Single-sex environment. STAGS remains a girls' school, though boys are referenced in recent enrolment figures. Families should confirm current policy if considering for sons.

Sixth form consortium travel. Students taking consortium subjects at partner schools will travel during the school week. While transport is coordinated, this adds complexity to the timetable and requires organisation.

Location on the edge of town. Sandridgebury Lane sits north of St Albans centre. For families living in southern parts of the town, daily travel may be significant.

St Albans Girls' School combines comprehensive intake with grammar school ambition. Founded in 1920 as a grammar and converted to comprehensive status, it retains high academic expectations while serving a genuinely mixed ability intake. The Progress 8 score demonstrates that students make above-average progress regardless of starting point, and the 2024 Outstanding Ofsted judgement confirms quality across every aspect of provision.

Results place the school comfortably within the top quartile nationally at both GCSE and A-level. University destinations span Russell Group institutions and specialist courses, reflecting a school that supports individual aspirations rather than imposing uniform pathways.

Best suited to families seeking strong academic outcomes within a state school setting, with excellent facilities and genuine pastoral support. The main challenge is securing a place. For those who do, the educational offer is exceptional.

Notable alumni include Olympic synchronized swimmer Olivia Allison and Maddy Prior of the electric folk band Steeleye Span, demonstrating pathways to achievement in diverse fields.