Last reviewed: February 2026 · Rankings and key information above update regularly, however, this review below is refreshed bi-annually and may not reflect recent changes. If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
GCSE: Attainment 8 is 41.5, Progress 8 is -0.32, 37.4% achieve grade 5+ in English and maths, and the school ranks 2,524th of 3688 for overall GCSE performance, 5th in Stevenage. A-level: 30% of entries are A*-B, with 10% at A*-A, and the sixth form ranks 1,904th nationally, 6th in Stevenage.
Barnwell's dual-campus structure is unusual in England and reflects a deliberate strategic choice made after the 2006 merger with neighbouring Collenswood School. Rather than maintain one sprawling campus, leadership invested £4.6 million in expansion and refurbishment, creating what feels like two distinct schools unified by shared values. Middle Campus occupies the former Heathcote School site and centres on Key Stage 3 students, encouraging a smaller, more personalised community where every student knows staff by name. Upper Campus serves Key Stage 4 and the sixth form, with purpose-built facilities for performing arts, music, and STEM learning.
Miss Maria Townsend became headteacher in September 2024, arriving from Raynville Academy with a reputation for strategic vision. She follows Anthony Fitzpatrick, whose leadership oversaw much of the school's recovery. This transition reflects confidence in the direction of travel rather than instability; the school's trajectory has been decisively upward since 2018.
The school's stated values centre on respect, shared endeavour, and a "can do" culture embedded throughout teaching. Character education runs through the curriculum alongside academics. Students are encouraged to take part in co-curricular activities as a pathway to developing workplace-ready skills. The atmosphere is deliberately nurturing yet demanding: behaviour expectations are clearly communicated and consistently enforced, creating a calm environment where learning can flourish.
The FMS Inspection Score is FindMySchool's proprietary analysis based on official Ofsted and ISI inspection reports. It converts ratings into a standardised 1–10 scale for fair comparison across all schools in England.
Disclaimer: The FMS Inspection Score is an independent analysis by FindMySchool. It is not endorsed by or affiliated with Ofsted or ISI. Always refer to the official Ofsted or ISI report for the full picture of a school’s inspection outcome.
GCSE: Attainment 8 is 41.5, Progress 8 is -0.32, 37.4% achieve grade 5+ in English and maths, and the school ranks 2,524th of 3688 for overall GCSE performance, 5th in Stevenage. A-level: 30% of entries are A*-B, with 10% at A*-A, and the sixth form ranks 1,904th nationally, 6th in Stevenage.
GCSE: Attainment 8 is 41.5, Progress 8 is -0.32, 37.4% achieve grade 5+ in English and maths, and the school ranks 2,524th of 3688 for overall GCSE performance, 5th in Stevenage. A-level: 30% of entries are A*-B, with 10% at A*-A, and the sixth form ranks 1,904th nationally, 6th in Stevenage.
GCSE: Attainment 8 is 41.5, Progress 8 is -0.32, 37.4% achieve grade 5+ in English and maths, and the school ranks 2,524th of 3688 for overall GCSE performance, 5th in Stevenage. A-level: 30% of entries are A*-B, with 10% at A*-A, and the sixth form ranks 1,904th nationally, 6th in Stevenage.
GCSE: Attainment 8 is 41.5, Progress 8 is -0.32, 37.4% achieve grade 5+ in English and maths, and the school ranks 2,524th of 3688 for overall GCSE performance, 5th in Stevenage. A-level: 30% of entries are A*-B, with 10% at A*-A, and the sixth form ranks 1,904th nationally, 6th in Stevenage.
GCSE: Attainment 8 is 41.5, Progress 8 is -0.32, 37.4% achieve grade 5+ in English and maths, and the school ranks 2,524th of 3688 for overall GCSE performance, 5th in Stevenage. A-level: 30% of entries are A*-B, with 10% at A*-A, and the sixth form ranks 1,904th nationally, 6th in Stevenage.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
A-Level A*-B
32.14%
% of students achieving grades A*-B
GCSE 9–7
—
% of students achieving grades 9-7
Teaching is structured around faculty heads and regular progress monitoring. The school identifies students at risk of underachievement early and deploys targeted intervention to close skill gaps. Form tutors meet with students daily and know them well; heads of year take responsibility for pastoral oversight alongside academic progress.
GCSE: Attainment 8 is 41.5, Progress 8 is -0.32, 37.4% achieve grade 5+ in English and maths, and the school ranks 2,524th of 3688 for overall GCSE performance, 5th in Stevenage. A-level: 30% of entries are A*-B, with 10% at A*-A, and the sixth form ranks 1,904th nationally, 6th in Stevenage.
The school's investment in ICT infrastructure is notable. Both campuses have been fitted with virtualised systems and wireless access, supporting digital learning. Facilities for performing arts, music, and sports are modern and purpose-built, enhancing teaching in these areas significantly.
Quality of Education
Good
Behaviour & Attitudes
Good
Personal Development
Good
Leadership & Management
Good
FMS Inspection Score calculated by FindMySchool based on official inspection data.
GCSE: Attainment 8 is 41.5, Progress 8 is -0.32, 37.4% achieve grade 5+ in English and maths, and the school ranks 2,524th of 3688 for overall GCSE performance, 5th in Stevenage. A-level: 30% of entries are A*-B, with 10% at A*-A, and the sixth form ranks 1,904th nationally, 6th in Stevenage.
The school actively supports university applications through its sixth form structure. A Head of Transitions role focuses specifically on preparing sixth formers for higher education pathways. The sixth form provides dedicated enrichment opportunities and work experience placements to broaden experience beyond examinations.
Total Offers
1
Offer Success Rate: 50%
Cambridge
1
Offers
Oxford
—
Offers
Barnwell is a non-selective state school, admitting students by distance under Hertfordshire's coordinated admissions scheme. In the measured year, the school was oversubscribed at Year 7 with 1.31 applications per place offered, indicating strong local demand. However, without a formal geographic catchment, students from across South Stevenage and beyond can apply.
The school works closely with primary feeder schools to manage transition. A dedicated Head of Transitions visits primary schools to build relationships before Year 6 students arrive, easing the shift from primary to middle school. Transition is treated as a critical moment; the school recognises that moving from one school to another can be disruptive and invests in easing that journey.
Previous Year (2024/25 Entry)
Applications
297
Total received
Places Offered
226
Subscription Rate
1.3x
Applications per place
Pastoral structures are centred on form tutor groups and college systems, with heads of year holding accountability for each cohort's wellbeing. The school employs a therapy dog on site, a tangible symbol of its commitment to emotional support. A food bank operates for families facing hardship, removing stigma from poverty and practical support simultaneously. Enrichment opportunities run throughout the year, exposing students to experiences beyond the classroom.
Mental health support is available, and the school actively promotes inclusive behaviour. LGBTQ+ support is explicitly offered, and there is visible commitment to reducing isolation and creating belonging for all students.
The school's co-curricular offer is broad and carefully curated. Named performing arts clubs and groups include Stagecoach Stevenage, which offers dance, singing, and drama classes for ages 2-18, with opportunities to perform in the West End and at Disneyland Paris. Identity Dance Limited provides classical ballet and commercial street dance for all abilities, culminating in performances at the Gordon Craig Theatre. Jigsaw Stevenage delivers performing arts classes in dance, singing, and drama for children aged 3-18 every Saturday morning.
Sports provision is comprehensive. The school's leisure centre hosts badminton courts (minimum four courts available), basketball courts (one main, three practice), netball, futsal, cricket training, ju-jitsu, parkour, and roller skating. Specific clubs include Stevenage Royals Basketball Club, which operates from the school with 280+ members across mini, youth, and senior teams competing nationally. IMI Football Academy runs Saturday morning football training. BabyBallers offers early years football development for ages 16 months to 5 years.
Dance studios (two, air-conditioned and mirrored) host Emerald Dance Academy's ballet and Bollywood dance; Zen Kemp Ryu Ju-Jitsu; street dance; tap; modern dance; belly dance; Bounce fitness; karate; self-defence; and band practice. Parkour is taught as Creative Movement, developing obstacle navigation and athleticism. Sabihah Dance offers belly dance classes for women.
Music and drama have dedicated facilities on the Upper Campus. Function halls with stages and projectors host award evenings, drama group rehearsals, choirs, and fitness classes.
Tech clubs include Indoor Raceway Stevenage, one of the country's busiest radio-controlled car clubs, welcoming all ages and abilities.
School clubs rotate termly, ensuring variety and keeping the offer fresh. The school explicitly encourages participation in enrichment activities as integral to character development. This balance between academic rigour and broader opportunity defines the Barnwell experience.
School day runs from 8:50am to 3:20pm at Middle Campus and Upper Campus. Middle Campus is situated at Shephall Green, SG2 9SW; Upper Campus at Barnwell, SG2 9SW. Both are easily accessible by car; parking is available on site. Local bus services (Stagecoach Stevenage) serve both locations. Walking and cycling are viable for students in central and south Stevenage. The two campuses are less than a mile apart, allowing some degree of movement between them for timetabled subjects.
GCSE: Attainment 8 is 41.5, Progress 8 is -0.32, 37.4% achieve grade 5+ in English and maths, and the school ranks 2,524th of 3688 for overall GCSE performance, 5th in Stevenage. A-level: 30% of entries are A*-B, with 10% at A*-A, and the sixth form ranks 1,904th nationally, 6th in Stevenage.
GCSE: Attainment 8 is 41.5, Progress 8 is -0.32, 37.4% achieve grade 5+ in English and maths, and the school ranks 2,524th of 3688 for overall GCSE performance, 5th in Stevenage. A-level: 30% of entries are A*-B, with 10% at A*-A, and the sixth form ranks 1,904th nationally, 6th in Stevenage.
Dual campus structure. While innovative, the two-campus model requires students to transfer at the end of Year 8. This is managed carefully, but it is not a continuous 11-18 experience. Students must adapt to a new building and a new peer group at a sensitive age.
Capacity and demand. The school is oversubscribed, meaning places are competitive. Students from outside the immediate area may not secure entry. Families should check distances and expect that proximity will influence offers.
Barnwell is a school in transition, having genuinely improved from crisis point to stability and, in some areas, genuine strength. The two-campus structure, while unusual, creates real benefits for both younger and older students, allowing age-appropriate personalisation within a larger institution. Teaching is conscientious and expectations are clear. The co-curricular offer is exceptional and diverse. For families seeking a state school that has turned itself around and offers real community alongside academic challenge, Barnwell is worth serious consideration. However, families with top-quartile academic aspirations should benchmark against higher-performing alternatives locally. The school suits families in or near South Stevenage who value improvement culture, broad enrichment, and a supportive ethos over elite academic outcomes.
GCSE: Attainment 8 is 41.5, Progress 8 is -0.32, 37.4% achieve grade 5+ in English and maths, and the school ranks 2,524th of 3688 for overall GCSE performance, 5th in Stevenage. A-level: 30% of entries are A*-B, with 10% at A*-A, and the sixth form ranks 1,904th nationally, 6th in Stevenage.
GCSE: Attainment 8 is 41.5, Progress 8 is -0.32, 37.4% achieve grade 5+ in English and maths, and the school ranks 2,524th of 3688 for overall GCSE performance, 5th in Stevenage. A-level: 30% of entries are A*-B, with 10% at A*-A, and the sixth form ranks 1,904th nationally, 6th in Stevenage.
GCSE: Attainment 8 is 41.5, Progress 8 is -0.32, 37.4% achieve grade 5+ in English and maths, and the school ranks 2,524th of 3688 for overall GCSE performance, 5th in Stevenage. A-level: 30% of entries are A*-B, with 10% at A*-A, and the sixth form ranks 1,904th nationally, 6th in Stevenage.
The school has an exceptional extracurricular programme. Dance and drama includes Stagecoach Stevenage, Identity Dance, Jigsaw Stevenage, Emerald Dance Academy, and Sabihah Dance. Sports include Stevenage Royals Basketball, IMI Football Academy, badminton, netball, futsal, cricket, ju-jitsu, parkour, and roller skating. Technology clubs include Indoor Raceway RC racing. Music and performing arts use purpose-built studios and function halls. Clubs rotate termly, and participation is actively encouraged as part of character development.
GCSE: Attainment 8 is 41.5, Progress 8 is -0.32, 37.4% achieve grade 5+ in English and maths, and the school ranks 2,524th of 3688 for overall GCSE performance, 5th in Stevenage. A-level: 30% of entries are A*-B, with 10% at A*-A, and the sixth form ranks 1,904th nationally, 6th in Stevenage.
GCSE: Attainment 8 is 41.5, Progress 8 is -0.32, 37.4% achieve grade 5+ in English and maths, and the school ranks 2,524th of 3688 for overall GCSE performance, 5th in Stevenage. A-level: 30% of entries are A*-B, with 10% at A*-A, and the sixth form ranks 1,904th nationally, 6th in Stevenage.
The school was oversubscribed in the measured year with 1.31 applications per place (226 places, 297 applications). Admissions are by distance under Hertfordshire's coordinated scheme with no formal catchment area. Distance from the school gate is the main criterion after looked-after children and siblings. Families should verify their distance from the school before relying on a place.
The school was rated Requires Improvement in January 2018, Good in November 2021. Leadership under the previous headteacher and continued stability have driven improvement. Monitoring visits between inspections showed consistent progress. The current headteacher (since September 2024) arrives with a track record of strategic improvement, suggesting continued trajectory upward.
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