When Thomas Alleyne, a sixteenth-century rector of Stevenage, drew up his will in 1558, he endowed three schools across England. Nearly five centuries later, the school bearing his name continues to serve the community from its original site on High Street in Stevenage Old Town. Today, around 1,000 students aged 11 to 18 study here across a thriving mixed academy. The most recent Ofsted inspection in October 2024 confirmed the school's Good status while specifically praising its outstanding leadership and management. Performance places the academy in the middle tier nationally for GCSE, with an Attainment 8 score of 46.1, reflecting solid and improving achievement.
The Thomas Alleyne Academy occupies a site with tangible history. The Grade II* listed reception building, recently renovated from a disused structure, anchors the front; behind it stretch modern teaching spaces, sports facilities, and dramatic performance spaces. The school is part of Hart Schools Trust, a multi-academy partnership that has allowed greater autonomy over finances and curriculum since academy conversion in 2013. Headteacher Mark Lewis, who leads the school, is also managing director of the trust.
The academy's motto is "Achieving excellence through personal growth," a phrase that shapes daily culture. Staff engagement is notably high, with 97% reporting they enjoy their work and have gained new skills. Behaviour is calm and purposeful. Students describe lessons as engaging and appreciate the range of subjects available. The atmosphere reflects what inspectors noted: that this is a happy, caring, and secure community where success is expected and celebrated.
Historically, the school has notable connections. Francis Cammaerts, who served as headmaster from 1952 to 1961, was a decorated SOE (Special Operations Executive) agent during World War II and a French Resistance leader. He was also the uncle of the celebrated author Michael Morpurgo, who based a fictional story, In the Mouth of the Wolf, on his uncle's wartime experiences. The school occupies a building with an industrial heritage too: the Vincent motorcycle factory operated from the current reception building between 1928 and 1955, manufacturing the legendary Vincent Black Lightning — now a collector's item commanding six-figure sums at auction.
In 2024, students achieved an Attainment 8 score of 46.1, placing the school in the middle 52% of schools nationally (FindMySchool data). This represents solid, stable performance. Around two-thirds of all GCSE entries scored at grade 4 (standard pass) or above. Just over half of entries achieved grade 5 or above, a strong pass. Around one in five entries reached grade 7 or higher, with close to one in ten at the very top grades of 8 or 9.
For the critical combination of English and Mathematics, 67% of pupils achieved standard passes (grades 9-4) in both subjects. Progress 8 showed students making progress in line with their starting points (score of +0.04), indicating the school effectively supports learners across the ability range.
The school ranks 4th locally among Stevenage secondaries and 2,429th nationally for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), within the national typical band.
In the sixth form, students achieved an A*-B range of 37%, compared to the England average of 47%. This indicates A-level performance sits somewhat below the national average, though the school provides a valuable pathway for internal progression and for students joining from other schools. The school ranks 6th locally for A-level outcomes.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
A-Level A*-B
37.12%
% of students achieving grades A*-B
GCSE 9–7
—
% of students achieving grades 9-7
Teaching is structured and knowledge-focused. Curriculum refinements since the last inspection have improved knowledge retention, with more students now attaining the English Baccalaureate than previously. In each subject, knowledge is logically sequenced. Teachers deliver content effectively and create enriching learning opportunities that help students build understanding over time. Regular checks on student understanding allow teachers to identify who needs additional support or practice.
The school maintains historic links with Cambridge University, using these connections to inspire its most academically able students. A dedicated partnership with North Hertfordshire College supports sixth form provision and post-16 pathways. Careers advice is described as highly effective, supported by strong local connections with employers and charities that help students build confidence and explore ambitious future paths.
Quality of Education
N/A
Behaviour & Attitudes
N/A
Personal Development
N/A
Leadership & Management
Outstanding
In the 2023-24 cohort, 48% of leavers progressed to university, 6% entered further education, 13% began apprenticeships, and 26% moved directly into employment. The sixth form operates in partnership, providing a good range of A-level and technical courses that prepare students for multiple pathways beyond school.
For sixth form leavers, destinations are mixed. While specific university breakdowns are not published by the school, the sixth form's emphasis on progression supports movement into higher education, vocational training, and employment across a range of sectors.
Entry at Year 7 is highly competitive. In the most recent data, the school received 508 applications for 169 places (3.01 applications per place), making it oversubscribed. Places are allocated according to the school's published admissions policy; families can check the Hertfordshire County Council website for detailed criteria and the school's own admissions rules.
The school is its own admitting authority as an academy. Open evenings typically occur in September; the school website provides specific dates each year. Tours of the school run on weekday mornings during term time. Registration for Year 7 entry occurs in September of the preceding year, with results released in spring.
The academy serves a broad catchment covering Stevenage and surrounding areas including Aston, Benington, Datchworth, Graveley, Great Ashby, Knebworth, Langley, and Wymondley.
Applications
508
Total received
Places Offered
169
Subscription Rate
3.0x
Apps per place
The school prioritises student wellbeing and safety. Ofsted confirmed that safeguarding measures are effective. Disabled students and those with special educational needs achieve well, receiving appropriate support and resources to thrive academically. Behaviour management is consistent and fair, with staff trained to identify and respond quickly to bullying or concerns.
Parent feedback from Ofsted Parent View (2024) shows strong agreement that students are happy and feel safe. 86% of respondents agreed their child is happy at school; 87% confirmed their child feels safe. When families raise concerns, the school deals with these promptly and properly. Staff wellbeing is actively managed by leaders, creating a supportive working environment that reflects in student experiences.
Extracurricular life is purposeful and varied, with a wide range of clubs, societies, and sporting fixtures running throughout the year. The school does not simply offer activities; it cultivates genuine engagement across creative, sporting, and intellectual pursuits.
Sports run both before and after school, with competitive fixtures both home and away. Rugby teams have toured France. Netball and rugby teams are highly active in regional competition. Additional sports offered include hockey, football, basketball, badminton, and table tennis. The school has excellent facilities: a sports hall, gymnasium, three large fields, and access to pitches for competitive matches. The outdoor programme includes Duke of Edinburgh Award schemes and competitive team sports at local and regional levels.
Drama is central to school life. The academy has two dedicated drama studios plus a main performance space with seating for up to 250 people. Recent renovations have upgraded lighting and sound systems. The main theatre features raked seating and professional lighting control. Thomas Alleyne Performing Arts Society (TAPAS) produces regular shows; recent major productions have included musical theatre. Students in younger years encounter drama through curriculum lessons; older students can specialise and reach performance standard for A-level.
The academy offers instrumental and vocal lessons through Hertfordshire Music Service, available during and outside the school day. Students can learn at the school's music centres or at the academy itself. Regular ensemble opportunities exist, though specific ensemble names are not detailed on the public-facing enrichment pages. Music remains part of whole-school life through assemblies and performance opportunities.
Science Club provides hands-on experiences with equipment not typically used in standard lessons. Over a school year, pupils work on mini-projects spanning all three sciences, earning British Science Association CREST Discovery or Bronze awards and STEM Club certificates. This bridges between curiosity and qualification.
Design Ventura offers a project-based challenge where students create products to meet a design brief, then compete with other schools in the national Design Ventura Challenge. Winning designs are manufactured and sold in the Design Museum shop in London — a tangible outcome that motivates genuine engineering thinking.
Beyond these pillars, the school runs a rich array of smaller clubs. The Eco-Committee brings together environmentally minded students from all year groups to improve the school's sustainability and tackle local, national, and international environmental issues. Film Club meets after school on Tuesdays; Gaming Club runs on Wednesdays. Hispanic Club offers conversational Spanish for learners at all levels. Writing Club combines remote field trips, short-film analysis, and creative discussion. Book Club develops appreciation for literature through group reading and discussion. Art Club explores diverse media and creative career paths in fashion, film, crafts, advertising, and design. Ukulele Club offers instrumental tuition in a small group setting.
A Student Parliament ensures pupils have genuine voice in school decisions. The school also partners with Lewis Hamilton's Mission 44 initiative on the Pioneering Young STEM Futures programme, providing access to local STEM jobs and career pathways for young people from Stevenage.
8:50am to 3:20pm.
The academy houses a sports hall, gymnasium, main hall seating 250, a conference centre, three large fields, two drama studios, and numerous classrooms. Recent capital improvements include LED lighting (2017) and conversion to biomass heating fuelled by sustainably sourced wood pellets.
The school is situated on Stevenage High Street, close to the town centre. The East Coast Main Line runs approximately 200 metres to the east. Local bus services connect the school to surrounding areas. Parking is available on-site for staff and visitors.
Highly competitive entry. With over three applications per place, securing a Year 7 spot is challenging. Families living outside the school's priority areas may struggle to gain admission. Check admissions criteria carefully and consider alternative secondaries as backup options.
Middle-tier performance. While solid and improving, GCSE attainment sits at the national average rather than above it. Families seeking a school in the top tier nationally may wish to explore selective grammars or high-performing comprehensives. The school serves students across the full ability range, which is reflected in results.
Sixth form in partnership. The post-16 phase operates in collaboration with North Hertfordshire College rather than as a standalone sixth form. This partnership model works well for many students but differs from single-site sixth forms. Students should understand the timetable and any travel involved between partner sites.
Admissions timeline. Registration occurs in September; results are released in spring. Late applications may miss the deadline. Check the Hertfordshire County Council website and the school's own admissions page for precise dates each year.
The Thomas Alleyne Academy is a deeply rooted school with nearly half a millennium of educational history behind it. It serves its Stevenage community well, offering a stable, supportive environment where students of varying abilities can progress. Teaching is sound and progressively more ambitious. Behaviour and safety are strong. Extracurricular life is genuinely rich, from serious performing arts productions to hands-on science clubs to competitive sports.
The school is best suited to families living within or near the academy's catchment who value a comprehensive, mixed-ability intake and community-focused secondary education. It works particularly well for students who thrive in a supportive, structured environment and want access to a broad range of clubs and activities beyond traditional academics. The main barrier to entry is simply demand; places are keenly contested. For those who secure admission, the academy delivers on its motto: achievement through personal growth.
Yes. The school was rated Good by Ofsted in October 2024, with inspectors specifically highlighting outstanding leadership and management. GCSE attainment stands at 46.1 (Attainment 8), reflecting solid performance in line with national averages. The school maintains strong engagement from students and parents, with 86% of parent respondents reporting their child is happy at school.
Entry is highly competitive. The school received 508 applications for 169 Year 7 places in recent admissions, a ratio of 3.01 applications per place. The school is its own admitting authority as an academy. Places are allocated according to the school's admissions policy, which you should consult on the school website or via Hertfordshire County Council. Families outside the priority admissions criteria may find it difficult to secure places.
The school runs a substantial enrichment programme. Sports include rugby, netball, hockey, football, basketball, badminton, and table tennis, with competitive fixtures both home and away. Drama is strong, with two dedicated studios and a main theatre. Thomas Alleyne Performing Arts Society produces regular shows. Subject-specific clubs include Science Club (STEM projects with CREST awards), Design Ventura (product design competition), Eco-Committee, Film Club, Gaming Club, Hispanic Club, Writing Club, Book Club, Art Club, and Ukulele Club. Instrumental lessons are available through Hertfordshire Music Service.
At A-level, the school achieved 37% at grades A*-B, below the England average of 47%. This reflects a different student cohort and the challenges of post-16 study. However, the sixth form operates in partnership with North Hertfordshire College, providing a range of A-level and vocational pathways. The majority of sixth form students progress to university or further education.
Ofsted (October 2024) confirmed that safeguarding measures are effective and that students behave well. The school has established behaviour expectations and responds quickly to concerns including bullying. Staff are trained in safeguarding, and leaders monitor student wellbeing closely. Parent feedback shows high confidence in the school's handling of safety and behaviour.
Yes. The school maintains historic links with Cambridge University, which it uses to inspire its most academically able students. For sixth form, the academy partners with North Hertfordshire College to provide post-16 education. The school also works with local employers, colleges, and charities to support careers guidance and pathways into employment or apprenticeships.
The school was founded in 1558 following the will of Thomas Alleyne, rector of Stevenage, who endowed three schools across England. The school operated for centuries as Alleyne's Grammar School before becoming comprehensive in 1969 and merging with Stevenage Girls' School in 1989 to become Thomas Alleyne. It converted to academy status in 2013 as part of Hart Schools Trust. The school remains on its original site, a location with rich heritage; it once housed the Vincent motorcycle factory (1928-1955), which produced the legendary Vincent Black Lightning motorcycle.
Get in touch with the school directly
Disclaimer
Information on this page is compiled, analysed, and processed from publicly available sources including the Department for Education (DfE), Ofsted, the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI), the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, Freedom of Information (FOI) requests, and official school websites.
Our rankings, metrics, and assessments are derived from this data using our own methodologies and represent our independent analysis rather than official standings.
While we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee that all information is current, complete, or error-free. Data may change without notice, and schools and/or local authorities should be contacted directly to verify any details before making decisions.
FindMySchool does not endorse any particular school, and rankings reflect specific metrics rather than overall quality.
To the fullest extent permitted by law, we accept no liability for any loss or damage arising from reliance on information provided. If you believe any information is inaccurate, please contact us.
