Stanborough School

On the southern fringe of Welwyn Garden City, where Hertfordshire countryside meets garden city planning, Stanborough School has been transforming itself from a school that once required improvement into one that now delivers genuine academic ambition. Founded in 1939 to accommodate children evacuated during the Second World War, the school has evolved through grammar school origins, comprehensive years, and academy conversion to become a specialist Mathematics and Computing Academy serving approximately 1,200 students aged 11 to 18.

The January 2023 Ofsted inspection rated the school Good across all areas, recognising the significant progress made under current leadership. Mrs Merry John leads a school where the ethos of "High Expectations, Mutual Respect, Quality Learning, Success For All" shapes daily practice rather than merely decorating the prospectus.

The school operates a house system with four houses: Brocket, Hatfield, Knebworth, and Sopwell. Named after local estates, these houses encourage teamwork, healthy competition, and a sense of community identity that helps students find their place within a larger institution.

Behaviour expectations are clear and consistently applied. The Ofsted inspection found that pupils understand that disruption or discriminatory behaviour will not be tolerated, and as a result, learning is largely disruption free. This clarity creates an environment where academic work can proceed without constant interruption.

The approach to diversity is genuine rather than performative. Students participate in cultural celebrations throughout the year, and difference is actively celebrated rather than merely tolerated. The LGBTQ+ Group and Young Carers Group provide dedicated spaces for students who need specific support networks.

Staff have created what inspectors described as a culture emphasising success for all. Pupils report feeling happy and safe, with trusted adults available to address concerns. The pastoral team operates an open door policy, and the school has invested in counselling and wellbeing programmes to support students facing difficulties.

GCSE Results

Stanborough's GCSE performance places it solidly within the upper half of schools in England. With an Attainment 8 score of 46.5, the school sits above the England average of 45.9. More telling is the Progress 8 score of +0.18, indicating that students make above average progress from their starting points. This positive value added suggests the school is adding genuine educational value rather than simply selecting able students.

The school ranks 1,503rd in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the upper third of secondary schools. Locally, it ranks 2nd among schools in Welwyn Garden City.

Leaders have been deliberate about curriculum ambition. Almost all pupils now enter the subjects comprising the English Baccalaureate, with 23.4% achieving grades 5 or above across these rigorous academic subjects. The average EBacc points score of 4.43 exceeds the England average of 4.08.

A-Level Results

The sixth form performs strongly, ranking 1st in Welwyn Garden City and 841st in England for A-level outcomes (FindMySchool ranking). This places Stanborough in the top third of sixth forms in England.

In 2024, 54.3% of A-level entries achieved grades A* to B, exceeding the England average of 47.2%. At the top grades, 8.6% achieved A* and a further 20.5% achieved grade A, giving a combined A*/A rate of 29.1%, broadly in line with the England average of 23.6%.

These results are achieved through a consortium arrangement with four other local schools: Monks Walk School, Bishops Hatfield Girls School, Ridgeway Academy, and Onslow St Audrey's. This Welwyn Hatfield Consortium expands subject choice significantly, allowing students to combine courses that would be impossible within a single institution. Free transport between sites removes practical barriers.

The curriculum has been deliberately redesigned to be academically ambitious. Inspectors found that in many subjects, content is planned well to build knowledge over time. In mathematics, for example, pupils learn foundational algebra before tackling more complex applications, ensuring secure understanding at each stage.

Teachers present subject matter clearly and promote appropriate discussion. Staff check what pupils know and adapt their teaching to meet individual needs. For students who struggle with reading, the school operates an effective phonics and reading programme that helps them catch up and become more confident, fluent readers.

Support for students with special educational needs and disabilities is integrated into mainstream teaching. Teachers work to ensure these students access the same curriculum as their peers, though the school acknowledges that consistency varies across subjects.

The Mathematics and Computing specialism shapes the school's character. Up to 10% of Year 7 places (approximately 24 students) are allocated through music aptitude, creating an interesting tension between the stated STEM focus and the recognition that musical ability deserves dedicated provision.

In 2024, 66% of sixth form leavers progressed to university, with the remainder taking diverse pathways including apprenticeships (5%) and direct employment (17%). This reflects a pragmatic approach to destinations that values appropriate progression over league table metrics.

Six students applied to Oxbridge in the measurement period, with one securing a place at Cambridge. While these numbers are modest compared to highly selective schools, they demonstrate that the pathway to elite universities exists for students with exceptional ability and ambition.

The school provides individual careers guidance from Year 7 through to Year 13. Sixth form students receive dedicated support with university applications, including guidance on personal statements and interview preparation. The consortium arrangement means students benefit from pooled expertise across five schools.

The school has produced notable alumni including Professor Roger Heath-Brown, Professor of Pure Mathematics at the University of Oxford since 1999, Alex Larke who represented the UK at Eurovision in 2015, and Michael Peacock OBE, Controller of BBC1 from 1965 to 1967.

Year 7 Entry

Applications for Year 7 are made through Hertfordshire County Council's coordinated admissions system. The school received 756 applications for 234 places in the most recent cycle, creating a subscription ratio of 3.23 applications per place. This makes Stanborough significantly oversubscribed.

The Published Admission Number is 240. After children with Education, Health and Care Plans naming the school, and looked-after children, places are allocated according to the published oversubscription criteria.

Up to 10% of places (approximately 24) are allocated to students demonstrating musical aptitude. This route requires a supplementary information form by 23 May 2025, followed by a two-part assessment in June. Part one is a 30-minute written aural test covering pitch, melody, texture, and rhythm. Part two is a five-minute performance on any instrument or voice. The school explicitly states there are no practice papers for the written test.

Key dates for September 2026 entry include: Music Aptitude Information Evening on 29 April 2025, Open Evening on 25 September 2025, Open Mornings in the week of 29 September 2025, music aptitude written test on 16 June 2025, performance assessments from 24 to 26 June 2025, and the Common Application Form deadline of 31 October 2025. Allocation results are released on 2 March 2026.

Sixth Form Entry

The Post 16 Information Evening takes place on 6 November 2025 for September 2026 entry. Current Year 11 students complete applications via Microsoft Forms before their January interview. External applicants should attend the Information Evening.

Entry requires at least grade 4 in English and mathematics at GCSE. Students not achieving these grades must attend retake lessons and resit examinations. Students wishing to take more than three A-levels require approval from the Head of Sixth Form.

Key dates include: Pathways Interviews from 5 to 13 January 2026, application deadline of 15 January 2026, offer letters on 19 March 2026, mandatory induction from 19 to 23 June 2026, and GCSE results day and enrolment on 20 August 2026.

The pastoral system operates effectively. Staff have received appropriate safeguarding training and can identify concerns promptly. Pupils can report worries through multiple channels, and leaders work effectively with external agencies including social workers when families need additional support.

Bullying is rare, and when it occurs, staff help resolve issues appropriately. Pupils learn to identify risk and recognise harmful behaviours, including sexual harassment, through a well-planned programme of life skills lessons.

The school maintains robust safeguarding procedures. The single central record is diligently maintained, effective safer recruitment procedures are in place, and suitable processes exist for dealing with allegations.

Sixth form students benefit from dedicated pastoral support through Mr Martin Whelan-Hind (Year Leader) and support coordinators Mrs Sharyn Kelly and Ms Julie Maughan. The team operates an open door policy covering study techniques, time management, wellbeing, and progression planning.

The extracurricular programme is genuinely extensive. Music provision includes Concert Band for woodwind and brass players, Chorus, Show Band, and Guitar Club. The Sound and Light Team (SaLT) provides technical theatre experience, while Script Writing Club develops creative writing skills.

Sports include football, rugby, netball, basketball, volleyball, badminton, and table tennis. The school fields over 40 different teams competing at local and county level each year. Partnerships with local clubs who use school facilities in the evenings create pathways into community sport.

The Sports Leadership Programme is particularly well developed. Year 12 students can pursue Sports Leaders UK community qualifications, gaining experience organising activities for younger students, primary schools, and special schools. Year 13 students can progress to the Higher Sports Leader UK Level 3 qualification, worth 30 UCAS tariff points, focusing on working with children and disabled people.

Academic enrichment includes Robotics Club, Lego Robotics, Coding Club, Chess Club, Debate Club, Maths Enrichment, and 3D Club. The Nature and Eco Club reflects environmental awareness. These activities complement the Mathematics and Computing specialism.

Duke of Edinburgh Award runs at Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels. International trips expand horizons beyond Hertfordshire.

STEM

The Mathematics and Computing specialism drives dedicated provision. Robotics Club and Lego Robotics provide hands-on engineering experience. Coding Club develops programming skills. Maths Enrichment extends able mathematicians beyond the curriculum. The combination creates a coherent STEM culture that runs through the school.

The school day runs from standard hours with homework support available from 3pm to 4pm on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday for Years 7 to 11, with dedicated Year 7 support on Wednesday. The Learning Resource Centre provides study space.

Sixth form students are expected to complete approximately five hours of independent study per week per subject, totalling 15 to 20 hours weekly. Attendance requirements are strict, with minimum 90% attendance in individual subjects required for Year 13 progression.

The sixth form dress code requires smart office wear including tailored jackets, formal shirts, and smart shoes. Students not meeting standards may be sent home to change.

The school is located at Lemsford Lane, Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire. For facility hire enquiries, contact the lettings team directly.

Significant oversubscription. With more than three applications per place, securing a Year 7 place requires either living close to the school or successfully navigating the music aptitude route. Families should research oversubscription criteria carefully before assuming they will secure a place.

Behaviour consistency noted by inspectors. Ofsted observed that a small number of pupils occasionally behave less well when staff are not present. While overall behaviour is good, this suggests some students have not fully internalised expectations. The school was asked to continue developing pupils' ability to manage their own behaviour.

Curriculum variation across subjects. Inspectors found that in a small minority of subjects, the curriculum does not connect or build knowledge as effectively as in the strongest areas. Parents of students with specific subject interests should investigate provision in those particular disciplines.

Sixth form attendance demands. The 90% minimum attendance requirement per subject is strictly enforced, with failure risking Year 13 progression. Students with health conditions or other factors affecting attendance should discuss this with the school before applying.

Stanborough School has made a genuine transformation from a school that required improvement to one delivering solid outcomes within a supportive environment. The Progress 8 score confirms that students make better than expected progress, regardless of their starting point. The sixth form, ranking first locally, provides a credible academic pathway for students aiming at competitive universities.

Best suited to families in Welwyn Garden City and surrounding areas who want a comprehensive school with genuine academic ambition, strong STEM provision, and diverse extracurricular opportunities. The music aptitude route offers a realistic entry point for talented musicians outside the immediate catchment. The consortium arrangement particularly suits sixth formers wanting breadth of subject choice. The main challenge remains securing a place in an oversubscribed school.