Sir John Lawes School
Manland Way, Harpenden, AL5 4QPOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
Sir John Lawes School is a secondary school in Harpenden for ages 11 to 18. It is one of the 583 schools in Hertfordshire. It ranks 2nd of 4 secondary schools in Harpenden. Its latest Ofsted rating is Outstanding, from an inspection in March 2023.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 28 March 2023, report published 22 May 2023
- Overall effectiveness
- Outstanding
- Quality of education
- Outstanding
- Behaviour and attitudes
- Outstanding
- Personal development
- Outstanding
- Leadership and management
- Outstanding
- Sixth form provision
- Outstanding
- Safeguarding
- Met
What Ofsted said
From the inspection on 28 March 2023
Life for pupils at this school is 'A.C.E'. The values of 'Achievement, Care and Excellence' run through all aspects of school life. Pupils at the school are scholars, leaders and mentors. Pupils are overwhelmingly positive about their school community. They say that the experiences, support and challenges that the school provides make a significant difference to their lives. Pupils' experiences at this school are exceptional. They take part in an extraordinary choice of clubs, trips and opportunities, as well as giving to the wider community. All pupils follow a thoughtful and well-considered curriculum. Pupils are very well supported to build their knowledge and skills over time. They work hard and produce high-quality work. Pupils care for each other. They learn 'not to be a bystander' and call out poor behaviour on the rare times it happens. They demonstrate genuine consideration and interest in the well-being of others. Pupils are articulate and confident in sharing their ideas with adults and peers. Bullying is rare and dealt with effectively if it occurs. Pupils demonstrate consistently positive manners, thoughtfulness and excellent behaviour. These high expectations have been well planned, rehearsed and embedded by leaders. Pupils focus on their learning in lessons. They are not disrupted by others. Pupils are tolerant and feel safe.
Exam results
GCSE results (key stage 4), 2024/25
192 pupils in the year group
A level results (key stage 5), 2024/25
156 students
Average A level grade B+, England average B-
Pupil numbers and mix
1,373 pupils on roll, with places for 1,200
Schools near Sir John Lawes School
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| St George's School | 0.3 miles | Ofsted judgements: Outstanding | Attainment 8: 63.7 |
| Katherine Warington School | 0.6 miles | Ofsted: Good | Attainment 8: 54.8 |
| The King's School | 0.9 miles | No Ofsted inspection | Attainment 8: 59.3 |
| Roundwood Park School | 1 mile | Ofsted: Outstanding | Attainment 8: 59.5 |
| Townsend Church of England School | 3 miles | Ofsted: Good | Attainment 8: 46.7 |
School details
- School type
- Academy converter
- Sector
- Academy
- Trust
- SCHOLARS' EDUCATION TRUST
- Age range
- 11 to 18
- Gender
- Mixed
- Sixth form
- Yes
- Headteacher
- Mr Philip Newbery
- Phone
- 01582760043
- Address
- Manland Way, Harpenden, AL5 4QP
- Local authority
- Hertfordshire
- URN
- 137270
School details from Get Information about Schools, 17 September 2026. Ofsted outcomes published to 31 August 2026. Exam results for 2024/25 from the Department for Education. Pupil mix from the school census, 2025/26.