Sir John Lawes School

  • Secondary
  • Academy
  • Ages 11 to 18
Ofsted: Outstanding

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

Attainment 8 score62.8

62.8, 16.7 above the England average of 46.1.

Grade 5 or above in English and maths75.5%

75.5%, 30.1 percentage points above the England average of 45.4%.

Grade 4 or above in English and maths87%

87%, 22.2 percentage points above the England average of 64.8%.

Pupils entering the EBacc52.1%

52.1%, 11.6 percentage points above the England average of 40.5%.

EBacc average point score5.74

5.74, 1.65 above the England average of 4.09.

A level results (key stage 5), 2024/25

156 students

Average point score per A level entry42.42

42.42, 7.42 above the England average of 35.00.

Average A level grade B+, England average B-

Pupil numbers and mix

1,373 pupils on roll, with places for 1,200

Eligible for free school meals8.4%

8.4%, 18.1 percentage points below the England average of 26.5%.

English as an additional language13.5%

13.5%, 8.1 percentage points below the England average of 21.6%.

Special educational needs support13.1%

13.1%, 1.7 percentage points below the England average of 14.8%.

Education, health and care plan2%

2%, 4 percentage points below the England average of 6%.

Schools near Sir John Lawes School

SchoolDistanceOfstedResults
St George's School0.3 milesOfsted judgements: OutstandingAttainment 8: 63.7
Katherine Warington School0.6 milesOfsted: GoodAttainment 8: 54.8
The King's School0.9 milesNo Ofsted inspectionAttainment 8: 59.3
Roundwood Park School1 mileOfsted: OutstandingAttainment 8: 59.5
Townsend Church of England School3 milesOfsted: GoodAttainment 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
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.