The Priory School
Bedford Road, Hitchin, SG5 2UROpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
The Priory School is a secondary school in Hitchin for ages 11 to 18. It is one of the 583 schools in Hertfordshire. It ranks 3rd of 3 secondary schools in Hitchin. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in March 2013.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 19 March 2013, report published 19 April 2013
- Overall effectiveness
- Good
- Leadership and management
- Good
What Ofsted said
From the inspection on 4 October 2022
This is an inclusive school where pupils, including students in the sixth form, are well supported to be successful. Pupils and students study a wide range of subjects and are prepared thoroughly for the next stage in their education. Staff help pupils and students to reach their potential. There are positive and caring relationships between staff and pupils across the school. Parents and carers value how well staff support their child. Pupils listen carefully in lessons and concentrate on their work. They respond enthusiastically to teachers' questions. Pupils and students are polite and friendly and engage with adults well. Pupils respect each other's differences. There are clear routines to deal with poor behaviour. Most pupils meet leaders' high expectations of how to behave. As a result, the school is calm and purposeful. Pupils know who to speak with if they are worried or upset. Pupils are confident that if bullying happens, staff will usually deal with it quickly and effectively. Pupils are safe here. Leaders make sure that all pupils can benefit from a wide range of enrichment experiences. Pupils can play music and sport as well as take part in activities that develop their leadership skills, such as the Duke of Edinburgh's Award.
What the school should improve
- Some teachers do not always use the school's agreed approaches that are most helpful in supporting learning. In these instances, pupil learning is not as effective as it should be. Leaders should ensure that the chosen pedagogical approaches are applied consistently and well so that pupils make the best possible progress.
- There is some variation in how some teachers apply the school's behaviour systems and approaches. This means that some pupil behaviour is not always addressed consistently well. Leaders should ensure that there is consistency in how the school's behaviour systems and procedures are applied to eliminate the small amount of inappropriate or ill-considered behaviour.
Exam results
GCSE results (key stage 4), 2024/25
195 pupils in the year group
A level results (key stage 5), 2024/25
122 students
Average A level grade B-, England average B-
Pupil numbers and mix
1,221 pupils on roll, with places for 1,300
Schools near The Priory School
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hitchin Boys' School | 0.8 miles | Report card: Strong standard to exceptional | Attainment 8: 57.1 |
| Hitchin Girls' School | 1 mile | Ofsted judgements: Outstanding | Attainment 8: 57.8 |
| Fearnhill School | 2 miles | Report card: Needs attention to expected standard | Attainment 8: 38.9 |
| The Highfield School | 2 miles | Ofsted: Good | Attainment 8: 41.7 |
| Kingshott School | 2 miles | No Ofsted inspection | Not published |
School details
- School type
- Foundation school
- Sector
- Local authority maintained
- Age range
- 11 to 18
- Gender
- Mixed
- Sixth form
- Yes
- Headteacher
- Mr Matt Blayney
- Phone
- 01462622300
- Address
- Bedford Road, Hitchin, SG5 2UR
- Local authority
- Hertfordshire
- URN
- 117499
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.