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#7 in Best Secondary Schools in East Hertfordshire
Birchwood High School - Ofsted Report, Parent Reviews (2025)
Birchwood High School
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Birchwood High School
- Secondary
- Bishop's Stortford CM23 5BD
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Ofsted report
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| Effectiveness of leadership and management | Good |
| Overall effectiveness at previous inspection | Requires Improvement |
| Quality of teaching, learning and assessment | Good |
| Personal development, behaviour and welfare | Good |
| Outcomes for pupils | Good |
| 16 to 19 study programmes | Good |
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This insight was generated by AI, based on latest Ofsted report.
Academic Progress: Progress in line with national average
Behaviour and Attitudes: Pupils conduct themselves well around school and in lessons
Qualifications and Training: Professional development is carefully planned
Current Educational Practices: Training and performance targets aligned to priorities
Strengths and Challenges: High expectations, skilful questioning; inconsistent homework
Opportunities for Involvement: School is a thriving center of activity for all ages
Communication: Pupils’ progress and well-being shared effectively with parents
Parent Satisfaction: Parents overwhelmingly recognize strong leadership
Handling Conflicts and Concerns: Governors rigorously undertake their responsibilities
Actions for Quality Improvement: Rapid improvement since last inspection
Managing Bullying and Safety: Bullying is rare and dealt with effectively
Promoting Welfare and Safety: Robust culture of safeguarding
Extracurricular Offerings: Wide range of extra-curricular activities available
Balancing Academics and Extracurriculars: Extra-curricular activities enhance positive attitudes
Outdoor Facilities: Well-maintained; pupils move calmly and orderly
Career Counselling Services: High-quality careers information and guidance
Preparation for Sixth Form: Clear action plan securing rapid improvement
Managing and Supporting SEND: Effective use of information about pupils with SEND
Subjects Offered: Wide range of A-level courses; improvement in EBacc subjects
Historical Ofsted reports
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About Us
Birchwood High School is a Secondary, Co-Ed school located in Hertfordshire, East of England.
It has 1425 students from age 11-18 yr with a student-teacher ratio of 16 : 1.
At this school, 38% of pupils achieved grade 5 or more at GCSE.
94.80% of pupils completing their main study programme.
This school rated Good by recent Ofsted inspection.
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Birchwood High School
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With regards to admissions, our admission criteria are simple and transparent we offer 240 places to boys and girls who have a brother or sister at the school and who live in and around the Bishop's Stortford area. As a secondary school with ample funding, we have the means to guarantee that our facilities are first-rate and well-maintained, and that our curriculum is varied and comprehensive. Additionally, we have a full group of exceptional teachers and support personnel that put in a tonne of effort on behalf of our top-notch kids. We are confident in our direction of travel and will ensure that in five or seven years' time when your son or daughter sits their GCSEs or A-Levels, that they will succeed both academically and personally and go on to do great things.
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Compare with similar schools
| Phase of Education | Secondary | Secondary | Secondary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Academies | Academies | Academies |
| Snobe grade |
B-
|
B-
|
A-
|
| Ofset report | Good | Good | Outstanding |
| Age range | 11-18 | 11-16 | 11-18 |
| Gender | Co-Ed | Co-Ed | Girls |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student teacher ratio | 16.9 | 15.1 | 16.8 |
| Proficient Math | - | - | - |
| Proficient Read | - | - | - |
| Grade 5 or above GCSE | 38% | 48% | 73% |
| Grade 5 or above A Level | 5.30% | - | 18.90% |
| Day Fees | - | - | - |
Secondary Exam Result
Discover school's performance with the Attainment 8 and Progress 8 scores. Attainment 8 reflects pupil achievement in 8 qualifications, while Progress 8 measures their progress from key stage 2 to 4, compared to peers across England.
| School scores | School | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Progress 8 score | -0.45 | This score shows how much progress pupils at this school made across 8 qualifications between the end of key stage 2 and the end of key stage 4. |
| Attainment 8 score | 45.1 | Schools get a score based on how well pupils have performed in up to 8 qualifications. |
Explore the percentage of pupils who attained grade 5 or higher & grade 4 or higher in their English and math GCSEs. This metric reflects their proficiency in these fundamental subjects.
| GCSE Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 38% | 37.35% | 30.03% |
| Grade 4 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 63% | 50.5% | 43.07% |
The English Baccalaureate (EBacc) ensures your child's well-rounded education. It includes essential subjects like English, math, sciences, languages, and humanities.
| EBacc Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entering EBacc | 35% | 30.28% | 25.06% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 5 or above | 18% | 15.56% | 10.91% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 4 or above | 24% | 21.37% | 15.51% |
| EBacc average points score | 3.94 | 3.37 | 2.83 |
Find out where our Key Stage 4 graduates are going next. Explore their different paths after finishing school – whether it's sixth form, starting work, or other adventures as they move forward.
| Pupil destinations | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pupils staying in education or employment | 95% | 93.36% | 90.53% |
| Total number of pupils included in destination measures | 214 | 138 | 144 |
| Pupils staying in education | 91% | 89.49% | 84.16% |
| Further education college or other further education provider | 37% | 32.25% | 32.73% |
| School sixth forms | 50% | 47.62% | 29.8% |
| Sixth form colleges | 2% | 1.65% | 10.22% |
| Other education destinations | 1% | 7.96% | 11.43% |
| Pupils in apprenticeships | 1% | 1.52% | 2.8% |
| Pupils staying in employment | 3% | 2.37% | 3.59% |
Discover school's performance with the Attainment 8 and Progress 8 scores. Attainment 8 reflects pupil achievement in 8 qualifications, while Progress 8 measures their progress from key stage 2 to 4, compared to peers across England.
| School scores | School | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Progress 8 score | -0.37 | This score shows how much progress pupils at this school made across 8 qualifications between the end of key stage 2 and the end of key stage 4. |
| Attainment 8 score | 48.2 | Schools get a score based on how well pupils have performed in up to 8 qualifications. |
Explore the percentage of pupils who attained grade 5 or higher & grade 4 or higher in their English and math GCSEs. This metric reflects their proficiency in these fundamental subjects.
| GCSE Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 48% | 39.23% | 32.85% |
| Grade 4 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 68% | 51.68% | 45.33% |
The English Baccalaureate (EBacc) ensures your child's well-rounded education. It includes essential subjects like English, math, sciences, languages, and humanities.
| EBacc Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entering EBacc | 59% | 30.36% | 24.94% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 5 or above | 33% | 17.89% | 13.02% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 4 or above | 43% | 22.57% | 17.19% |
| EBacc average points score | 4.49 | 3.51 | 2.97 |
Find out where our Key Stage 4 graduates are going next. Explore their different paths after finishing school – whether it's sixth form, starting work, or other adventures as they move forward.
| Pupil destinations | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pupils staying in education or employment | 95% | 90.81% | 90.4% |
| Total number of pupils included in destination measures | 229 | 135 | 141 |
| Pupils staying in education | 91% | 88.37% | 86.29% |
| Further education college or other further education provider | 37% | 32.73% | 34.03% |
| School sixth forms | 50% | 48.52% | 30.82% |
| Sixth form colleges | 4% | 1.68% | 10.38% |
| Other education destinations | 0% | 5.41% | 11.08% |
| Pupils in apprenticeships | 1% | 1.07% | 1.99% |
| Pupils staying in employment | 3% | 1.41% | 2.13% |
Exam Result Not Published
Due to the pandemic, 2020 and 2021 Secondary school exam
results were not published at school level.
Exam Result Not Published
Due to the pandemic, 2020 and 2021 Secondary school exam
results were not published at school level.
Discover school's performance with the Attainment 8 and Progress 8 scores. Attainment 8 reflects pupil achievement in 8 qualifications, while Progress 8 measures their progress from key stage 2 to 4, compared to peers across England.
| School scores | School | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Progress 8 score | -0.07 | This score shows how much progress pupils at this school made across 8 qualifications between the end of key stage 2 and the end of key stage 4. |
| Attainment 8 score | 46.5 | Schools get a score based on how well pupils have performed in up to 8 qualifications. |
Explore the percentage of pupils who attained grade 5 or higher & grade 4 or higher in their English and math GCSEs. This metric reflects their proficiency in these fundamental subjects.
| GCSE Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 39% 12 | 33.34% | 29.3% |
| Grade 4 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 66% 6 | 47.05% | 43.41% |
The English Baccalaureate (EBacc) ensures your child's well-rounded education. It includes essential subjects like English, math, sciences, languages, and humanities.
| EBacc Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entering EBacc | 52% | 29.27% | 25.8% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 5 or above | 16% 1 | 15.54% | 11.47% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 4 or above | 31% 12 | 21.09% | 16.49% |
| EBacc average points score | 4.17 | 3.25 | 2.88 |
Find out where our Key Stage 4 graduates are going next. Explore their different paths after finishing school – whether it's sixth form, starting work, or other adventures as they move forward.
| Pupil destinations | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pupils staying in education or employment | 98% | 89.37% | 90.2% |
| Total number of pupils included in destination measures | 228 | 130 | 135 |
| Pupils staying in education | 89% | 85% | 84.08% |
| Further education college or other further education provider | 32% | 30.93% | 33.25% |
| School sixth forms | 54% | 47.29% | 31.27% |
| Sixth form colleges | 3% | 1.2% | 8.45% |
| Other education destinations | SP | 5.52% | 11.14% |
| Pupils in apprenticeships | 6% | 2.32% | 3.4% |
| Pupils staying in employment | 3% | 2.11% | 2.75% |
Discover school's performance with the Attainment 8 and Progress 8 scores. Attainment 8 reflects pupil achievement in 8 qualifications, while Progress 8 measures their progress from key stage 2 to 4, compared to peers across England.
| School scores | School | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Progress 8 score | - | This score shows how much progress pupils at this school made across 8 qualifications between the end of key stage 2 and the end of key stage 4. |
| Attainment 8 score | 49.3 | Schools get a score based on how well pupils have performed in up to 8 qualifications. |
Explore the percentage of pupils who attained grade 5 or higher & grade 4 or higher in their English and math GCSEs. This metric reflects their proficiency in these fundamental subjects.
| GCSE Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 51% 3 | 34.96% | 29.22% |
| Grade 4 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 72% 2 | 47.77% | 42.62% |
The English Baccalaureate (EBacc) ensures your child's well-rounded education. It includes essential subjects like English, math, sciences, languages, and humanities.
| EBacc Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entering EBacc | 21% | 29.08% | 24.73% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 5 or above | 15% 1 | 16.17% | 11.33% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 4 or above | 19% 1 | 21.85% | 16.01% |
| EBacc average points score | 4.21 | 3.3 | 2.84 |
Find out where our Key Stage 4 graduates are going next. Explore their different paths after finishing school – whether it's sixth form, starting work, or other adventures as they move forward.
| Pupil destinations | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pupils staying in education or employment | 92% | 84.29% | 84.87% |
| Total number of pupils included in destination measures | 219 | 131 | 140 |
| Pupils staying in education | 80% | 74.49% | 73.88% |
| Further education college or other further education provider | 36% | 24.6% | 28.31% |
| School sixth forms | 43% | 47.98% | 31.6% |
| Sixth form colleges | - | 0.5% | 9.08% |
| Other education destinations | - | 1.68% | 5.87% |
| Pupils in apprenticeships | 8% | 1.7% | 2.96% |
| Pupils staying in employment | 4% | 1.5% | 2.05% |
Discover school's performance with the Attainment 8 and Progress 8 scores. Attainment 8 reflects pupil achievement in 8 qualifications, while Progress 8 measures their progress from key stage 2 to 4, compared to peers across England.
| School scores | School | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Progress 8 score | 0.05 | This score shows how much progress pupils at this school made across 8 qualifications between the end of key stage 2 and the end of key stage 4. |
| Attainment 8 score | 47.9 | Schools get a score based on how well pupils have performed in up to 8 qualifications. |
Explore the percentage of pupils who attained grade 5 or higher & grade 4 or higher in their English and math GCSEs. This metric reflects their proficiency in these fundamental subjects.
| GCSE Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 48% | 35.25% | 29.55% |
| Grade 4 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 74% | 49.19% | 43.07% |
The English Baccalaureate (EBacc) ensures your child's well-rounded education. It includes essential subjects like English, math, sciences, languages, and humanities.
| EBacc Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entering EBacc | 26% | 30.85% | 25.25% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 5 or above | 16% | 20.2% | 14.71% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 4 or above | 18% | 21.91% | 16.26% |
| EBacc average points score | - | - | - |
Find out where our Key Stage 4 graduates are going next. Explore their different paths after finishing school – whether it's sixth form, starting work, or other adventures as they move forward.
| Pupil destinations | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pupils staying in education or employment | 95% | 87.55% | 85.29% |
| Total number of pupils included in destination measures | 238 | 134 | 145 |
| Pupils staying in education | 89% | 43.81% | 58.19% |
| Further education college or other further education provider | 33% | 27.71% | 30.58% |
| School sixth forms | 53% | 48.14% | 32.22% |
| Sixth form colleges | 2% | 0.37% | 8.95% |
| Other education destinations | 1% | 2.63% | 5.7% |
| Pupils in apprenticeships | 6% | 3.21% | 4.78% |
| Pupils staying in employment | 5% | 1.74% | 2.45% |
A level exam result
Explore their results and progress scores, showing how they've grown and achieved during this important stage of their education.
| A level Result | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average points | 32.17 | 32.74 | 30.01 |
| Average grade | C+ | - | - |
| Average points (Best 3) | 33.51 | 31.59 | 29.57 |
| Average Grade (Best 3) | C+ | - | - |
| AAB or higher | 5.30% | 15.43% | 13.67% |
Discover where pupils headed after A-levels. Explore who either stayed in education or went into employment.
| Students destinations | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of students | 120 | 150 | 201 |
| Students staying in education | 52% | 63.36% | 58.58% |
| Students entering apprenticeships | 8% | 4.46% | 6.08% |
| Students entering employment | 27% | 21.3% | 21.16% |
| Students not in education or employment for at least two terms after study | 8% | 7.42% | 9.05% |
Explore their results and progress scores, showing how they've grown and achieved during this important stage of their education.
| A level Result | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average points | 33.94 | 36.9 | 33.41 |
| Average grade | C+ | - | - |
| Average points (Best 3) | 33.56 | 35.3 | 32.47 |
| Average Grade (Best 3) | C+ | - | - |
| AAB or higher | 13.3% | 20.26% | 17.7% |
Discover where pupils headed after A-levels. Explore who either stayed in education or went into employment.
| Students destinations | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of students | 119 | 180 | 248 |
| Students staying in education | 54% | 64.63% | 60.67% |
| Students entering apprenticeships | 7% | 3.55% | 5% |
| Students entering employment | 21% | 18.52% | 17.73% |
| Students not in education or employment for at least two terms after study | 13% | 9.21% | 10.69% |
Exam Result Not Published
Due to the pandemic, 2020 and 2021 A level school exam
results were not published at school level.
Exam Result Not Published
Due to the pandemic, 2020 and 2021 A level school exam
results were not published at school level.
Explore their results and progress scores, showing how they've grown and achieved during this important stage of their education.
| A level Result | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average points | 26.44 3 | 32.57 | 29.39 |
| Average grade | C- | - | - |
| Average points (Best 3) | 27.24 1 | 32.16 | 28.64 |
| Average Grade (Best 3) | C- | - | - |
| AAB or higher | 7.7% | 16.46% | 13.07% |
Discover where pupils headed after A-levels. Explore who either stayed in education or went into employment.
| Students destinations | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of students | 128 | 182 | 232 |
| Students staying in education | 47% | 60.54% | 57.31% |
| Students entering apprenticeships | 9% | 5.7% | 7.77% |
| Students entering employment | 30% | 22.9% | 20.99% |
| Students not in education or employment for at least two terms after study | 9% | 6.93% | 8.8% |
Explore their results and progress scores, showing how they've grown and achieved during this important stage of their education.
| A level Result | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average points | 29.16 2 | 31.83 | 29.03 |
| Average grade | C | - | - |
| Average points (Best 3) | 28.44 4 | 31.93 | 28.82 |
| Average Grade (Best 3) | C | - | - |
| AAB or higher | 6.1% | 16.88% | 13.37% |
Discover where pupils headed after A-levels. Explore who either stayed in education or went into employment.
| Students destinations | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of students | 4 | 1 | 3 |
| Students staying in education | 28 | 22.77% | 31.5% |
| Students entering apprenticeships | 4% | 3.32% | 5.54% |
| Students entering employment | 22% | 13.42% | 15.81% |
| Students not in education or employment for at least two terms after study | 7% | 2.94% | 4.22% |
Explore their results and progress scores, showing how they've grown and achieved during this important stage of their education.
| A level Result | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average points | 31.2 | 30.74 | 26.73 |
| Average grade | C | - | - |
| Average points (Best 3) | 32.09 | 31.86 | 27.73 |
| Average Grade (Best 3) | C+ | - | - |
| AAB or higher | 15.3% | 16.88% | 12.64% |
Discover where pupils headed after A-levels. Explore who either stayed in education or went into employment.
| Students destinations | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of students | 3 | 2 | 3 |
| Students staying in education | 18 | 31.6% | 36.26% |
| Students entering apprenticeships | 4% | 4.49% | 6.37% |
| Students entering employment | 26% | 20.42% | 20.03% |
| Students not in education or employment for at least two terms after study | - | 2.54% | 4.23% |
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Admission
Holidays & terms
Holidays 2024/25
| Holidays | Date |
|---|---|
| Autumn Half Term Holidays | 28th Oct 2024 - 1st Nov 2024 |
| Winter Holidays | 23rd Dec 2024 - 3rd Jan 2025 |
| Spring Half Term Holidays | 17th Feb 2025 - 21st Feb 2025 |
| Spring Holidays | 7th Apr 2025 - 21st Apr 2025 |
| Summer Half Term Holidays | 26th May 2025 - 30th May 2025 |
| Summer Holidays | 24th Jul 2025 - 2nd Sep 2025 |
Terms Dates 2024/25
| Terms | Dates |
|---|---|
| Autumn Term | 2nd Sep 2024 - 27th Oct 2024 |
| Autumn Term-2 | 2nd Nov 2024 - 22nd Dec 2024 |
| Spring Term | 4th Jan 2025 - 16th Feb 2025 |
| Spring Term-2 | 22nd Feb 2025 - 6th Apr 2025 |
| Summer Term | 22nd Apr 2025 - 25th May 2025 |
| Summer Term-2 | 31st May 2025 - 23rd Jul 2025 |
Students Teachers
16 : 1
Student teacher ratio at Birchwood High School
Local authority ratio 18 : 1