Best Secondary Schools in Hertfordshire 2026

Ranked by Ofsted rating, exam results, attendance, and class sizes. 77 schools across Hertfordshire. Updated with 2025–26 data.

Total schools

Outstanding

31%

Outstanding rate

63.8%

Avg KS2 SATs

44.1

Avg GCSE A8

All schools Primary Secondary

Rank	School	Ofsted	SNM Score
🥇	Dame Alice Owen's School Secondary	Outstanding	90	View school
🥈	Parmiter's School Secondary	Outstanding	82	View school
🥉	Sandringham School Secondary	Outstanding	82	View school
4.	Watford Grammar School for Boys Secondary	Outstanding	81	View school
5.	St Clement Danes School Secondary	Outstanding	81	View school
6.	Hockerill Anglo-European College Secondary	Outstanding	80	View school
7.	Watford Grammar School for Girls Secondary	Outstanding	79	View school
8.	Sir John Lawes School Secondary	Outstanding	79	View school
9.	Beaumont School Secondary	Outstanding	79	View school
10.	St George's School Secondary	Outstanding	79	View school
11.	Yavneh College Secondary	Outstanding	77	View school
12.	The Hertfordshire & Essex High School and Science College Secondary	Outstanding	77	View school
13.	Roundwood Park School Secondary	Outstanding	74	View school
14.	Hitchin Boys' School Secondary	Outstanding	73	View school
15.	St Albans Girls' School Secondary	Outstanding	73	View school
16.	Hitchin Girls' School Secondary	Outstanding	72	View school
17.	Loreto College Secondary	Outstanding	72	View school
18.	Presdales School Secondary	Outstanding	71	View school
19.	The Bishop's Stortford High School Secondary	Outstanding	70	View school
20.	Bishop's Hatfield Girls' School Secondary	Outstanding	69	View school

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Catchment distances, exam trends, SEN data, attendance, and more — all in one place.

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Frequently asked questions

How many secondary schools are there in Hertfordshire?

There are 77 secondary schools in Hertfordshire, of which 24 (31%) are rated Outstanding by Ofsted.

What are the best schools in Hertfordshire?

Based on our composite score combining Ofsted ratings, exam results, attendance and class sizes, the top school in Hertfordshire is Dame Alice Owen's School. See the full ranked list above.

How do I apply for a school place in Hertfordshire?

Primary and secondary school applications in Hertfordshire are managed by the Local Authority. Applications for secondary places typically open in September for the following academic year. Visit the Hertfordshire council website for application forms and deadlines.

What is the average Ofsted rating in Hertfordshire?

31% of secondary schools in Hertfordshire are rated Outstanding and 45% are rated Good. 79.2% are rated Good or Outstanding.

Data sourced from Ofsted, Department for Education, and ISI. School rankings reflect the Schools Near Me composite score combining Ofsted ratings, exam results, attendance, and pupil-teacher ratios. Last updated April 2026.