Ages 
A friendly, values-driven school where boys strive to reach their potential academically, with dedicated teachers to support them at every juncture. Exceptional co-curricular programme too.
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 1,351 ·
- Sixth form numbers
- 301 ·
- Local authority
- Hertfordshire County Council
- Area guides
Headteacher
Head
Mr T Bennett
Since January 2024, Tim Bennett BEd (PE and maths from Exeter) NPQH (IoE), whose CV is a starry list of state and independent big-hitters, kicking off with Dulwich College, then Queen Elizabeth’s School Barnet, where he rose from PE and maths teac
Entrance
Academically non-selective and the only boys-only state school in the area, with around 550 applicants for the 210 year 7 places (eight-form entry). First dibs to looked-after children, then those with an EHCP, medical or social need. After that,
Entry and exit data - year 7 entry (average 2020-2022)
Exit
Just under a third leave after GCSEs, usually for college (which the school has good links with – in fact, some year 11s were already spending a day a week in college when we visited). Two-thirds of sixth formers to university, just over a third o
% students progressing to higher education or training (2021 leavers)
What is this?
The proportion of 16-18 students that progressed to degrees, higher apprenticeships or other study at level 4 or above for at least 6 consecutive months in the 2 years after taking advanced level qualifications (level 3) at this school or college.
Latest results
In 2024, 31 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 88 per cent 9-4 in both English and maths. At A level, 26 per cent A*/A (47 per cent A*-B).
% of pupils achieving grade 5 or above (A* to C) in English and maths GCSE (2024)
What is this?
This tells you the percentage of pupils who achieved grade 5 or above in English and maths GCSEs.
% of pupils achieving AAB or higher, including at least 2 facilitating subjects (2024)
What is this?
Facilitating A levels are ones that are commonly needed for entry to leading universities. They are: biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, further mathematics, geography, history, English literature and classical or modern languages. The % of pupils achieving AAB or higher may therefore decrease if many pupils have opted not to take two or more of the facilitating subjects mentioned.
Teaching & learning
Parents told us academics and/or sport were their top priorities and they have ‘not been disappointed’ with either. ‘They push for excellence – you get no classroom coasting here,’ said one. And not just those with high-flyers. One with a ‘more mi
- Qualifications taken in 2024
- A level
- BTEC
- EPQ
- GCSE
- VRQ
Learning support & SEN
Eighteen per cent on the SEND register, including 22 EHCPs. Mostly dyslexia and autism, with growing numbers of ADHD. We met the SENDCo and assistant SENDCo (both full time) who are supported by seven LSAs, each one department focused (English, ma
Arts & extracurricular
Rare, and possibly even non-existent, is the Hitchin boy that doesn’t belong to one club or another. ‘It’s very much co-curricular, not extracurricular, here,’ says head, who has brought his independent school lens to this aspect of Hitchin life.
Sport
Famous for its sport, especially rugby – we suspect the current head wouldn’t be here otherwise. ‘I’ve got three very sporty boys and it’s the reason we chose the school,’ said one parent, although plenty of boys told us they ‘have absolutely no i
Ethos & heritage
Founded in 1632 at the top of Tilehouse Street, the school became a boys’ grammar on the present site in 1889, moving to all-ability in 1974. It was granted specialist technology college status in 2004, became a specialist language college in 2009
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
‘First and foremost an academic school but also one where they encourage character,’ approved a parent. You certainly hear a lot of talk about values and a ‘Hitchin boy being strong and true’. It works a treat, believe parents, one telling us they
Mobile phone policy
A clear mobile phone policy is a really important part of modern schooling. This school has provided us with their policy.
Mobile phone policy
Provided by the school and not part of our review In September 2024 we became phone free school (for all students in Y7-11). Each student has been issued with a YONDR pouch and students lock phones and smart watches in the pouch at the start of the school day and only unlock it at the end of the day when leaving the school site.
Pupils & parents
No Hitchin type – we met boys who were sporty, scholarly and flamboyant, to name but a few. They take real pride in their school, with very few grumbles (litter the biggest, then chewing gum under the desks!). Parents a mix of those who came here
The last word
A friendly, values-driven school where boys strive to reach their potential academically, with dedicated teachers to support them at every juncture. Exceptional co-curricular programme too.
Inspection reports
Ofsted reports
Short inspection: Outstanding
You can read full reports on the Ofsted website
| Leadership and management | Outstanding |
|---|---|
| Sixth form provision | Outstanding |
