Ages 
In a survey carried out recently by school, over 95 per cent of parents said that they would recommend Leventhorpe, with its super facilities, community spirit and strong discipline all top reasons. With a young, purposeful head who parents say ‘never lets things stand still’ as its driving force we predict it will go from strength to strength, giving pupils of all abilities abundant all round opportunity and positive attitude towards learning. In the words of one parent: ‘They celebrate success, whether it’s 10 top grades at GCSE or a pupil who has simply exceeded their expectations; it’s just what they do.’
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 1,478 ·
- Sixth form numbers
- 237 ·
- Religion
- None
- Local authority
- Hertfordshire County Council
- Area guides
Headteacher
Headteacher
Malcolm White
Since September 2018, Malcolm White, previously deputy head. A Leventhorpe teacher for over 18 years by the time of his appointment, he led the business studies department and then the social sciences faculty for more than seven years before being
Entrance
Priority given to pupils attending one of eight feeder schools in surrounding villages and their siblings. School has filled from these in recent years. Eighteen places held back in each year group for applicants not at these feeders showing
- Open days
- Check website for information
Entry and exit data - year 7 entry (average 2020-2022)
Exit
Around 70 per cent stay on after year 12. Thereafter ‘the landscape is changing’, with increasing numbers of pupils – around a third – choosing straightforward or degree apprenticeships or management training schemes with companies ranging from
% 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, 47 per cent 9-5 in both English and maths. In 2023, 25 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 10 per cent A*/A at A level (34 per cent A*-B).
GCSE - % 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.
A level - Average points score (2024)
What is this?
These figures tell you the average grade and average points that pupils achieved in their academic qualifications. A maximum of 60 points are available for a grade A* at A level.
Teaching & learning
Traditional timetable caters for mixed ability cohort, who join as six form entry in year 7 and are set for maths from their Sats results. Setting flexible and parents ‘really impressed with levels of communication’ when pupils moved up or down.
- Qualifications taken in 2024
- A level
- BTEC
- EPQ
- GCSE
- VRQ
Learning support & SEN
Recent increase in SEN provision – now a full time SENCo, one higher level TA and eight TAs to offer support to those on the register. Focus on early intervention for students falling behind in literacy and numeracy in years 7 to 11, with withdrawal
Arts & extracurricular
Drama, newly on curriculum for years 7 to 9, and run by a former head girl, thrives with strong results at GCSE and productions aplenty for budding thespians of all ages. Shows tend to be more Oliver! than Othello and in recent years have included
Sport
Compulsory sport to year 12, with four periods per fortnight. Unsurprisingly, school is ‘more rugby than football’ and is ‘coming on’ in competitive fixtures with year 7 finalists and year 8 recently winning the district plate. Keen competitors are
Ethos & heritage
Although your heart may sink when you pull up outside the drab low level 1960s blocks that front the main road through Sawbridgeworth, the moment you step into the recently refurbed reception area, all high ceilings, glass and colourful displays of
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
School says ‘mutual respect’ is the driving force behind a culture of good behaviour in school, with little need for heavy handed discipline beyond 20 minute lunch time detentions and a weekly after-school detention which rarely sees more than 15
Pupils & parents
School’s geographical location - wedged between middle class Bishop’s Stortford and less affluent Harlow – makes for a totally mixed parent demographic, from city workers to manual labourers. An aspirational choice for Harlow parents, and an
The last word
In a survey carried out recently by school, over 95 per cent of parents said that they would recommend Leventhorpe, with its super facilities, community spirit and strong discipline all top reasons. With a young, purposeful head who parents say
Inspection reports
Ofsted reports
Full inspection: Good
You can read full reports on the Ofsted website
| Personal development | Good |
|---|---|
| Quality of education | Good |
| Behaviour and attitudes | Good |
| Leadership and management | Good |
| Sixth form provision | Good |
Full inspection: Outstanding
| Leadership and management | Outstanding |
|---|
