SJ
Sir John Lawes School
Harpenden·East of England·Academy
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SecondaryAcademyAges 11–18Co-edNone
Sir John Lawes School is a secondary academy in Harpenden, East of England. It has not yet been rated by students on y.school. Be the first to rate this academy and help other students and parents understand what the school experience is really like.
In terms of academic performance, Sir John Lawes School has a Progress 8 score of +0.79 (above the national average), an Attainment 8 score of 62.3, 89% of students achieving grade 4+ in English and Maths, an average A-Level grade of B.
The school has 1,356 pupils on roll, a teacher turnover rate of 8.9%, 6% of pupils eligible for free school meals, an overall absence rate of 4.1%.
After leaving Sir John Lawes School, student destinations include 74% going on to university and 4% entering apprenticeships.
All student scores on y.school are calculated from anonymous ratings using a transparent, deterministic methodology. Scores are freshness-weighted (18-month half-life) and include confidence tiers based on sample size, diversity, and consistency. For full details, see the y.school methodology.
Sir John Lawes School has a Progress 8 score of +0.79, which is above the national average of 0. Progress 8 measures how much progress students make between the end of Key Stage 2 and their GCSE results, compared to students with similar starting points nationally.
The school's Attainment 8 score is 62.3. Attainment 8 measures the average achievement of students across 8 qualifications including English, Maths, three EBacc subjects, and three open group qualifications.
89% of students at Sir John Lawes School achieved grade 4 or above in both English and Maths GCSEs.
Students at Sir John Lawes School achieve an average A-Level grade of B. This metric covers all A-Level and equivalent qualifications taken at the school.
Sir John Lawes School has an overall absence rate of 4.1%. The national average for secondary schools is approximately 5.5%.
The teacher turnover rate at Sir John Lawes School is 8.9%. This measures the percentage of teachers who left the school in the past year.
Sir John Lawes School has 1,356 pupils on roll.
6% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, which is used as a proxy for socioeconomic disadvantage.
After leaving Sir John Lawes School, 74% go on to university and 4% enter apprenticeships.
Source: Department for Education, Ofsted. Data shown for context only — does not influence the Student Score.
Data last updated: April 2026
Sir John Lawes School was rated "Outstanding" by Ofsted following an inspection in March 2023 (3 years ago). Based on Ofsted's inspection cycle, Sir John Lawes School is next inspection expected around 2027.
An "Outstanding" rating means Ofsted found the quality of education, behaviour, personal development, and leadership to all be of the highest standard. Only around 18% of schools in England hold this rating.
Note: From November 2025, Ofsted replaced single-word judgements with detailed report cards covering multiple categories. While Sir John Lawes School's rating shown above was awarded under the previous system, Ofsted now provides more granular assessments. For the most up-to-date inspection information, check the school's report card on the Ofsted website.
Ofsted data is displayed for context only and does not influence the Student Score. For the official Ofsted report, visit reports.ofsted.gov.uk.
Crime Nearby
85/mo
Within ~1 mile (Police.uk)
Violent Crime
14/mo
16% of total
Air Quality
Good
NO₂: 9.6 µg/m³ · PM2.5: 7.2
Bus Stops
15
Within 500m
Nearest Station
Harpenden Rail Station
0.9km away
Source: Police.uk, DEFRA UK-Air, DfT NaPTAN. Based on the school's location — actual conditions may vary.
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Other schools in the Harpenden area
Quality of Education
Outstanding
Behaviour & Attitudes
Outstanding
Personal Development
Outstanding
Leadership & Management
Outstanding
Source: Department for Education / Ofsted. Data shown for context only — does not influence the Student Score. Small schools may show extreme percentages due to small sample sizes.