Bishop's Stortford College
School summary
Founded in 1868, Bishop's Stortford College is a large independent school in Hertfordshire offering both day and boarding places to around 640 mixed pupils. A generous staffing level shows in its pupil-to-teacher ratio of roughly 8 to 1, well below what most schools manage. The sixth form is substantial, with 240 students, and the College supports a notably broad range of needs, with around 15 per cent of pupils receiving SEN support. Means-tested bursaries are part of the picture too, with more than 30 students holding full bursaries.
Where every mark matters.
Places are limited and demand is high, so exam performance is what sets candidates apart. Passmate turns the months ahead into ten focused minutes a day on the exact topics this school tests.
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Latest results
GCSE grade 9-7
78%
National average 23%
A-level A*-A
55%
National average 28%
A-level A*-B
83%
National average 55%
Inspection reports
Teaching & academics
Results at the upper grades are strong: 78 per cent of GCSEs are awarded at grades 9 to 7, while at A-level 55 per cent reach A*-A and 83 per cent A*-B. Mathematics, History, Economics, Chemistry and Biology are the most popular A-level choices, and the College offers the EPQ alongside GCSE and A-level study. Modern languages are well represented, with French, German, Spanish and Chinese all on the timetable.
Languages
Popular GCSE subjects
College head · John Maguire
Sixth form
- Sixth-form pupils
- 240
Popular A-level subjects
Qualifications offered
Beyond the classroom
Scholarships span academic work, Music, Art, Sport, Drama and IDE, signalling a school that takes breadth of talent seriously. A clear, age-graduated mobile phone policy keeps younger year groups screen-free, with restrictions easing as pupils move up the school.
School life & ethos
- Founded
- 1868
- Religious character
- None
- Boarding
- Yes
- SEN support
- 15.02%
- EHC plans
- 0.48%
Mobile phone policy
Year 9 pupils not permitted to use mobile phones at all. Year 10 and 11 may have phones but must keep switched off during school day including break and lunchtime. Sixth form students may use phones when not near or in presence of younger pupils.
Fees & bursaries
- Day fees (per year)
- £29,586
- Boarding fees (per year)
- £47,898 - £54,054
Means-tested bursaries available; over 30 students have full bursary
Schools nearby
Cambian Great Dunmow School
Essex, East of England
Hertford Prep
Hertford, East of England
Felsted Preparatory School
Felsted, East of England
Felsted School
Felsted, East of England
Freshsteps Independent school
Brimsdown, Greater London
New Hall School
Chelmsford, East of England
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Answer as a child would. Left: what they see. Right: what it learns about them.
A well-resourced, all-rounder independent with boarding and strong upper-grade results, made more accessible by meaningful bursary support.
That’s where Passmate comes in. Tutoring is the most effective thing in a child’s preparation - a well-tutored child can outperform the vast majority of their peers. Passmate works alongside your tutor, not instead of them: it learns how your child thinks, finds the gaps, and shows the tutor exactly where to spend each session - so the limited time you have lands on what actually decides a place.
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Bishop's Stortford College 11+: frequently asked questions
Compiled from public data. Last checked 5 June 2026.