Dame Alice Owen's School
School summary
Rated Outstanding by Ofsted across every measured area, Dame Alice Owen's School is a large mixed state school in Potters Bar that achieves rare consistency, from quality of education to behaviour and its sixth form. With around 1,473 pupils and a healthy pupil-to-teacher ratio of about 16, it combines scale with strong academic focus. A sixth form of 469 students sits at the heart of the school. Entry at 11+ is part of the picture, so families should expect a competitive admissions process.
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
72%
National average 23%
A-level A*-A
66%
National average 28%
A-level A*-B
89%
National average 55%
Inspection reports
- Ofsted overall
- Outstanding
- Quality of education
- Outstanding
- Behaviour & attitudes
- Outstanding
- Last inspected
- 5 December 2023
Teaching & academics
Results are strong and well above what the national picture would suggest, with 72% of GCSE entries graded 9-7. At A-level, 66% of grades reach A*-A and 89% A*-B, pointing to consistent achievement at the top end. The curriculum leans noticeably towards the sciences and mathematics, with Further Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Economics among the popular sixth-form choices alongside History, English Literature and Psychology. The EPQ is offered as an additional qualification, and languages include French, Spanish and German.
Languages
GCSE subjects
Headteacher · Mrs Hannah Nemko
Sixth form
- Sixth-form pupils
- 469
- Sixth-form Ofsted
- Outstanding
A-level subjects
Qualifications offered
Beyond the classroom
Sport is broad and well established, spanning football, hockey, netball, cricket, basketball, athletics, tennis, badminton and rounders. The range gives pupils plenty of scope to compete and stay active across the seasons.
Main sports
School life & ethos
- Boarding
- No
- SEN support
- 9.95%
- EHC plans
- 3%
Mobile phone policy
Mobile phones not seen or heard during school day for Key Stage 3 and 4. KS4 students can use for learning under staff direction. Sixth form students permitted in designated areas or under staff direction for learning.
Schools nearby
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An Outstanding all-rounder with real academic strength, particularly for science and maths-minded pupils. Families drawn to a large, high-achieving state school should consider the 11+ route here carefully.
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.
Works alongside your child’s tutor - not instead of them.
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Dame Alice Owen's School 11+: frequently asked questions
Compiled from public data. Last checked 5 June 2026.