Boys (co-ed sixth)Independent

St Albans School

St Albans, Hertfordshire, East of England · AL3 4HB

Tracing its origins to 948, St Albans School is among the oldest schools in the country, educating boys from 11 to 18 with a co-educational sixth form. It is a medium-sized independent day school of around 885 pupils, just over a third of whom are in the sixth form. The Independent Schools Inspectorate rated it excellent in both education and personal development, with all compliance standards met. The Christian, non-denominational ethos sits alongside a notably academic culture under headteacher Mr Joe Silvester.

885

Pupils

excellent

ISI

£29,271

Day fees / yr

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Overview & data

Gender: Boys (co-ed sixth)
Type: independent (fee-paying) school
Age range: 11-18
Pupils: 885
Location: St Albans, Hertfordshire, East of England
Website: https://www.st-albans.herts.sch.uk/
Telephone: 01727 855521

Entrance & admissions

Entry age: 11

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Headteacher

Headteacher Mr Joe Silvester

Latest results

Attainment 8

10.1

National average 46.9

GCSE grade 5+ (English & Maths)

National average 47%

GCSE grade 9-7

80%

A-level A*-A

59%

A-level A*-B

86%

Teaching & academics

Results are strong at every stage: 80% of GCSE grades fall in the 9-7 band, while at A-level 59% of entries reach A*-A and 86% A*-B. The sixth form leans clearly towards the sciences and analytical subjects, with Physics, Further Mathematics, Mathematics, Economics and History among the most popular choices, and the EPQ available alongside A-levels. At GCSE the breadth is wide, taking in Latin, Chinese, Religious Studies and Design & Technology. A sizeable proportion of pupils, around 26%, receive some form of SEN support.

Sixth form

Sixth-form pupils: 318

Popular A-level subjects

PhysicsFurther MathematicsMathematicsHistoryGovernment and PoliticsEconomicsChemistryBiology

Qualifications offered

GCSEA-levelEPQ

Learning support & SEN

SEN support: 26.38%
EHC plans: 0%

Arts & extracurricular

Scholarships

Academic ScholarshipSport ScholarshipMusic ScholarshipArt Scholarship

Languages

Chinese

Popular GCSE subjects

Religious StudiesPhysical EducationLatinHistoryDesign & TechnologyChinese

Sport

Main sports

Rugby

Beyond the classroom

Rugby is the flagship sport, and the school's scholarship programme spans sport, music and art as well as academic ability. Chinese features in the curriculum as a modern language, signalling a willingness to look beyond the conventional.

Ethos & heritage

Founded: 948
Religious character: Christian/non-denominational
Boarding: No

Mobile phone policy

In years 7 to 11, all pupils use Yondr pouches (a secure bag which is unlocked with a special magnetic locking device). Mobile phones are turned off and locked in their Yondr pouch throughout the school day. In the sixth form, mobile phones are turned off during lessons unless permission has been granted to use the phone for educational purposes. Sixth formers may not use mobile phones when moving around the school site or when walking off the school site, such as going to town at lunchtime.

Money matters

Day fees (per year): £29,271

Inspection reports

ISI rating: excellent
ISI personal development: excellent
Last inspected: 14 October 2025

Read the full inspection report ↗

The last word

An ancient foundation with a sharply academic, science-strong sixth form. Best suited to able boys who will thrive on a focused, traditional environment with structured limits on phone use through Yondr pouches.

The Passmate verdict