St Albans School
School summary
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.
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
80%
National average 23%
A-level A*-A
59%
National average 28%
A-level A*-B
86%
National average 55%
Inspection reports
- ISI rating
- excellent
- ISI personal development
- excellent
- Last inspected
- 14 October 2025
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.
Languages
Popular GCSE subjects
Headteacher · Mr Joe Silvester
Sixth form
- Sixth-form pupils
- 318
A-level subjects
Qualifications offered
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.
Main sports
School life & ethos
- Founded
- 948
- Religious character
- Christian/non-denominational
- Boarding
- No
- SEN support
- 26.38%
- EHC plans
- 0%
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.
Fees & bursaries
- Day fees (per year)
- £29,271
Schools nearby
St Albans Independent College
St Albans, East of England
St Columba's College
St Albans, East of England
Aldwickbury School
Harpenden, East of England
Abbot's Hill School
Hemel Hempstead, East of England
Stanborough Primary School
Watford, East of England
St Albans High School for Girls Prep
Wheathampstead, East of England
Watch Passmate decide how to teach.
Answer as a child would. Left: what they see. Right: what it learns about them.
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.
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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St Albans School 11+: frequently asked questions
Compiled from public data. Last checked 5 June 2026.