Is The Astley Cooper School a good school?

Ofsted inspected the school on 28 April 2026 under its report-card framework and graded five areas at Needs attention and two at Expected standard. Safeguarding was judged Met. On the FindGreatSchools composite score it is graded F, 78th of 81 secondary schools in Hertfordshire. The profile sets out the figures behind both.

What are The Astley Cooper School's GCSE results?

In the 2026 GCSEs, pupils at The Astley Cooper School averaged an Attainment 8 score of 33.5 (England: 46.2). 20.7% of pupils achieved grade 5 or above in English and maths.

How do I apply for a place at The Astley Cooper School?

Applications for Year 7 places at The Astley Cooper School starting in September 2027 close on 31 October 2026. You apply through the council where you live, even for a school in another area, and offers are made on National Offer Day, 1 March 2027 (or the next working day).

Back

The Astley Cooper School

St Agnell's Lane, Hemel Hempstead, HP2 7HL

Local ranking78th of 81 secondary schools in Hertfordshire

Ofsted: Needs attentionUpdated

Secondary

Phase

1055

Capacity

11-18

Age range

Mixed

Gender

Latest data: 2026 GCSEs · 2025 A-levels · Ofsted inspection 28 April 2026. Figures last updated 15 October 2026.

Ofsted Report Card

Inspected 28 April 2026 under Ofsted's renewed framework

View on Ofsted

Safeguarding standards Met

Achievement: Needs attention
Curriculum & teaching: Needs attention
Attendance & behaviour: Needs attention
Personal development & wellbeing: Needs attention
Leadership & governance: Needs attention
Inclusion: Expected standard
Post-16 provision: Expected standard

Scale: Exceptional · Strong · Expected · Needs attention · Urgent improvement

Year:

GCSE Results

2025-26

Average Attainment 8: 33.5 nat46.2
Grade 5+ Eng & Maths: 20.7% nat46.3%
Grade 4+ Eng & Maths: 43.8% nat64.8%
Cohort Size: 169

Destinations

After GCSE 2024-25

Sustained education/employment: 87.0%
Continued in education: 81.0%
Apprenticeships: 3.0%
Employment: 3.0%
Not sustained: 7.0%

After A-Levels 2024-25

Sustained education/employment: 83.0%
Higher education: 52.0%
Apprenticeships: 7.0%
Employment: 21.0%
Not sustained: 17.0%

A-Level Results

2024-25

*Data not available for 2025-26 — showing latest available results

D+

Avg A-Level Grade

24.7

Avg Points/Entry

nat 35.0

A-Level Students

Applied General Avg Points: 29.4
16-18 Cohort: 104

Pupil Demographics

2024-25

Total Pupils: 947
Boys: 469 (51%)
Girls: 445 (49%)
Capacity: 1055 (87% full)
SEND: 28.8%
FSM Eligible: 36.8%
EAL: 17.6%
SEN with EHC Plan: 3.8%
SEN Support: 25.0%
Pupil:Teacher Ratio: 14.6:1
Teachers (FTE): 64.9
Budget per Pupil: £9,490/yr

Attendance & Absence

2024-25

*Data not available for 2025-26 — showing latest available results

Overall Absence Rate: 13.7% nat6.2%
Persistent Absence: 39.2% nat15.8%

Persistent absence: pupils missing 10%+ of sessions.

School Information

Type: Foundation school
Phase: Secondary
Religious Character: Does not apply
Nursery: No Nursery Classes
Sixth Form: Has a sixth form
Boarders: No boarders
Admissions: Non-selective

Pupil Ethnicity

2024-25

White British: 64.1%
White Other: 11.8%
Black African: 6.3%
Mixed White & Asian: 2.6%
Other: 2.6%
Mixed White & Black Caribbean: 2.3%
Mixed White & Black African: 2.3%
Asian Other: 2.3%

64.1%

White British

11.8%

White Other

6.3%

Black African

Historical Trends

GCSE Performance

Pupil Demographics

Attendance & Absence

Contact & Location

01442394141

head@astleycooper.herts.sch.uk

Visit website

St Agnell's Lane

Hemel Hempstead, East of England

Open in full map

Administrative

URN: 117552
UKPRN: 10006587
Establishment No.: 4499

Common questions about The Astley Cooper School

Explore schools in Hemel Hempstead

Often compared with

Parents weighing up The Astley Cooper School usually look at the nearest secondary schools too. Put them side by side on results, inspection and intake.