Best 3 All-through schools in Hertfordshire – comparison

Q: How are these comparisons built?

We align public datasets side-by-side. Headline Ofsted judgement and publication date are shown when available. Exact pupil counts and precise FSM% are available to Pro users; free users see rounded values.

Q: What if a school has a recent ungraded visit?

Ungraded Section 8 visits do not replace the last graded judgement. We continue to show the latest graded judgement until a new graded inspection is published.

Q: Why can’t I see exact numbers?

To keep the service sustainable, exact pupil counts and precise FSM% are Pro features. Everyone can still compare approximate values.

Q: How should I choose a school?

Start with the most recent graded Ofsted judgement, then consider distance and travel, roll versus capacity, and the admissions policy. Visit the school, ask about pastoral support and enrichment, and ensure it fits your child’s needs.

Q: What should I look for when comparing schools?

Compare headline Ofsted and publication dates for recency; check FSM% and local context; review capacity utilisation (under, near, or over capacity); and look at trust or local authority governance. Read the official Ofsted report for curriculum and safeguarding details.

Comparison of all-through schools: Simon Balle All-Through School (All-through) in Hertford; King James Academy Royston (All-through) in Royston; Samuel Ryder Academy (All-through) in St Albans — covering Ofsted outcomes, size, FSM%, governance, capacity & more.

At a glance

This page compares Simon Balle All-Through School, King James Academy Royston and Samuel Ryder Academy. They are all-through phase and academy converter and academy sponsor led type located around Hertford, Hertfordshire, Royston, Hertfordshire and St Albans, Hertfordshire. The strongest headline Ofsted judgement here is 1 (Simon Balle All-Through School), published Jun 2018. The lowest is 2 (King James Academy Royston), published Sep 2024. The most recent inspection on record is for King James Academy Royston (Sep 2024). average roll around ≈ 1,350, combined total ≈ 4,100, typical FSM 15–20%, range 10–15%–15–20%; spread across trusts such as THE LAUREL EDUCATION TRUST, The Diamond Learning Partnership Trust and SCHOLARS' EDUCATION TRUST.

🔒 Export (Pro)

Attribute	Simon Balle All-Through School SG13 8AJ	King James Academy Royston SG8 7JH	Samuel Ryder Academy AL1 5AR
Phase / Type	All-through • Academy converter	All-through • Academy converter	All-through • Academy sponsor led
Location	Hertford Hertfordshire SG13 8AJ	Royston Hertfordshire SG8 7JH	St Albans Hertfordshire AL1 5AR
Latest Ofsted	1 20 Jun 2018	2 17 Sep 2024	2 26 Sep 2022
Ofsted report	—	—	—
Pupils (roll)	≈ 1,550 🔒 Unlock exact pupils	≈ 950 🔒 Unlock exact pupils	≈ 1,600 🔒 Unlock exact pupils
FSM %	10–15% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %	15–20% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %	15–20% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %
Capacity	1037	1321	1520
Capacity utilisation	Over capacity 🔒 View exact %	Under capacity 🔒 View exact %	Near capacity 🔒 View exact %
Age range	—	—	—
Gender	Mixed	Mixed	Mixed
Admissions policy	Non-selective	Non-selective	Non-selective
Trust / Local authority	THE LAUREL EDUCATION TRUST	The Diamond Learning Partnership Trust	SCHOLARS' EDUCATION TRUST
Website	www.simonballe.herts.sch.uk	www.kjar.org.uk	www.samuelryderacademy.co.uk
Telephone	01992410400	01763242236	01727859382
SEN provision	None reported	None reported	None reported
Profile	View profile	View profile	View profile

Simon Balle All-Through School

SG13 8AJ

Phase / Type: All-through • Academy converter
Location: Hertford
Hertfordshire
SG13 8AJ
Ofsted: 1 20 Jun 2018
Pupils: ≈ 1,550 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 10–15% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: THE LAUREL EDUCATION TRUST
Website: www.simonballe.herts.sch.uk
Telephone: 01992410400

King James Academy Royston

SG8 7JH

Phase / Type: All-through • Academy converter
Location: Royston
Hertfordshire
SG8 7JH
Ofsted: 2 17 Sep 2024
Pupils: ≈ 950 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 15–20% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: The Diamond Learning Partnership Trust
Website: www.kjar.org.uk
Telephone: 01763242236

Samuel Ryder Academy

AL1 5AR

Phase / Type: All-through • Academy sponsor led
Location: St Albans
Hertfordshire
AL1 5AR
Ofsted: 2 26 Sep 2022
Pupils: ≈ 1,600 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 15–20% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: SCHOLARS' EDUCATION TRUST
Website: www.samuelryderacademy.co.uk
Telephone: 01727859382

Map of compared schools

How are these comparisons built?

We line up public school data side-by-side. Ofsted “headline” judgement is shown with the publication date when available. Exact pupil counts and precise FSM% are available to Pro users; everyone sees rounded values.

What if a school has a recent ungraded visit?

Ungraded visits (Section 8) check whether the previous graded judgement still stands, but do not replace it. We keep the latest graded judgement as the headline until a new graded inspection is published.

Why can’t I see exact numbers?

To keep the service sustainable, we show approximate pupils and bucketed FSM% to free users. Upgrade to AllSchools Pro to unlock precise figures and exports.

How should I choose a school?

Start with the most recent graded Ofsted judgement, then check whether it aligns with your child’s needs. Look at distance and travel, typical class sizes (roll vs capacity), and the school’s admissions policy. Speak to the school, arrange a visit, and ask about pastoral support and enrichment.

What should I look for when comparing schools?

Compare headline Ofsted and publication dates for recency; check FSM% and local context; scan capacity utilisation (under, near, or over capacity); and review trust/local authority for governance. If available, read the official Ofsted report for curriculum and safeguarding detail.

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