Best 3 Secondary schools in Welwyn Garden City – 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 secondary schools: Stanborough School (Secondary) in Welwyn Garden City; Monk's Walk School (Secondary) in Welwyn Garden City; Ridgeway Academy (Secondary) in Welwyn Garden City — covering Ofsted outcomes, size, FSM%, governance, capacity & more.

At a glance

This page compares Stanborough School, Monk's Walk School and Ridgeway Academy. They are secondary phase and academy converter and academy sponsor led type located around Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire. The strongest headline Ofsted judgement here is 2 (Stanborough School), published Mar 2023. The lowest is 3 (Ridgeway Academy), published Mar 2023. The most recent inspection on record is for Ridgeway Academy (Mar 2023). average roll around ≈ 1,200, combined total ≈ 3,650, typical FSM 20–25%, range 15–20%–30–35%; all within the AMBITION EDUCATION TRUST trust.

🔒 Export (Pro)

Attribute	Stanborough School AL8 6YR	Monk's Walk School AL8 7NL	Ridgeway Academy AL7 2AF
Phase / Type	Secondary • Academy converter	Secondary • Academy converter	Secondary • Academy sponsor led
Location	Welwyn Garden City Hertfordshire AL8 6YR	Welwyn Garden City Hertfordshire AL8 7NL	Welwyn Garden City Hertfordshire AL7 2AF
Latest Ofsted	2 6 Mar 2023	2 25 Jun 2014	3 8 Mar 2023
Ofsted report	—	—	—
Pupils (roll)	≈ 1,250 🔒 Unlock exact pupils	≈ 1,450 🔒 Unlock exact pupils	≈ 950 🔒 Unlock exact pupils
FSM %	15–20% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %	15–20% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %	30–35% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %
Capacity	1419	1430	1220
Capacity utilisation	Under capacity 🔒 View exact %	Near capacity 🔒 View exact %	Under capacity 🔒 View exact %
Age range	—	—	—
Gender	Mixed	Mixed	Mixed
Admissions policy	Non-selective	Non-selective	Non-selective
Trust / Local authority	Hertfordshire (919)	Hertfordshire (919)	AMBITION EDUCATION TRUST
Website	www.stanborough.herts.sch.uk	www.monkswalk.herts.sch.uk	ridgeway.herts.sch.uk
Telephone	01707321755	01707322846	01707351350
SEN provision	None reported	None reported	None reported
Profile	View profile	View profile	View profile

Stanborough School

AL8 6YR

Phase / Type: Secondary • Academy converter
Location: Welwyn Garden City
Hertfordshire
AL8 6YR
Ofsted: 2 6 Mar 2023
Pupils: ≈ 1,250 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 15–20% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: Hertfordshire (919)
Website: www.stanborough.herts.sch.uk
Telephone: 01707321755

Monk's Walk School

AL8 7NL

Phase / Type: Secondary • Academy converter
Location: Welwyn Garden City
Hertfordshire
AL8 7NL
Ofsted: 2 25 Jun 2014
Pupils: ≈ 1,450 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 15–20% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: Hertfordshire (919)
Website: www.monkswalk.herts.sch.uk
Telephone: 01707322846

Ridgeway Academy

AL7 2AF

Phase / Type: Secondary • Academy sponsor led
Location: Welwyn Garden City
Hertfordshire
AL7 2AF
Ofsted: 3 8 Mar 2023
Pupils: ≈ 950 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 30–35% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: AMBITION EDUCATION TRUST
Website: ridgeway.herts.sch.uk
Telephone: 01707351350

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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.