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Barnwell School Catchment Area

Reviewed by the catchment.school editorial team · Last updated 15 March 2026

Barnwell School is a foundation secondary school in Stevenage, Hertfordshire , serving pupils aged 11-18, with 1315 pupils, and a capacity of 1590 places. Find catchment area guidance, admissions policy details and nearby secondary schools below.

11-18

Age range

1,315

Pupils

1,590

Capacity

83%

Fill rate

Good

Ofsted 2021

Barnwell School Catchment Area Information

What is the catchment area for Barnwell School?

The catchment area for Barnwell School is the geographic zone Hertfordshire uses to prioritise admissions when this secondary school receives more applications than it has places. Children living inside the boundary are ranked higher under the oversubscription criteria, after looked-after children and siblings. Hertfordshire publishes the exact boundary and the last distance offered before each admissions cycle, and the boundary can change year to year.

Secondary school places at Barnwell School are allocated by Hertfordshire using ranked oversubscription criteria. Catchment area residence is typically among the highest priorities after looked-after children and siblings, and the boundary is reviewed each year.

The official admissions policy, including the catchment boundary map, is published by Hertfordshire before each admissions cycle. Always verify your address with the council before submitting an application, as boundaries can change year to year.

Find Hertfordshire catchment area documents →

Barnwell School: 1590 places, 83% filled: places available

Barnwell School has a published admission number of 1590 places. 1315 pupils were enrolled in the most recent data, giving a fill rate of 83%. At 83% full, the school currently has headroom below its 1590 place limit. Catchment distance criteria still apply when the school is oversubscribed, but at current demand levels, places have been available for applicants outside the immediate catchment area.

The fill-rate figure above reflects overall demand, but the school's intake also varies by community profile. 29.3% of pupils at Barnwell School are eligible for free school meals, broadly in line with the national average. This reflects a mixed catchment population across Hertfordshire.

To check whether your home address falls within the historical catchment boundary, use the postcode search tool on this site.

Hertfordshire publishes its full admissions policy, including oversubscription criteria, the previous year's last-distance figures, and the appeals timetable, on the council's official admissions page. Hertfordshire Council school admissions (official) →

Barnwell School: School Information

Full address
Barnwell, Stevenage, SG2 9SW
Local authority
Hertfordshire
School type
Foundation school
Phase of education
Secondary
Age range
11-18 years
Admissions policy
Non-selective
Free school meals
29.3% of pupils
DfE URN
117518

Other Secondary Schools in Stevenage

If Barnwell School is oversubscribed, these secondary schools in Stevenage are the next closest alternatives.

Nearest secondary schools by distance

These are the secondary schools closest to Barnwell School by straight-line distance, including ones across a town or council boundary. Distance is not the same as being in catchment: always check each school's own admissions policy for its actual boundary.

Frequently Asked Questions: Barnwell School

What is the catchment area for Barnwell School?

The catchment area for Barnwell School is the geographic zone Hertfordshire uses to prioritise admissions when this secondary school receives more applications than it has places. Children living inside the boundary are ranked higher under the oversubscription criteria, after looked-after children and siblings. Hertfordshire publishes the exact boundary and the last distance offered before each admissions cycle, and the boundary can change year to year.

Is Barnwell School oversubscribed?

Barnwell School has a capacity of 1590 places and currently has 1315 pupils enrolled. For the most up-to-date data, check with Hertfordshire.

What is the admissions policy for Barnwell School?

Admission to Barnwell School is managed by Hertfordshire. When oversubscribed, places go to looked-after children first, then siblings, then catchment area distance. Always verify the current policy with the council before applying.

What age range does Barnwell School cover?

Barnwell School is a secondary school in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, serving pupils aged 11-18. For the latest information, visit the school's website or the DfE Get Information About Schools service.

What is the Ofsted rating for Barnwell School?

Barnwell School was rated Good by Ofsted in 2021. Full inspection reports are available at reports.ofsted.gov.uk.

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