St Albans School
St Albans, Hertfordshire · AL3 4HB
St Albans School is a highly regarded HMC day school for boys set in the heart of the cathedral city of St Albans, with roots stretching back over a thousand years to its foundation by the Abbey. It offers a rigorous academic education within a genuinely broad co-curricular framework, refusing to be defined solely by examination results. The school is undergoing a significant transition, becoming fully co-educational from September 2026 following a partnership with Beechwood Park School, marking a historic shift in its character. Its cathedral city location and ancient heritage give it a distinctive sense of place and institutional confidence.
- →Strong academic results with a non-hothouse culture that values breadth and character alongside grades
- →Exceptional co-curricular provision with over 200 clubs and activities including CCF, DofE, music, drama and sport
- →Historic school with deep roots and a strong alumni network, yet actively modernising with co-education planned for 2026
- →Convenient day-school model in a well-connected Hertfordshire city, with good transport links into London
Who thrives here
Intellectually curious, well-rounded boys who want to be stretched academically without excessive pressure, and who will take full advantage of a wide range of co-curricular opportunities. Boys who thrive with structure but also welcome personal responsibility and independence.
Strengths at a glance
Percentiles within UK independent + grammar schools we track.
At a glance
Contact & visit
Abbey Gateway
St Albans, Hertfordshire
AL3 4HB
Nearest stations
Notable alumni
Stephen Hawking
Theoretical physicist and cosmologist
Michael Portillo
Politician and broadcaster
Christopher Rice
Bestselling novelist
Nick Faldo
Professional golfer, six-time major champion
Recent investment
Frequently asked questions
What are the fees at St Albans School?
Day fees at St Albans School are approximately £29,271 per year (2025/26).
How do you get into St Albans School?
St Albans School admits pupils at 11+, 13+, 16+. Entry is assessed by Interview, Assessment. See the Admissions section above for open days and key dates.
What are St Albans School's exam results?
At St Albans School, 43.8% of A-levels were graded A*–B and 64.5% of GCSEs were grade 7/A or above. Full results are in the Results section above.
Is St Albans School a boarding school?
St Albans School is a day school in St Albans and does not offer boarding.
What is St Albans School's latest inspection rating?
ISI rated St Albans School “Excellent” (2022).
What parents say
Frequently praised
✓Excellent breadth of co-curricular opportunity genuinely taken up by most pupils, not just the elite
✓Warm and effective pastoral care with staff who know individual boys well
✓Strong academic outcomes without an oppressive or anxiety-inducing culture
✓Good communication between school and home, with staff accessible and responsive
Common concerns
!Some parents feel the school's selective entry means less academic diversity, and less support for boys who struggle once in
!Day-only model can mean a long day for boys involved in sport and activities, particularly those travelling from further afield
!The transition to co-education, while welcomed by many, creates some uncertainty about the school's evolving identity