Hinchingbrooke School

Academy · Secondary, ages 11 to 18 · Mixed · Sixth form

Part of THE CAM ACADEMY TRUST

Brampton Road, Huntingdon, PE29 3BN

01480 375700 · School website · Map and directions

Ofsted report card7 strongSafeguarding met · 6 May 2026
Grade 5 or above in English and maths52%England 45% · 2024/25
1st highest of 3 state secondary schools in Huntingdon.
Higher than 68% of 3,259 state secondary schools in England.
Pupils2,173Room for 2,005 Pupil numbers in January of each year: 1,889 in 2019, 1,899 in 2021, 1,947 in 2022, 1,998 in 2023, 2,052 in 2024, 2,109 in 2025, 2,173 in 2026. Across England, secondary state school pupil numbers were up 10% from 2019 to 2025.
First-choice applications per place1.3423 for 329 places, September 2026
1st highest of 3 state secondary schools in Huntingdon.
Higher than 86% of 3,219 state secondary schools in England.

Ofsted inspection

Ofsted report card from the inspection that started on 6 May 2026 , published 2 July 2026.

In short: 7 strong, and safeguarding met.

Since November 2025 Ofsted grades each area on a five-point scale instead of giving one overall grade. How report cards work.

AreaGrade
SafeguardingWhether pupils are kept safe. Met or not met. Met
InclusionHow well the school supports disadvantaged pupils and pupils with special educational needs. Strong standard Second of five grades. Better than the standard Ofsted expects.
Curriculum and teachingWhat pupils are taught and how well they are taught it. Strong standard Second of five grades. Better than the standard Ofsted expects.
AchievementHow well pupils learn and the results they get. Strong standard Second of five grades. Better than the standard Ofsted expects.
Attendance and behaviourWhether pupils come to school and how they behave. Strong standard Second of five grades. Better than the standard Ofsted expects.
Personal development and wellbeingPupils' wider development, character and wellbeing. Strong standard Second of five grades. Better than the standard Ofsted expects.
Post-16 provisionSixth form or other study after 16. Strong standard Second of five grades. Better than the standard Ofsted expects.
Leadership and governanceHow well leaders and governors run the school. Strong standard Second of five grades. Better than the standard Ofsted expects.

Read the full Ofsted reports for this school

Source: Ofsted state-funded schools inspection data.

What parents say

200 parents answered Ofsted's Parent View survey between 10 November 2025 and 6 April 2026.

Cambridgeshire comparisons use the 4 of its 38 state secondary schools with comparable results. The other 34 have no published Parent View results (Ofsted only publishes a survey once at least 10 parents answer) or used Ofsted's newer questions, which we don't compare with the older ones.

StatementThis schoolCambridgeshireEngland
My child is happy at this school
2nd highest of 4 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Cambridgeshire.
Higher than 66% of 442 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England.
85% 78% 83%
My child feels safe at this school
2nd highest of 4 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Cambridgeshire.
Higher than 64% of 442 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England.
88% 80% 85%
The school makes sure pupils are well behaved
2nd highest of 4 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Cambridgeshire.
Higher than 45% of 442 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England.
73% 65% 78%
Bullying was dealt with quickly and effectivelyOf 47 parents whose child had been bullied
2nd highest of 3 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Cambridgeshire.
Higher than 59% of 344 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England.
49% 49% 43%
Concerns were dealt with properlyOf 160 parents who had raised a concern
3rd highest of 4 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Cambridgeshire.
Higher than 45% of 431 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England.
68% 68% 74%
My child with SEND gets the support they needOf 55 parents of children with SEND
1st highest of 3 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Cambridgeshire.
Higher than 41% of 356 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England.
53% 51% 63%
I would recommend this school to another parent
2nd highest of 4 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Cambridgeshire.
Higher than 60% of 442 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England.
86%said yes 79% 83%

Parents choose whether to take part, so these answers may not represent all families (Ofsted puts the response rate at 9%). Figures are the share who agree or strongly agree. England figures are all parents answering the same questions over the same period, for state-funded schools. Cambridgeshire figures pool parents at the Cambridgeshire schools compared, from each school's latest survey, so survey dates differ between schools. The scales run from lower (left) to higher (right) agreement, and the dot marks this school among state schools of the same phase that used the same survey questions. The third it falls in is coloured: green for the top third, amber the middle, red the bottom. Source: Ofsted Parent View management information.

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Results

GCSEs (key stage 4, age 16), 2024/25

299 pupils in this year group.

52% — 2 points above the Cambridgeshire average, and 6 points above the England average.

MeasureThis schoolCambridgeshireEngland
Grade 5 or above in English and maths 52% 50% 45%
Attainment 8 scoreAverage of each pupil's grades across 8 GCSE-level subjects, with English and maths counted twice. Around 50 means grade 5s on average. 50.3 48.1 46.1
EBacc average point scoreAverage points across the English Baccalaureate subjects: English, maths, sciences, a language and history or geography. 4.7 4.4 4.1
Grade 5 or above in English and maths, over time
30% 40% 50% 60% England 2022/23: 45%England 2023/24: 46%England 2024/25: 45% This school 2022/23: 40%This school 2023/24: 47%This school 2024/25: 52% This school England 45% 2022/23 40% 2023/24 47% 2024/25 52%

Progress 8 isn't shown. DfE didn't publish it for 2024/25 because this year group's key stage 2 tests in 2020 were cancelled, and older progress scores aren't comparable.

Source: DfE key stage 4 performance tables, 2024/25. England figures are for state-funded schools.

After Year 11

Where pupils went next. DfE measures this for pupils who finished in an earlier year, so these figures describe a previous year group.

300 pupils in this year group.

95% — 2 points above the Cambridgeshire average, and 3 points above the England average.

Where pupils went after Year 11
This school 50%40%
England 34%13%37%
MeasureThis schoolCambridgeshireEngland
Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or workPupils recorded in sustained education, apprenticeship or employment in the year after finishing Year 11. 95% 93% 92%
School sixth form 50% 24% 34%
Sixth form college 1% 32% 13%
Further education college 40% 29% 37%
Apprenticeship 3% 3% 3%
Work 2% 3% 3%

Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or work, over time

2023/242024/25
98%95%

Source: DfE key stage 4 destination measures, 2024/25 performance tables. England figures are for state-funded schools.

A levels (16 to 18), 2024/25

178 A level students in this year group.

MeasureThis schoolCambridgeshireEngland
Average A level grade B- B- B-
A level exams graded A* or A 29% 32% 26%
A level exams graded A* to B 61% 60% 53%
Average points per A level entryAn A* is 60 points, an A is 50, a B is 40, and so on down to 10 for an E. 38.2 37.4 35
Average points per A level entry, over time
30 35 40 45 England 2022/23: 34.2England 2023/24: 34.4England 2024/25: 35 This school 2022/23: 35.3This school 2023/24: 35.1This school 2024/25: 38.2 This school England 35 2022/23 35.3 2023/24 35.1 2024/25 38.2

A level subjects, 2024/25

25 subjects, 461 exams. England figures are for state-funded schools and colleges.

SubjectExamsA*A* or AEngland A* or A
Mathematics 45 20% 42% 40%
Psychology 44 5% 25% 19%
History 42 0% 21% 23%
Biology 39 15% 41% 27%
Chemistry 30 13% 30% 30%
English Literature 30 13% 33% 23%
Sociology 25 0% 20% 20%
Physics 24 8% 38% 31%
Business Studies:Single 18 0% 6% 16%
English Language 18 0% 11% 13%
Film Studies 17 12% 41% 17%
Geography 17 6% 18% 23%
Mathematics (Further) 15 13% 53% 59%
Government and Politics 13 15% 31% 26%
Media/Film/Tv Studies 13 0% 0% 14%
Art and Design (Fine Art) 12 42% 58% 38%
Physical Education / Sports Studies 10 0% 10% 17%
Music 9 0% 33% 29%
Religious Studies 9 11% 22% 22%
Art and Design 8 13% 25% 34%
Art and Design (Photography) 7 14% 57% 26%
Music Technology 6 17% 33% 15%

Also taken, with too few exams for DfE to publish grades: Computer Studies / Computing, French, Design and Technology (Product Design).

Source: DfE 16 to 18 qualification and subject data, 2024/25.

Source: DfE 16 to 18 performance tables, 2024/25. England figures are for state-funded schools.

After sixth form

Where pupils went next. DfE measures this for pupils who finished in an earlier year, so these figures describe a previous year group.

180 students in this year group.

91% — 8 points above the Cambridgeshire average, and 12 points above the England average.

MeasureThis schoolCambridgeshireEngland
Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or workStudents recorded in sustained education, apprenticeship or employment in the year after finishing 16 to 18 study. 91% 83% 79%
Apprenticeship 3% 6% 7%
Work 29% 35% 28%

Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or work, over time

2023/242024/25
89%91%

Source: DfE 16 to 18 destination measures, 2024/25 performance tables. England figures are for state-funded schools.

Going on to university

Where pupils went next. DfE measures this for pupils who finished in an earlier year, so these figures describe a previous year group.

207 students in this year group.

69% — 7 points above the Cambridgeshire average, and 9 points above the England average.

MeasureThis schoolCambridgeshireEngland
Went on to a degree or other higher education 69% 62% 60%
Went to one of the most selective third of universitiesDfE's grouping of universities by the typical entry grades of their students. 28% 26% 19%

Went on to a degree or other higher education, over time

2023/242024/25
79%69%

Source: DfE 16 to 18 progression to higher education or training, 2024/25 performance tables. England figures are for state-funded schools.

Admissions

Apply through the council where you live, even if the school is in a different council area. This school is in Cambridgeshire. The national closing date for secondary applications is 31 October, and offers are sent on 1 March.

How hard is it to get in?

For the September 2026 intake there were about 1.5 first-choice applications for every place.

Places offered329
Families who put it first423
Of those, offered a place326 (77%)
Families who listed it at all673

First-choice applications per place: 2024: 1.2 · 2025: 1.3 · 2026: 1.3

This isn't your chance of getting a place. That depends on the school's admissions rules (for example siblings, distance or faith) and where you live. Source: DfE applications and offers, September 2026 intake.

Admissions dates and schools in Cambridgeshire

Pupils, staff and SEND

PupilsThis schoolCambridgeshireEngland
Eligible for free school meals in the last 6 years
2nd highest of 3 state secondary schools in Huntingdon.
Higher than 38% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England.
22.6% 23.3%* 28.9%
With an education, health and care plan
3rd highest of 3 state secondary schools in Huntingdon.
Higher than 50% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England.
2.9% 4.3%* 3.1%
Receiving special educational needs support
2nd highest of 3 state secondary schools in Huntingdon.
Higher than 32% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England.
11.4% 11.1%* 13.4%
English as an additional language
2nd highest of 3 state secondary schools in Huntingdon.
Higher than 52% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England.
12.9% 14.3%* 19.2%
Overall absence (sessions missed)
1st lowest of 3 state secondary schools in Huntingdon.
Lower than 74% of 3,411 state secondary schools in England.
6.9% 8.3%* 8.4%
Persistently absent (missed 10% or more)
1st lowest of 3 state secondary schools in Huntingdon.
Lower than 81% of 3,411 state secondary schools in England.
16.6% 20.7%* 23.4%
Suspensions per 100 pupils
1st lowest of 3 state secondary schools in Huntingdon.
Lower than 82% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England.
5.1 13.6 21.2
Pupils suspended at least once
1st lowest of 3 state secondary schools in Huntingdon.
Lower than 81% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England.
3.2% 5.4% 7.3%
Pupils permanently excluded0 pupils 0.00% 0.06% 0.23%
Pupils per teacher
2nd highest of 3 state secondary schools in Huntingdon.
Higher than 59% of 3,442 state secondary schools in England.
17.2 16.9 16.7
Pupils per adult (teachers and support staff)
2nd highest of 3 state secondary schools in Huntingdon.
Higher than 52% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England.
11.9 11.8 11.8
Teachers who left during the year
2nd highest of 3 state secondary schools in Huntingdon.
Higher than 44% of 3,430 state secondary schools in England.
12.3% 16.5%* 14.2%*

Comparisons are with secondary schools. Scales run from lower (left) to higher (right) figures. For absence and suspensions lower is better, so their scales run green to red; blue scales describe the school's pupils and staff and aren't good or bad. * Calculated by SchoolScores from the council's or England's schools, weighted by pupils (or teachers, for turnover); other figures are published by DfE. Sources: DfE school census 2024/25; DfE pupil absence 2024/25; DfE suspensions and permanent exclusions 2024/25; DfE school workforce census 2025/26; DfE teacher turnover 2024/25.

Nearby secondary schools

Straight-line distance. Distance isn't the same as a catchment area.

Questions parents ask

What is Hinchingbrooke School's Ofsted rating?

Hinchingbrooke School was inspected under Ofsted's report card format in 6 May 2026. Report cards grade each area on a five-point scale instead of giving one overall grade. Its grades were 7 strong, and safeguarding was met.

How did Hinchingbrooke School do in its GCSEs?

In 2024/25, 52% of pupils grade 5 or above in English and maths, 6 points above the England average of 45%.

Would parents recommend Hinchingbrooke School?

86% of the 200 parents who answered Ofsted's Parent View survey between 10 November 2025 and 6 April 2026 said they would recommend Hinchingbrooke School to another parent. Parents choose whether to respond, so this may not represent all families.

Is Hinchingbrooke School oversubscribed?

For the September 2026 intake, 423 families put Hinchingbrooke School as their first choice for 329 places: about 1.5 first-choice applications for every place. 326 of those families were offered a place. Whether you get a place depends on the school's admissions rules and where you live.

Sources

Spotted a mistake? Report it and we'll check it against the source.

Page updated 26 September 2026.