About Hitchin Boys' School
Hitchin Boys’ School (HBS) is a non-selective, all-ability state academy for boys aged 11–18, with a large co-educational Sixth Form taught in consortium with Hitchin Girls’ School and The Priory School. Founded in 1632 by John Mattocke, it is one of the oldest schools in the country and was rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted.
It is a state-funded school, so there are no fees and no academic entrance exam — places are allocated through Hertfordshire’s coordinated admissions on the basis of the school’s priority area and distance (with a small number of places offered via a music aptitude assessment). It offers a broad curriculum with strong sport, music, drama and a wide extracurricular programme.
Year 7 Admissions Guide for Hitchin Boys’ School
Hitchin Boys’ School Admissions Criteria
Hitchin Boys’ School is a non-selective, all-ability state academy, so there is no academic entrance exam. Year 7 places are coordinated by Hertfordshire County Council and offered mainly on the basis of the school’s priority area and distance, with a small number of places offered through a music aptitude assessment. You apply through your home Local Authority, not directly to the school.
- ✓Step 1 — Visit: Look round at an Open Day or arranged tour to get a feel for the school. This is not part of any selection process.
- ✓Step 2 — Apply through your Local Authority: List the school on your child’s secondary Common Application Form (CAF) through your home Local Authority by the national deadline of 31 October in Year 6. You do not register or pay a fee directly to the school.
- ✓Step 3 — (Optional) music aptitude: If you would like to be considered for a music aptitude place, register for the school’s music assessment by its published deadline. This is the only assessment and applies to a small number of places.
- ✓Step 4 — Offers: Your Local Authority sends offers on National Offer Day (1 March of Year 6). Places are allocated against the published oversubscription criteria below.
- ✓Step 5 — Accept your place: Accept the offer through your Local Authority by the date given. There is no acceptance deposit — it is a state-funded school.
As a state-funded school there are no tuition fees. Support such as free school meals and pupil premium funding is available to eligible families — contact the school for details.
How Places Are Allocated at Hitchin Boys’ School
- Looked-after and previously looked-after children, and any child with an Education, Health and Care Plan that names the school.
- Children with an exceptional medical or social need for a place at this particular school.
- Children with a sibling on roll at the school at the time of admission.
- Children living within the school’s designated priority area.
- All other children, ranked by straight-line distance from home to school (the tie-breaker).
- Separately, a small number of places are offered on the basis of a music aptitude assessment.
Catchment Area for Hitchin Boys’ School
Hitchin Boys’ School is a non-selective state academy, so admission is by Hertfordshire’s coordinated process rather than an entrance exam — there is a defined priority area and distance is the key tie-breaker.
Cut-off distances vary year to year, so check the school’s admission arrangements and the Hertfordshire secondary admissions booklet before applying.
Academic Performance at Hitchin Boys’ School (GCSE & A-Level Results)
As a non-selective, all-ability school, Hitchin Boys’ achieves strong results from a comprehensive intake, and was rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted.
- GCSE: a solid record across a broad curriculum, from an all-ability intake.
- A-Level: in 2024 around 46% of entries were graded A*–B, in a large Sixth Form taught in consortium.
- Progression: most leavers progress to university or further study, supported by careers and UCAS guidance.
Exam results change annually, so always confirm the latest published figures on the school’s website.
Pastoral Care, Sport & Extracurricular Life
Founded in 1632 by John Mattocke, Hitchin Boys’ School is a non-selective state academy for boys aged 11–18 (with a co-educational Sixth Form), set on Grammar School Walk in Hitchin and rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted. Organised into houses — Pierson, Mattocke, Radcliffe and Skynner — it is known for strong pastoral care and a real sense of tradition and community.
Co-curricular life is wide-ranging, spanning sport, a strong music tradition, drama, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and many clubs and activities. For the full list, see the school’s own website.
Frequently Asked Questions about Hitchin Boys’ School
How do I apply to Hitchin Boys’ School for Year 7?
Apply through Hertfordshire County Council’s secondary coordinated admissions, naming the school on your child’s Common Application Form by the national deadline of 31 October. There is no separate registration with the school for a standard place.
Is there an entrance exam at Hitchin Boys’ School?
No. It is a non-selective, all-ability state school with no 11+ entrance exam. The only assessment is an optional music aptitude test, used for a small number of places.
Is Hitchin Boys’ School selective?
No. Despite its ‘Grammar School Walk’ address and strong academic reputation, it is a comprehensive academy that serves its local community and does not select on academic ability.
How are places allocated if the school is oversubscribed?
After looked-after children and those with medical or social need, priority goes to siblings and to children living in the school’s priority area (including Hitchin parish), with distance from the school as the tie-breaker.
Does Hitchin Boys’ School have a Sixth Form?
Yes — a large Sixth Form of over 300 students, run as part of the Hitchin Consortium with Hitchin Girls’ School and The Priory School, so students can mix classes across the three schools for a wider range of A-Levels.
Are there fees at Hitchin Boys’ School?
No. It is a state-funded school, so there are no tuition fees. Practice materials such as those offered here are an optional way to build general English and maths confidence ahead of secondary school.
Independent Practice Papers for Hitchin Boys' School
Hitchin Boys' School is non-selective and does not set an 11+ entrance exam. Many families still use 11+ practice to strengthen core English and maths skills before secondary school — our Independent 11+ format papers are a useful general resource, with full video explanations for every question.
- 3 × English, Maths, VR & NVR tests
- 600 video explanations
- 31.5 hours of video content
- 3 × English, Maths, VR & NVR tests
- 600 video explanations
- 28.5 hours of video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 11.5 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 11 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 9.5 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 10 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 9.5 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 9 hrs video content
Building 11+ Skills for Hitchin Boys' School (General Practice)
ExamTutor practice papers with tutor explanations for every question offers an affordable substitute for private tuition for a fraction of the cost.
📋 Take a Diagnostic Test
Start with a timed practice test to identify strengths and areas needing improvement.
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Start at least 6–12 months before secondary transfer. Focus extra time on weaker subjects.
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Watch video solutions for incorrect answers. Rewatch difficult topics until confident.
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Practice under timed conditions to build stamina and learn to manage difficult questions.
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Monitor scores over time to see genuine improvement and identify remaining weak spots.
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Simulating real exam conditions means no surprises on the day — your child knows what to expect.