Ages 
An exceptional and hugely popular school that shines academically, though not at the expense of the extracurricular. Parents say they ‘foster a lifelong love of learning’ and ‘find your talents and allow you to thrive’.
Why read our school review?
Unlike other websites, schools can't pay to be included in The Good Schools Guide. This means our review of this school is independent, critical and fair, and written with parents' best interests at heart.
Unlock to accessSpark your child’s love of reading with FREE gifts
Get three months of First News digital for free and £5 off Scholastic books when you read our school reviews.
Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 1,473 ·
- Sixth form numbers
- 469 ·
- Religion
- None
- Local authority
- Hertfordshire County Council
- Area guides
Headteacher
Headteacher
Mrs Hannah Nemko
Since 2016, Hannah Nemko MA (Nottingham) MeLtrs (Strasbourg) PGCE. Previously senior deputy head, having joined the school in 2015. Before that, deputy head at Yavneh College, which she helped set up. Has also taught at the Royal Grammar School in
Entrance
This is one of the most oversubscribed of Hertfordshire’s partially selective schools, with over 1,300 applicants vying for the 200 year 7 places. Home address must be within one of the listed areas at date of registration – this covers 15 parishes
- Open days
- See our website.
Entry and exit data - year 7 entry (average 2020-2022)
Exit
Around 15 per cent leave after GCSEs – some don’t get the grades; others go to college or to schools with a shorter commute (although some wind up coming back!). Nearly all sixth formers to university, 80 per cent to Russell Group: Cambridge,
% students progressing to higher education or training (2021 leavers)
What is this?
The proportion of 16-18 students that progressed to degrees, higher apprenticeships or other study at level 4 or above for at least 6 consecutive months in the 2 years after taking advanced level qualifications (level 3) at this school or college.
Latest results
In 2025, 72 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 66 per cent A*/A at A level (89 per cent A*-B).
GCSE - % of pupils achieving grade 5 or above (A* to C) in English and maths GCSE (2024)
What is this?
This tells you the percentage of pupils who achieved grade 5 or above in English and maths GCSEs.
A level - Average points score (2024)
What is this?
These figures tell you the average grade and average points that pupils achieved in their academic qualifications. A maximum of 60 points are available for a grade A* at A level.
Teaching & learning
Tremendous results, especially when you consider that only a third of the intake are academically selected. ‘On the open day, they tell you not to bother applying if you don’t want to work hard and do well,’ approved one parent – although several
- Qualifications taken in 2024
- A level
- EPQ
- GCSE
Learning support & SEN
‘What is autism? Why is neurodiversity important?’ – both questions featuring on a poster we spotted about an upcoming talk which reflects the main need in the 10 per cent of pupils on the SEN register. Dyslexia and ADHD also feature, along with some
Arts & extracurricular
Weaving in and out of the classrooms, you could be forgiven for thinking you’re in a grammar school – but a hothouse this is not, and parents who request for their child to sit a silly number of GCSEs or to take maths a year early will get short
Sport
Lots of it, and with excellent coaching too. More football than rugby – the former played by both girls and boys, along with hockey, while girls also play rounders and netball. There’s also badminton, cricket, basketball, athletics and tennis for
Ethos & heritage
The school’s namesake Dame Alice (whose slightly spooky statue overlooks proceedings in the dining hall) had a sticky moment in childhood when she narrowly escaped a wayward arrow. Vowing to do something worthy as a mark of gratitude, she founded the
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
This is a school with a heart where we noticed warm relationships between pupils and staff, including those in non-teaching roles such as the canteen staff. Pupils say ‘all staff care’ and parents (some with harrowing tales of their children’s mental
Mobile phone policy
A clear mobile phone policy is a really important part of modern schooling. This school has provided us with their policy.
Mobile phone policy
Provided by the school and not part of our review Mobile phones are not seen or heard during the school day for Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4. However, Key Stage 4 students can use mobile phones for learning purposes under the direction and supervision of a member of staff. Sixth Form students are only permitted to use mobile phones in the designated Sixth Form areas on campus or when under the direction of a member of staff for learning purposes.
Pupils & parents
A typical Owenian, says the head, is someone who ‘is interesting and interested’ and the ones we met certainly ticked both boxes, showing intellectual curiosity and asking us more questions than at any other school we’ve visited. Some come in on the
The last word
An exceptional and hugely popular school that shines academically, though not at the expense of the extracurricular. Parents say they ‘foster a lifelong love of learning’ and ‘find your talents and allow you to thrive’.
Inspection reports
Ofsted reports
Full inspection: Outstanding
You can read full reports on the Ofsted website
| Personal development | Outstanding |
|---|---|
| Quality of education | Outstanding |
| Behaviour and attitudes | Outstanding |
| Leadership and management | Outstanding |
| Sixth form provision | Outstanding |
