Ages 
Behold the new Habs! Still fiercely academic and unapologetically competitive. But this is no smug Privet Drive or secluded monastery. The fortress has been well and truly breached and the drawbridge is down. Habs boys are making an impact – not just through their own achievements but by reaching out a hand and bringing others with them. Geeks of the world unite! Delicate flowers and boys who need mollycoddling may look elsewhere.
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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.
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 1,115 ·
- Sixth form numbers
- 330 ·
- Religion
- None
- Fees
- £31,269 pa
- Local authority
- Hertfordshire County Council
- Area guides
- Linked schools
Headteacher
Headmaster
Mr Robert Sykes
Since 2023, Robert Sykes, BA (University of Manchester). Educated at City of London School, then read French and Spanish at university. Began his teaching career in the East End via the Teach First programme. Mr Sykes then spent five years in his old
Entrance
Fiercely competitive. Around 100 enter in year 7 (11+) joining the 55-60 boys who automatically move up from the prep. They arrive more or less evenly split from private schools (eg Manor Lodge, Radlett Prep, Devonshire House, Lochinver, and The
- Open days
- April and May
Exit
A handful leave after year 11. University destinations strongly lean towards STEM and into London. Economics was the most popular subject in 2023, with engineering snapping at its heels, and there were a whopping 26 medics. An impressive 17 Habs
Latest results
In 2023, 81 per cent A*/A at A level (school has not released GCSE results). In 2019 (the last pre-pandemic results), 89 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 76 per cent A*/A (93 per cent A*-B).
A levels or equivalent - 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
This may be the new Habs, but the exam results look a lot like the old Habs. Exams are the holy of holies, no pussyfooting around it, and the results are outstanding. ‘Exams are the baseline upon which everything else is built,’ the head
- Qualifications taken in 2024
- A level
- GCSE
Learning support & SEN
SEN firmly at the mild end. Around 185 boys have an ‘additional need’ and the number is gently rising with increased awareness, says the school. As with everything, Habs approaches learning differences, disabilities and mobility issues with
Arts & extracurricular
A great strength of the co-curricular programme is that it’s tailored to academically ambitious kids. ‘We have to make sure they’re balanced and healthy and get a breadth of experience,’ says Mr Sykes. Music is particularly awesome – there are over
Sport
Much mention of ‘the Habs way’ by the games staff which was never defined but we think loosely translates as values above victory. Breadth and depth both important, and the meek are given as much care as the mighty. ‘Everyone is paying the same; they
Ethos & heritage
Founded in 1690 by Robert Aske, a wealthy merchant who bequeathed funds to the Worshipful Company of Haberdashers (buttons and bobbins trade, if you’re wondering) to provide education for 20 sons of poor members. Poor old Robert, the ‘Aske’ was
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
Last time we were here we said: ‘A ferocious work ethic is essential to survive happily at this school and the push from parents, particularly of the tiger variety, tends to be as strong as that from teachers.’ While this still applies, pastoral care
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 We operate a no-phone policy from years 7-11. It is a requirement of the school that all passengers on our coaches have a charged mobile with them, but this must be used in a sensible manner when on the coaches. During the school day mobile phones should be kept in lockers or blazers and are not to be used.
Pupils & parents
Confident, personable, self-motivated, highly-numerate lads. ‘I used to hire a lot of young men who had attended Habs,’ a parent told us. ‘They all had one thing in common: they were self-assured and comfortable in their own skin.’ A good choice for
Money matters
Around 10 per cent of students receive financial support. A new venture, Bright Futures, offers targeted, donor-supported bursaries to students of Black African or Caribbean heritage.
Academic scholarships (based on the entrance assessment papers
- Fee information
- £31,269 pa
The last word
Behold the new Habs! Still fiercely academic and unapologetically competitive. But this is no smug Privet Drive or secluded monastery. The fortress has been well and truly breached and the drawbridge is down. Habs boys are making an impact – not just
