Ages 
State boarding schools have never been more popular – and this one offers real breadth of learning with an emphasis on language and music. Students we met are delighted with the Hockerill experience, particularly those with a love of learning and willingness to work hard.
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 912 ·
- Sixth form numbers
- 238 ·
- Offers boarding
- Yes ·
- Religion
- None
- Fees
- Day: free; Boarding £8,901 - £19,527 pa
- Local authority
- Hertfordshire County Council
- Area guides
Headteacher
Principal
Alasdair Mackenzie
Since January 2025, Alasdair Mackenzie, who joined the school in 2009 as PE teacher and head of year 11 and rose through the ranks to vice principal. Before that, he was director of sport at Bishop’s Stortford High School.
Following his degree in
Entrance
This is an area teeming with fantastic state schools, but Hockerill still attracts over 1,000 applications from over 60 primary schools for the 120 year 7 places, 52 of which are reserved for boarding. Non-boarding places are allocated by the local
- Open days
- September
Entry and exit data - year 7 entry (average 2020-2022)
Exit
Around 40 per cent leave after GCSEs, mostly to other local schools and colleges to do A levels (only the IB is offered here). Most sixth formers to university, 70 per cent to Russell Group. Warwick, Exeter, UCL, King’s College London and Nottingham
% 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, 46 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 86 per cent 9-4 in both maths and English. Average point score for IB 34.
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
A truly global approach to learning, which bookends GCSEs with the IB (the IB middle years programme in year 7-9 and the IB diploma in years 12 and 13). ‘It makes you think differently,’ felt one student, ‘not just about exams, but about how you
- Qualifications taken in 2024
- A level
- GCSE
- IB
- VRQ
Learning support & SEN
School supports the majority of the 15 per cent on the SEN register through differentiated teaching in the classroom. Seventy-eight EHCPs when we visited. Main conditions supported are autism and ADHD, plus some dyslexia. Staff – two part-time
Arts & extracurricular
Hockerill has a music specialism (in addition to languages). ‘They opened up my love for music,’ said a student, with the department praised by both students and parents for ‘welcoming everyone, regardless of ability’ and being ‘supportive and
Sport
We didn’t see any sport on our visit and parents say it’s ‘not a top priority, although there’s something for everyone’. Hockey, netball, rounders and athletics for the girls and rugby, cricket and football for the boys. Students told us the approach
Boarders
Around a third of students board, with around a third of those full boarders. In addition, there’s weekly boarding, plus an option to stay from 7.15am till post-prep 9pm (with a requirement to stay 7-10 nights per year). ‘A great option for those
Ethos & heritage
The school dates back to 1852 and is based on a compact and leafy site close to Bishop’s Stortford town centre with an attractive mix of Arts and Crafts, 1930s and contemporary buildings. Bright and modern sixth form centre includes careers centre
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
Parents say it’s a caring school, with good transition and staff who are easy to get hold of. Students say teachers are ‘kind and understanding’ and that they and the dedicated pastoral team help with everything from friendship issues to more general
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 All personal devices, used as part of the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) scheme and mobile phones are to be switched to silent or off between 8.50am and 3.40pm from Monday to Friday and 8.50am to 12.20pm on Saturday, except if being used as part of a lesson as directed by a member of staff. This includes during break and lunchtimes.
Pupils & parents
Students we met were conscientious, articulate and on the reserved side. Very loyal to their school, telling us that ‘it helps you grow as a person’. Around 40 per cent of boarders are from oversees, hailing from Egypt, Singapore, Switzerland,
Money matters
Boarding fees far cheaper than a conventional independent boarding school, with no VAT. No tuition fees.
- Fee information
- Day: free; Boarding £8,901 - £19,527 pa
The last word
State boarding schools have never been more popular – and this one offers real breadth of learning with an emphasis on language and music. Students we met are delighted with the Hockerill experience, particularly those with a love of learning and
Inspection reports
Ofsted reports
Full inspection: Good
You can read full reports on the Ofsted website
| Personal development | Outstanding |
|---|---|
| Quality of education | Outstanding |
| Behaviour and attitudes | Good |
| Leadership and management | Good |
| Sixth form provision | Outstanding |
