Ages 
There’s no shortage of strong academic schools in the area, but this dynamic and friendly semi-selective state school stands out for its inclusive vibe, impressive extracurricular, unified leadership and polished blend of tradition and progressiveness.
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 1,464 ·
- Sixth form numbers
- 392 ·
- Religion
- None
- Local authority
- Hertfordshire County Council
- Area guides
Headteacher
Headmaster
Anthony Smith
Since April 2025, Anthony Smith MPhil, previously deputy head of Reach Free School Rickmansworth. Before that he held various positions in Hertfordshire schools, having completed his degree in physical education at De Montfort and recently, his
Entrance
Phenomenally oversubscribed, with around 1,400 applicants for 208 year 7 places and a long list of criteria: looked after children get first dibs with around a dozen in school at time of writing. The next 10 per cent of places go to those living in
- Open days
- September and October
Entry and exit data - year 7 entry (average 2020-2022)
Exit
Roughly a quarter leave after GCSEs, mainly to employment or vocational college courses. Around 90 per cent of remainers go to a huge range of new, redbrick and Russell Group universities, with popular degrees currently in aerospace engineering,
% 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, 55 per cent 9-7 at GCSE. At A level, 37 per cent A*/A, (71 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 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
Heady mix of the extremely able (25 per cent are selected on academic ability, 10 per cent on musical aptitude) and the usual mixed bag you’d expect from the remainder who get in mainly on proximity or siblings policy. Solid exam results. Excels at
- Qualifications taken in 2024
- A level
- GCSE
Learning support & SEN
Over 100 pupils (around seven per cent of cohort) on SEN register at any one time, with provision praised by staff and parents alike. Full time SENCo, supported by team of TAs, can accommodate a range of needs from dyslexia, dyscalculia and ASD (‘ASD
Arts & extracurricular
It’s not all work and no play, with school equally famous for its sport and extracurricular.
Musical performances in and out of school are in abundance, with ‘outstanding’ termly concerts in which ‘nobody is left out who wants to play,’ say
Sport
With 60 acres of grounds more akin to a private school, pupils are spoilt by a full-sized Astro and seven (no, that’s not a typo) football pitches, floodlit tennis and netball courts and a sports hall equipped with gym and dance studio. Despite the
Ethos & heritage
Founded 1681 in Bethnal Green with funds left by wealthy East London silk merchant Thomas Parmiter in his will - the original all-male cohort numbered about 10. Became a boys’ grammar but turned comprehensive and co-ed when it moved to Hertfordshire
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
Parents and pupils talk about the ‘Parmiter’s family’, with pastoral care receiving high praise from both who report that any issues are dealt with ‘sensitively’ and that ‘there’s always someone to talk to’, although some pupils say that there are
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 Students do not use their phones during the school day. They are expected to turn their phones off whilst in school.
Pupils & parents
A fleet of 11 buses transport pupils from the likes of urban Harrow and Stanmore to Hemel Hempstead and leafy St Albans – ‘a great way make friends with people you might not otherwise have met,’ said one pupil. Small Caucasian majority and healthy
Money matters
You won’t get hassled for monthly parental donations, although a letter is sent to new parents at the beginning of year 7 and head is not shy to ask parents and others to put their hands in their pockets to make new facilities ‘world class’. Happily,
The last word
There’s no shortage of strong academic schools in the area, but this dynamic and friendly semi-selective state school stands out for its inclusive vibe, impressive extracurricular, unified leadership and polished blend of tradition and
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 |
Full inspection: Outstanding
| Leadership and management | Outstanding |
|---|---|
| Sixth form provision | Outstanding |
