St Clement Danes School

Since January 2018, Toby Sutherland BA MA PGCE MA (Cantabs). A local, he was educated at Edge Grove and Merchant Taylors’ School (with which he retains strong links) before studying politics and European studies at UWE. Started his career at the

Lots of nail biting in the lead-up to National Offers Day – or at least, there would be if local salons didn’t keep those Chorleywood hands so well-manicured. Parents pay a hefty premium on their house to live in catchment, often crossing fingers and

Around 30 per cent leave after GCSEs – some for a change, others don’t make the grades. Most head to local independent schools (eg RMS) or state schools (eg St Joan of Arc, Croxley Danes), or to study more vocational courses at college (West Herts

In 2025, 46 per cent 9-7 GCSE: 42 per cent A*/A (79 per cent A*/B)

Hard work evident in all classrooms we visited, with enthusiastic pupils eager to contribute and hands flying up here, there and everywhere. Academic achievement is the clear priority, with parents praising the ‘engaging’ and ‘dynamic’ staff – often

Full-time SENCo and 10 learning support practitioners oversee the 12 per cent on the SEN register, mainly for dyslexia, autism and ADHD. Thirty pupils with EHCPs when we visited. Parents describe the team as ‘dedicated’, ‘receptive’ and ‘supportive’

‘Inspirational’ music department, as befits a school with a music aptitude entry requirement. ‘The way the department is run has really motivated my daughter to get involved in all the activities on offer.’ Two choirs (gospel and boys’), ensembles

Good on-site facilities include generous playing fields, two all-weather floodlit pitch, hard courts, gym and sports hall, where rugby, football, netball, cricket, tennis and athletics are taught to a high standard, with top teams regularly competing

The pastoral hub sits at the centre of the school, comprising a wellbeing room with comfy chairs, rugs, colour changing lights and scent diffusers. Parents told us their children know who to talk to and that ‘staff really know the students’. Tons of

Pupils we met were invigorated and chatty. Many walk across Chorleywood Common to get here – a nice way to catch up with friends on the way in. Public transport well used too – bus and train – plus cars (sixth formers can park opposite the school).

Frequently chosen by parents over local grammar and independent schools, this semi-selective, community-based school is also a magnet for families willing to move for a state secondary with excellent teaching and a lively extracurricular scene.