Ages 
There are five secondary schools in the town, all rated by Ofsted as good or outstanding. Parents who opt for this school tend to do so because of the emphasis on respect and working hard, as well as the plethora of extracurricular activities. And despite the reputation that it has for serving the more naturally academic, we found the less able are also encouraged to shine, thanks to the drive to maintain standards and provide outstanding support for all.
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 1,250 ·
- Sixth form numbers
- 391 ·
- Religion
- None
- Local authority
- Hertfordshire County Council
- Area guides
Headteacher
Headteacher
Dale Reeve
Since 2014, Dale Reeve, previously deputy head of Leventhorpe School, and a maths specialist. He attended a state comprehensive in Harlow, after which he did a maths degree at Essex University and a PGCE at Leicester University. This is the sixth
Entrance
This is the kind of school that people move to the area for and even then, many boys don’t get in. For year 7 entry in 2026 180 places are available. Ten per cent of places are allocated ‘to pupils with a proven aptitude in music or sport,’ although
- Open days
- Held in Autumn please see our website for details
Entry and exit data - year 7 entry (average 2020-2022)
Exit
Up to 30 per cent leave after GCSEs for local colleges or to pursue vocational courses; a minority go directly into employment. Nearly all sixth formers move on to university, around a third to Russell Group. Four to Oxbridge in 2025, five medics too
% 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, 38 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 82 per cent 9-5 in maths and English; 26 per cent A*/A at A level (57 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
There have been peaks and troughs over time’ when it comes to GCSE results, says the head, but on the whole it’s positive. Chemistry, English language, theatre studies, PE and history are particularly strong.
Class sizes hover just under 30 in
- Qualifications taken in 2024
- A level
- BTEC
- EPQ
- GCSE
Learning support & SEN
There are 97 students with SEN and they tend to do well, as do the less academic, despite the school’s above-average ability intake. Parents and pupils are particularly keen on the so-called clinics at break and lunch times, aimed at pupils who
Arts & extracurricular
It’s hard to think of an extracurricular activity that isn’t offered here, with everything from the normal sports through to go-carting, student-led charity groups and even a pupil-led class in IT skills for senior citizens. In fact, it’s not
Sport
Highly successful rugby, football and cricket fixtures. Pupils regularly play against top private schools. Expect weekends to be taken up. Saturday morning rugby training is ‘expected but not compulsory’ for year 7s, for example, with parents
Ethos & heritage
The school moved to a new purpose-built site in 2024, after nearly 70 years on its previous site. New facilities include 11 specialist science labs, two drama studios, a main hall and performance space and a sixth form centre.
The school claims to
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
‘There’s no room for silly haircuts, trainers or shirts hanging out here,’ summed up one parent. She’s not wrong - these boys look super-smart all the time, thanks to the high standards of dress, including compulsory blazers, which are expected from
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 should not be seen or heard anywhere on the school site, before or during school, unless given specific permission by a member of staff. At the end of the day, if students need to arrange to be picked up, the phone should not be used until out of the school building. Failure to follow these rules will result in the mobile phone being confiscated until the end of the week or, for a parent/carer, to make an appointment to collect the phone no earlier than 24 hours after the confiscation. If confiscated on a Friday, the phone will be held until the following Monday. Travel tickets / debit cards on phones will not be accepted as a reason not to confiscate a phone if misused.
Pupils & parents
This school is in an affluent part of town and the parental mix echoes this. Parents see this as a cheap alternative to independent education and by and large remain satisfied throughout. ‘If you say your children go to this school, the normal
The last word
There are five secondary schools in the town, all rated by Ofsted as good or outstanding. Parents who opt for this school tend to do so because of the emphasis on respect and working hard, as well as the plethora of extracurricular activities. And
Inspection reports
Ofsted reports
Short inspection: Outstanding
You can read full reports on the Ofsted website
| Leadership and management | Outstanding |
|---|---|
| Sixth form provision | Outstanding |
Full inspection: Good
| Leadership and management | Good |
|---|
