State School
#5 in Best Secondary Schools in East Hertfordshire
The Hertfordshire & Essex High School and Science College - Ofsted Report, Parent Reviews (2025)
The Hertfordshire & Essex High School and Science College
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The Hertfordshire & Essex High School and Science College
- Secondary
- Bishop's Stortford CM23 5NJ
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Ofsted report
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| The quality of education | Outstanding |
| Behaviour and attitudes | Outstanding |
| Personal development | Outstanding |
| Leadership and management | Outstanding |
| Sixth-form provision | Outstanding |
Quick insights from ofsted Powered by AI
This insight was generated by AI, based on latest Ofsted report.
Academic Progress: Pupils excel both academically and in wider school life due to school's high expectations.
Behaviour and Attitudes: Pupils show high levels of resilience and demonstrate highly positive conduct.
Qualifications and Training: Teachers have expert knowledge of their subjects and continually review curriculum.
Current Educational Practices: Regular assessment and curriculum adaptations ensure high achievement.
Opportunities for Involvement: Parents can give opinions on Ofsted Parent View.
Communication: School uses information from parents when inspecting and making decisions.
Handling Conflicts and Concerns: Leaders provide effective support and challenge, continually aiming to improve.
Actions for Quality Improvement: Leaders review and enhance the curriculum; manage workload and well-being.
Managing Bullying and Safety: The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.
Promoting Welfare and Safety: Pupils benefit from a calm and purposeful atmosphere, promoting welfare.
Extracurricular Offerings: Rich and extensive range includes subject clubs, music, and sports opportunities.
Career Counselling Services: High-quality careers information and guidance available, including work experience.
Managing and Supporting SEND: Pupils with SEND receive high-quality teaching and specific support.
Historical Ofsted reports
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About Us
The Hertfordshire & Essex High School and Science College is a Secondary, Girls school located in Hertfordshire, East of England.
It has 1436 students from age 11-18 yr with a student-teacher ratio of 16 : 1.
At this school, 73% of pupils achieved grade 5 or more at GCSE.
95.70% of pupils completing their main study programme.
This school rated Outstanding by recent Ofsted inspection.
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The Hertfordshire & Essex High School and Science College
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Your daughter's secondary school decision is very important.
There is strong evidence that girls do best in a single-sex environment.
Herts & Essex has given excellent education for boys and girls between the ages of 16 and 18 for its entire first century.
We are confident that our students will be leaders in any profession, sector of study, or even just personal hobbies they decide to pursue in the future.
The faculty at Herts & Essex presents the children with challenges that catch their interests and improve their thinking both within and outside the classroom, keeping in mind the six school values of compassion and creativity, initiative and independence, resilience and respect.
Therefore, it should come as no surprise that our gifted students frequently experience local and national success in a variety of sports, artistic endeavours, and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) competitions.
Our status as a Teaching School, Lead Maths Hub School, and Science Learning Partnership not only provides our students with diverse and stimulating learning opportunities, but also with opportunities to participate in a wide range of volunteer work both locally and abroad. In particular, they support neighbourhood primary schools, work in special schools, and raise thousands of dollars for charities every year.
We are conscious of our place in the world and really appreciate the international focus our school has established.
We want our pupils to grow in moral character and mature into caring citizens of the world.
We are a group of highly dedicated, skilled teachers and support staff who collaborate closely with governors and parents to deliver the finest education possible and establish solid foundations for our kids' prosperous futures.
We regularly evaluate and rev up our exceptional job in an effort to be recognised for the calibre of our work.
Reach for the stars is our school's motto, and we have high expectations for all of our students to leave Herts & Essex as self-assured, well-rounded young men and women who are eager to take their position in society and who are confident in their ability to succeed.
Although I hope you enjoy browsing our website, a visit during one of our Open Evenings is always preferable.
Please take the chance to visit us all and discover for yourself what a beautiful, vibrant, and multifaceted school Herts & Essex is.
Read more
There is strong evidence that girls do best in a single-sex environment.
Herts & Essex has given excellent education for boys and girls between the ages of 16 and 18 for its entire first century.
We are confident that our students will be leaders in any profession, sector of study, or even just personal hobbies they decide to pursue in the future.
The faculty at Herts & Essex presents the children with challenges that catch their interests and improve their thinking both within and outside the classroom, keeping in mind the six school values of compassion and creativity, initiative and independence, resilience and respect.
Therefore, it should come as no surprise that our gifted students frequently experience local and national success in a variety of sports, artistic endeavours, and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) competitions.
Our status as a Teaching School, Lead Maths Hub School, and Science Learning Partnership not only provides our students with diverse and stimulating learning opportunities, but also with opportunities to participate in a wide range of volunteer work both locally and abroad. In particular, they support neighbourhood primary schools, work in special schools, and raise thousands of dollars for charities every year.
We are conscious of our place in the world and really appreciate the international focus our school has established.
We want our pupils to grow in moral character and mature into caring citizens of the world.
We are a group of highly dedicated, skilled teachers and support staff who collaborate closely with governors and parents to deliver the finest education possible and establish solid foundations for our kids' prosperous futures.
We regularly evaluate and rev up our exceptional job in an effort to be recognised for the calibre of our work.
Reach for the stars is our school's motto, and we have high expectations for all of our students to leave Herts & Essex as self-assured, well-rounded young men and women who are eager to take their position in society and who are confident in their ability to succeed.
Although I hope you enjoy browsing our website, a visit during one of our Open Evenings is always preferable.
Please take the chance to visit us all and discover for yourself what a beautiful, vibrant, and multifaceted school Herts & Essex is.
Gallery
Compare with similar schools
| Phase of Education | Secondary | Secondary | Secondary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Academies | Academies | Academies |
| Snobe grade |
A-
|
B-
|
B-
|
| Ofset report | Outstanding | Good | Good |
| Age range | 11-18 | 11-18 | 11-18 |
| Gender | Girls | Co-Ed | Co-Ed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student teacher ratio | 16.8 | - | 16.9 |
| Proficient Math | - | - | - |
| Proficient Read | - | - | - |
| Grade 5 or above GCSE | 73% | 98% | 38% |
| Grade 5 or above A Level | 18.90% | 35.00% | 5.30% |
| Day Fees | - | - | - |
Secondary Exam Result
Discover school's performance with the Attainment 8 and Progress 8 scores. Attainment 8 reflects pupil achievement in 8 qualifications, while Progress 8 measures their progress from key stage 2 to 4, compared to peers across England.
| School scores | School | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Progress 8 score | 0.60 | This score shows how much progress pupils at this school made across 8 qualifications between the end of key stage 2 and the end of key stage 4. |
| Attainment 8 score | 61.7 | Schools get a score based on how well pupils have performed in up to 8 qualifications. |
Explore the percentage of pupils who attained grade 5 or higher & grade 4 or higher in their English and math GCSEs. This metric reflects their proficiency in these fundamental subjects.
| GCSE Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 73% | 37.35% | 30.03% |
| Grade 4 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 93% | 50.5% | 43.07% |
The English Baccalaureate (EBacc) ensures your child's well-rounded education. It includes essential subjects like English, math, sciences, languages, and humanities.
| EBacc Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entering EBacc | 67% | 30.28% | 25.06% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 5 or above | 44% | 15.56% | 10.91% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 4 or above | 61% | 21.37% | 15.51% |
| EBacc average points score | 5.65 | 3.37 | 2.83 |
Find out where our Key Stage 4 graduates are going next. Explore their different paths after finishing school – whether it's sixth form, starting work, or other adventures as they move forward.
| Pupil destinations | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pupils staying in education or employment | 98% | 93.36% | 90.53% |
| Total number of pupils included in destination measures | 186 | 138 | 144 |
| Pupils staying in education | 98% | 89.49% | 84.16% |
| Further education college or other further education provider | 14% | 32.25% | 32.73% |
| School sixth forms | 77% | 47.62% | 29.8% |
| Sixth form colleges | 6% | 1.65% | 10.22% |
| Other education destinations | 1% | 7.96% | 11.43% |
| Pupils in apprenticeships | 1% | 1.52% | 2.8% |
| Pupils staying in employment | 0% | 2.37% | 3.59% |
Discover school's performance with the Attainment 8 and Progress 8 scores. Attainment 8 reflects pupil achievement in 8 qualifications, while Progress 8 measures their progress from key stage 2 to 4, compared to peers across England.
| School scores | School | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Progress 8 score | 0.61 | This score shows how much progress pupils at this school made across 8 qualifications between the end of key stage 2 and the end of key stage 4. |
| Attainment 8 score | 65.9 | Schools get a score based on how well pupils have performed in up to 8 qualifications. |
Explore the percentage of pupils who attained grade 5 or higher & grade 4 or higher in their English and math GCSEs. This metric reflects their proficiency in these fundamental subjects.
| GCSE Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 81% | 39.23% | 32.85% |
| Grade 4 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 91% | 51.68% | 45.33% |
The English Baccalaureate (EBacc) ensures your child's well-rounded education. It includes essential subjects like English, math, sciences, languages, and humanities.
| EBacc Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entering EBacc | 65% | 30.36% | 24.94% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 5 or above | 50% | 17.89% | 13.02% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 4 or above | 61% | 22.57% | 17.19% |
| EBacc average points score | 6.05 | 3.51 | 2.97 |
Find out where our Key Stage 4 graduates are going next. Explore their different paths after finishing school – whether it's sixth form, starting work, or other adventures as they move forward.
| Pupil destinations | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pupils staying in education or employment | 99% | 90.81% | 90.4% |
| Total number of pupils included in destination measures | 160 | 135 | 141 |
| Pupils staying in education | 98% | 88.37% | 86.29% |
| Further education college or other further education provider | 13% | 32.73% | 34.03% |
| School sixth forms | 81% | 48.52% | 30.82% |
| Sixth form colleges | 1% | 1.68% | 10.38% |
| Other education destinations | 3% | 5.41% | 11.08% |
| Pupils in apprenticeships | 1% | 1.07% | 1.99% |
| Pupils staying in employment | 1% | 1.41% | 2.13% |
Exam Result Not Published
Due to the pandemic, 2020 and 2021 Secondary school exam
results were not published at school level.
Exam Result Not Published
Due to the pandemic, 2020 and 2021 Secondary school exam
results were not published at school level.
Discover school's performance with the Attainment 8 and Progress 8 scores. Attainment 8 reflects pupil achievement in 8 qualifications, while Progress 8 measures their progress from key stage 2 to 4, compared to peers across England.
| School scores | School | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Progress 8 score | 0.62 | This score shows how much progress pupils at this school made across 8 qualifications between the end of key stage 2 and the end of key stage 4. |
| Attainment 8 score | 59.8 | Schools get a score based on how well pupils have performed in up to 8 qualifications. |
Explore the percentage of pupils who attained grade 5 or higher & grade 4 or higher in their English and math GCSEs. This metric reflects their proficiency in these fundamental subjects.
| GCSE Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 63% 6 | 33.34% | 29.3% |
| Grade 4 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 89% 3 | 47.05% | 43.41% |
The English Baccalaureate (EBacc) ensures your child's well-rounded education. It includes essential subjects like English, math, sciences, languages, and humanities.
| EBacc Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entering EBacc | 76% | 29.27% | 25.8% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 5 or above | 37% 12 | 15.54% | 11.47% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 4 or above | 56% 11 | 21.09% | 16.49% |
| EBacc average points score | 5.56 | 3.25 | 2.88 |
Find out where our Key Stage 4 graduates are going next. Explore their different paths after finishing school – whether it's sixth form, starting work, or other adventures as they move forward.
| Pupil destinations | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pupils staying in education or employment | 100% | 89.37% | 90.2% |
| Total number of pupils included in destination measures | 163 | 130 | 135 |
| Pupils staying in education | 96% | 85% | 84.08% |
| Further education college or other further education provider | 13% | 30.93% | 33.25% |
| School sixth forms | 77% | 47.29% | 31.27% |
| Sixth form colleges | 5% | 1.2% | 8.45% |
| Other education destinations | 1% | 5.52% | 11.14% |
| Pupils in apprenticeships | 2% | 2.32% | 3.4% |
| Pupils staying in employment | 2% | 2.11% | 2.75% |
Discover school's performance with the Attainment 8 and Progress 8 scores. Attainment 8 reflects pupil achievement in 8 qualifications, while Progress 8 measures their progress from key stage 2 to 4, compared to peers across England.
| School scores | School | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Progress 8 score | 0.77 | This score shows how much progress pupils at this school made across 8 qualifications between the end of key stage 2 and the end of key stage 4. |
| Attainment 8 score | 61.6 | Schools get a score based on how well pupils have performed in up to 8 qualifications. |
Explore the percentage of pupils who attained grade 5 or higher & grade 4 or higher in their English and math GCSEs. This metric reflects their proficiency in these fundamental subjects.
| GCSE Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 69% 3 | 34.96% | 29.22% |
| Grade 4 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 92% 5 | 47.77% | 42.62% |
The English Baccalaureate (EBacc) ensures your child's well-rounded education. It includes essential subjects like English, math, sciences, languages, and humanities.
| EBacc Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entering EBacc | 74% | 29.08% | 24.73% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 5 or above | 49% 1 | 16.17% | 11.33% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 4 or above | 67% 11 | 21.85% | 16.01% |
| EBacc average points score | 5.75 | 3.3 | 2.84 |
Find out where our Key Stage 4 graduates are going next. Explore their different paths after finishing school – whether it's sixth form, starting work, or other adventures as they move forward.
| Pupil destinations | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pupils staying in education or employment | 99% | 84.29% | 84.87% |
| Total number of pupils included in destination measures | 162 | 131 | 140 |
| Pupils staying in education | 97% | 74.49% | 73.88% |
| Further education college or other further education provider | 11% | 24.6% | 28.31% |
| School sixth forms | 81% | 47.98% | 31.6% |
| Sixth form colleges | - | 0.5% | 9.08% |
| Other education destinations | - | 1.68% | 5.87% |
| Pupils in apprenticeships | - | 1.7% | 2.96% |
| Pupils staying in employment | - | 1.5% | 2.05% |
Discover school's performance with the Attainment 8 and Progress 8 scores. Attainment 8 reflects pupil achievement in 8 qualifications, while Progress 8 measures their progress from key stage 2 to 4, compared to peers across England.
| School scores | School | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Progress 8 score | 0.75 | This score shows how much progress pupils at this school made across 8 qualifications between the end of key stage 2 and the end of key stage 4. |
| Attainment 8 score | 61.3 | Schools get a score based on how well pupils have performed in up to 8 qualifications. |
Explore the percentage of pupils who attained grade 5 or higher & grade 4 or higher in their English and math GCSEs. This metric reflects their proficiency in these fundamental subjects.
| GCSE Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 66% | 35.25% | 29.55% |
| Grade 4 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 87% | 49.19% | 43.07% |
The English Baccalaureate (EBacc) ensures your child's well-rounded education. It includes essential subjects like English, math, sciences, languages, and humanities.
| EBacc Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entering EBacc | 68% | 30.85% | 25.25% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 5 or above | 48% | 20.2% | 14.71% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 4 or above | 56% | 21.91% | 16.26% |
| EBacc average points score | - | - | - |
Find out where our Key Stage 4 graduates are going next. Explore their different paths after finishing school – whether it's sixth form, starting work, or other adventures as they move forward.
| Pupil destinations | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pupils staying in education or employment | 98% | 87.55% | 85.29% |
| Total number of pupils included in destination measures | 162 | 134 | 145 |
| Pupils staying in education | 96% | 43.81% | 58.19% |
| Further education college or other further education provider | 17% | 27.71% | 30.58% |
| School sixth forms | 73% | 48.14% | 32.22% |
| Sixth form colleges | 4% | 0.37% | 8.95% |
| Other education destinations | 2% | 2.63% | 5.7% |
| Pupils in apprenticeships | - | 3.21% | 4.78% |
| Pupils staying in employment | 2% | 1.74% | 2.45% |
A level exam result
Explore their results and progress scores, showing how they've grown and achieved during this important stage of their education.
| A level Result | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average points | 37.78 | 32.74 | 30.01 |
| Average grade | B- | - | - |
| Average points (Best 3) | 37.41 | 31.59 | 29.57 |
| Average Grade (Best 3) | B- | - | - |
| AAB or higher | 18.90% | 15.43% | 13.67% |
Discover where pupils headed after A-levels. Explore who either stayed in education or went into employment.
| Students destinations | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of students | 187 | 150 | 201 |
| Students staying in education | 76% | 63.36% | 58.58% |
| Students entering apprenticeships | 4% | 4.46% | 6.08% |
| Students entering employment | 14% | 21.3% | 21.16% |
| Students not in education or employment for at least two terms after study | 5% | 7.42% | 9.05% |
Explore their results and progress scores, showing how they've grown and achieved during this important stage of their education.
| A level Result | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average points | 42.1 | 36.9 | 33.41 |
| Average grade | B+ | - | - |
| Average points (Best 3) | 42.17 | 35.3 | 32.47 |
| Average Grade (Best 3) | B+ | - | - |
| AAB or higher | 25.7% | 20.26% | 17.7% |
Discover where pupils headed after A-levels. Explore who either stayed in education or went into employment.
| Students destinations | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of students | 192 | 180 | 248 |
| Students staying in education | 78% | 64.63% | 60.67% |
| Students entering apprenticeships | 3% | 3.55% | 5% |
| Students entering employment | 13% | 18.52% | 17.73% |
| Students not in education or employment for at least two terms after study | 5% | 9.21% | 10.69% |
Exam Result Not Published
Due to the pandemic, 2020 and 2021 A level school exam
results were not published at school level.
Exam Result Not Published
Due to the pandemic, 2020 and 2021 A level school exam
results were not published at school level.
Explore their results and progress scores, showing how they've grown and achieved during this important stage of their education.
| A level Result | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average points | 40.14 3 | 32.57 | 29.39 |
| Average grade | B | - | - |
| Average points (Best 3) | 40.33 1 | 32.16 | 28.64 |
| Average Grade (Best 3) | B | - | - |
| AAB or higher | 23.0% | 16.46% | 13.07% |
Discover where pupils headed after A-levels. Explore who either stayed in education or went into employment.
| Students destinations | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of students | 182 | 182 | 232 |
| Students staying in education | 73% | 60.54% | 57.31% |
| Students entering apprenticeships | 4% | 5.7% | 7.77% |
| Students entering employment | 15% | 22.9% | 20.99% |
| Students not in education or employment for at least two terms after study | 3% | 6.93% | 8.8% |
Explore their results and progress scores, showing how they've grown and achieved during this important stage of their education.
| A level Result | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average points | 37.26 1 | 31.83 | 29.03 |
| Average grade | B- | - | - |
| Average points (Best 3) | 39.80 | 31.93 | 28.82 |
| Average Grade (Best 3) | B | - | - |
| AAB or higher | 18.2% | 16.88% | 13.37% |
Discover where pupils headed after A-levels. Explore who either stayed in education or went into employment.
| Students destinations | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of students | - | 1 | 3 |
| Students staying in education | 21 | 22.77% | 31.5% |
| Students entering apprenticeships | 3% | 3.32% | 5.54% |
| Students entering employment | 13% | 13.42% | 15.81% |
| Students not in education or employment for at least two terms after study | 4% | 2.94% | 4.22% |
Explore their results and progress scores, showing how they've grown and achieved during this important stage of their education.
| A level Result | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average points | 36.09 | 30.74 | 26.73 |
| Average grade | B- | - | - |
| Average points (Best 3) | 39.33 | 31.86 | 27.73 |
| Average Grade (Best 3) | B | - | - |
| AAB or higher | 20.6% | 16.88% | 12.64% |
Discover where pupils headed after A-levels. Explore who either stayed in education or went into employment.
| Students destinations | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of students | - | 2 | 3 |
| Students staying in education | 23 | 31.6% | 36.26% |
| Students entering apprenticeships | 4% | 4.49% | 6.37% |
| Students entering employment | 17% | 20.42% | 20.03% |
| Students not in education or employment for at least two terms after study | 4% | 2.54% | 4.23% |
Best Schools 2025
The Hertfordshire & Essex High School and Science College Rankings
Snobe ranks nearly 20,000+ schools according to their exam results, teaching quality, resources & many more indicators. (How Do We Calculate Rankings?)
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Admission
Holidays & terms
Holidays 2024/25
| Holidays | Date |
|---|---|
| Autumn Half Term Holidays | 28th Oct 2024 - 1st Nov 2024 |
| Winter Holidays | 23rd Dec 2024 - 3rd Jan 2025 |
| Spring Half Term Holidays | 17th Feb 2025 - 21st Feb 2025 |
| Spring Holidays | 7th Apr 2025 - 21st Apr 2025 |
| Summer Half Term Holidays | 26th May 2025 - 30th May 2025 |
| Summer Holidays | 24th Jul 2025 - 2nd Sep 2025 |
Terms Dates 2024/25
| Terms | Dates |
|---|---|
| Autumn Term | 2nd Sep 2024 - 27th Oct 2024 |
| Autumn Term-2 | 2nd Nov 2024 - 22nd Dec 2024 |
| Spring Term | 4th Jan 2025 - 16th Feb 2025 |
| Spring Term-2 | 22nd Feb 2025 - 6th Apr 2025 |
| Summer Term | 22nd Apr 2025 - 25th May 2025 |
| Summer Term-2 | 31st May 2025 - 23rd Jul 2025 |
Students Teachers
16 : 1
Student teacher ratio at The Hertfordshire & Essex High School and Science College
Local authority ratio 18 : 1
