The Hertfordshire & Essex High School and Science College
Ofsted
Official inspection reports and grades
Inspected 14 November 2023
Previous inspections
- 3 April 2014Academy conversion letterReport
Results
Compared with the local authority and England
KS4 Results
Attainment and progress
Attainment 8 scores a pupil's best 8 GCSE results, out of about 90. Progress 8 compares those results with pupils who started secondary school at the same level: 0 is average.
| Measure | School | Hertfordshire | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Attainment 8 score | 63.6 | 50.6 | 46.1 |
GCSE results
Grade 4 is a standard pass; grade 5 is a strong pass.
| Measure | School | Hertfordshire | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5 or above in English and maths | 76% | 53% | 45% |
| Grade 4 or above in English and maths | 94% | 72% | 65% |
| 5 or more GCSEs at grade 9-4, including English and maths | 91% | 68% | 60% |
English Baccalaureate
The EBacc is English, maths, science, a language, and history or geography. It is a set of subjects rather than a qualification.
| Measure | School | Hertfordshire | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entering the EBacc | 61% | 47% | 41% |
| EBacc average point score | 5.8 | 4.6 | 4.1 |
Based on 185 pupils at the end of key stage 4.
Catchment area
Pupils and staff
Pupils
- Pupils
- 1,436
- Capacity
- 1,360
- Girls / boys
- 89% / 11%
- Free school meals
- 5%
Staff
- Teachers (FTE)
- 87.1
- Teaching assistants (FTE)
- 8.4
- Leadership (FTE)
- 11.5
- Part-time teachers
- 40%
School workforce census, 2025/26.
Parent View
Ofsted’s survey of parents at this school
91%
of parents would recommend this school to another parent
324 responses up to 2 September 2024 · 23% response rate
- Strongly agree
- Agree
- Don’t know
- Disagree
- Strongly disagree
My child is happy at this school.
91% agreeMy child feels safe at this school.
95% agreeThe school makes sure its pupils are well behaved.
93% agreeMy child has been bullied and the school dealt with the bullying quickly and effectively.
43% agreeThe school makes me aware of what my child will learn during the year.
81% agree
Questions about The Hertfordshire & Essex High School and Science College
What is The Hertfordshire & Essex High School and Science College's Ofsted rating?
The Hertfordshire & Essex High School and Science College was graded Outstanding at its last Ofsted inspection, on 14 November 2023.
How do I apply for a place at The Hertfordshire & Essex High School and Science College?
Apply through the council where you live by 31 October in your child's Year 6, for a place starting the following September. You apply to your home council even if The Hertfordshire & Essex High School and Science College is in another council's area, and can usually list between 3 and 6 schools in order of preference. Offers are sent on 1 March, or the next working day.
Does living near The Hertfordshire & Essex High School and Science College guarantee a place?
No. Distance only counts when The Hertfordshire & Essex High School and Science College has more applicants than places. Then its admission criteria, set by its academy trust, decide who is offered a place first. Children in care or adopted from care come first by law. Most schools put brothers and sisters of current pupils next, then distance or a catchment area. How far away the last place went changes every year, depending on who applies.
How many pupils are at The Hertfordshire & Essex High School and Science College?
The Hertfordshire & Essex High School and Science College had 1,436 pupils aged 11 to 18 at the latest school census. Its official capacity is 1,360. It is a girls' school with a sixth form.
