DAME ALICE OWEN'S SCHOOL in Hertfordshire, Potters Bar

Education Centre Information: Dame Alice Owen's School:

Establishment Type:Voluntary Aided School
Phase of Education: Secondary
Status: Closed
Local Authority: Hertfordshire
Reason Establishment Closed: Academy Converter
Establishment Close Date: 31/03/2011
Boarders: No Boarders
Sixth Form: Has a sixth form
Urban/Rural Description: Urban > 10k - less sparse
Special Classes: No Special Classes
Religious Character: None
Total Pupils: 1438
Number of boys: 746
Number of girls: 692
Admissions: Comprehensive
Age Range: 11-18
Gender: Mixed
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Background:

Founded in Islington in 1613; moved to current site on southern border of Potters Bar in 1973; occupies 34 acres of grounds, with woods and lake. In addition to teaching blocks and specialist areas, there are first-class sporting facilities including sports hall, floodlit all-weather sports centre, tennis courts and extensive pitches. The Edinburgh Centre, up-to-date information technology centre, provided by school trustees, the Worshipful Company of Brewers; new sixth form languages building, the Bernard Ryan Centre, opened in 1997. New performing arts centre, including 350-seat concert hall, completed in 2002. All pupils expected to take advantage of 'exciting' extra-curricular programme: opportunities in music, sport, drama and public-speaking. Strong tradition in music, with two orchestras, three bands, three choirs and other ensembles; also tours abroad. Pupils encouraged to care for environment and work for many charities that support the less privileged. Students can learn French, German, Spanish, Italian, Japanese and Russian, and have opportunity of work-experience in Germany. Specialist language college status from 1996. Over-subscribed, with seven applications per place. DfES achievement award (2001, 2002, 2003). Ethos: 'Proud of long history of academic excellence; aims to encourage personal individual success and to expect maximum commitment in all activities'.