THE HEMEL HEMPSTEAD SCHOOL in Hertfordshire, Hemel Hempstead

Education Centre Information: The Hemel Hempstead School:

Establishment Type:Community School
Phase of Education: Secondary
Status: Open
Local Authority: Hertfordshire
Boarders: No Boarders
Sixth Form: Has a sixth form
Urban/Rural Description: Urban > 10k - less sparse
Special Classes: No Special Classes
Religious Character: Does not apply
Nursery Provider: No Nursery Classes
Total Pupils: 1152
Number of boys: 556
Number of girls: 596
Admissions: Comprehensive
Age Range: 11-18
Gender: Mixed
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Background:

The school opened in 1931 as a mixed grammar school, accommodating 350 pupils in a building that is a modern interpretation of a 17th Century style. In the 1960s, Heath Barn House, an Elizabethan residence and courtyard, was acquired and now houses a small theatre and most of the music facilities. The school became a comprehensive in 1971, gaining new classrooms and specialist rooms. A technology block and two fully-equipped networked computer rooms were opened during the following decade. Sports are played on the extensive playing fields and teams have found national success in netball, soccer, athletics, basketball and cross-country. Pupils include nine county champions. All pupils take Physical Education GCSE and many take it at A-level. One in three pupils learns a musical instrument and plays in one of the school's 15 musical groups, which perform many times each year. A network of extra-curricular sports activites which combine competitive success with encouraging students of all abilities. Clubs are run in athletics, badminton, basketball, cricket, cross-country, hockey, netball, rounders, soccer, swimming, tennis and table tennis. The school aims to reach the highest possible level of academic success and personal growth.