Herts & Essex High (Girls) Review 2026: a century of education

Over a century ago, a vision took shape in Bishop's Stortford. In 1909, the school opened its doors to educate the young women of the town, housed in an elegant Edwardian building that still stands at its heart. Today, that same commitment endures. The school presents itself as a rigorous, ambitious option for girls, aiming to combine high standards with a supportive community. With 4 Oxbridge acceptances in recent years and 51% of GCSE grades at 9-7, the school ranks in the top 9% nationally for secondary performance (FindMySchool ranking). The 2023 Ofsted inspection confirmed the school as Outstanding, describing it as a place where excellence runs through every aspect and teachers possess expert subject knowledge. For girls aged 11-16, this is a single-sex environment; the sixth form welcomes boys, creating a balanced transition to university and beyond. The school is oversubscribed, reflecting the strong demand from local families who recognise the quality of education on offer.

The school's physical presence communicates its values immediately. The Edwardian main building, regarded in 1910 as a triumph of "architectural design and practical utility," houses the well-stocked library and the original Old Hall with its ornate windows and period features. Around this heritage core, modern facilities have grown thoughtfully. Recent developments have transformed the campus: in 2019, the Herts & Essex Sports Centre opened with a full-size sports hall, purpose-built dojo, gym, netball and tennis courts, and floodlit astro pitch. Simultaneously, the former gymnasium was reimagined as a dedicated Sixth Form Centre combining quiet study space with social areas and a café. Drama students now work in a dedicated studio within the main building — each addition reflecting the school's commitment to providing modern, purposeful spaces.

Mrs Cathy Tooze leads the school as Head, having taken the reins from previous leaders including Alison Garner (2005 onwards) who oversaw the transition to a comprehensive school serving all abilities. The school's six core values — compassion, creativity, independence, initiative, resilience, and respect — infuse daily life. These are not merely slogans. They shape behaviour expectations, curriculum planning, and extracurricular opportunity. Girls describe the atmosphere as warm and welcoming, a place where kindness is genuine rather than performative. Teachers know pupils well; pastoral care is woven into the fabric of the day rather than relegated to a separate slot. The school's non-selective admissions policy means a genuine breadth of ability sits in classrooms, yet expectations remain high. Girls are challenged to reach their potential, whatever that may be.

GCSE Performance

In 2024, 51% of GCSE grades achieved 9-7 (the highest tiers), well above the England average of 54%. At grade 5 or above, 73% of pupils achieved this threshold in English and maths combined. The Attainment 8 score of 63.3 reflects solid performance; Progress 8 of +0.65 indicates pupils make above-average progress from their starting points. Notably, 48% of pupils achieved the English Baccalaureate qualification, exceeding the England average entry rate of 41%. The school ranks 395th in England for GCSE performance (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the top 9% of schools nationally and 2nd among secondary schools in Bishop's Stortford. This consistent outperformance reflects rigorous curriculum planning and skilled teaching.

A-Level Performance

The sixth form serves both boys and girls. At A-level, 61% of grades achieved A*-B, slightly above the England average of 47%. 21% reached the A* grade; 22% achieved A. These figures represent solid performance at post-16 level. The school ranks 717th in England for A-level results (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the middle tier nationally. Three Oxford places and one Cambridge acceptance were secured in recent years from 24 applications, reflecting strong preparation for competitive universities.

The most recent Ofsted inspection highlighted that teachers possess expert knowledge of the subjects they teach. Curriculum planning is ambitious and well-constructed across all key stages. The school's Science College designation — held since 2003 — reflects its particular strength in the sciences. The curriculum embraces both tradition and innovation: Latin and Greek are offered alongside computer science; languages remain central to the offer. Teaching follows clear structures; expectations are high. Lessons move at pace, with differentiation allowing pupils of varying ability to access challenge. Assessment is regular and purposeful, feeding into intervention where needed.

For pupils with special educational needs, a whole-school approach means all staff contribute to development and wellbeing. In-class support, specialist resources, differentiated tasks, small group work, and withdrawal courses for literacy and numeracy are available. The school holds the Inclusion Quality Mark, reflecting this commitment.

In 2024, 60% of sixth form leavers progressed to university; 24% entered employment; 5% began apprenticeships. Beyond these headline figures, destinations tell a story of genuine breadth. The school sends students to Russell Group universities regularly; beyond Oxbridge, leavers secure places at Durham, Edinburgh, Bristol, and Warwick. Medical school placements occur regularly, reflecting the school's strength in sciences. Career preparation is woven through the curriculum, with work experience, apprenticeships, and vocational courses available at key stage 4 for those following alternative pathways.

Extracurricular life is remarkably rich. The school fields named ensembles and clubs across music, drama, sport, and STEM. The Year 7 Choir welcomes new students; this ensemble performs alongside a larger choir. Debating societies attract students interested in argument and rhetoric. Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme runs to gold level; Arts Award programme offers structured creative progression.

Drama: Professional and Participatory

Annual whole-school productions draw on talent throughout the cohort. These are genuinely professional undertakings, with students writing, directing, choreographing, and performing. Beyond the stage, others contribute in set design, costume, makeup, lighting, and post-production. Recent success includes recognition at the National School Theatre Awards, validating the quality of dramatic work.

Music: Performance and Community

Music is central to school life. Named ensembles include the chapel choir and larger choral groups. Music tours to Europe feature in the calendar, offering performance opportunities and cultural immersion. For pupils entering via music aptitude, a busy programme of ensembles provides outlets for their talent.

STEM: Investigation and Challenge

KS3 Science Club offers investigative projects alongside sixth-form student STEM ambassadors. SHAPESOC (Science, Healthcare and Allied Professions and Ethics) brings together sixth formers interested in medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, nursing, and physiotherapy for discussion, external speakers, and peer-led research. Students compete at all levels of the UK Maths Challenge and present CREST Science projects at regional and national events. Trips enrich learning: visits to Colchester Zoo study animal adaptations; ecology fieldwork takes place at Hatfield Forest; GCSE physics students experience a trip to the Cavendish Laboratory in Cambridge.

Sports: Excellence and Access

The Herts & Essex Sports Centre provides facilities at scale. The full-size sports hall hosts netball, volleyball, and basketball. The purpose-built dojo supports judo tuition; Bishop's Stortford Judo Club is based here. The floodlit astro pitch allows hockey fixtures throughout winter. Netball and tennis courts serve both school fixtures and community use. Beyond team sports, individual progression is possible. Bishop's Stortford Hockey Club trains at the complex, offering a pathway for talented players.

Language and Cultural Engagement

Language trips are regular. Music tours include European destinations, adding cultural dimension to musical development. The school fundraises for a partner school in Uganda, with trips available for interested students. These experiences broaden perspective and build global awareness.

The Library and Reading

Over 60 students shadow the Carnegie Prize each year, engaging critically with contemporary children's literature. A weekly Book Club runs for all ages and abilities. Student Librarians — 25 volunteers — gain leadership and organisational skills while maintaining the collection. The library organises events celebrating Roald Dahl Day, World Book Day, and Harry Potter Book Night, making reading a shared cultural event rather than a solitary activity.

Sixth Form Leadership and Challenge

Sixth form students help run clubs for younger pupils and provide peer tutoring in reading, mathematics, and other subjects. Senior Prefects take on considerable responsibility, selected through a formal process. This peer leadership model embeds values of service and responsibility.

The school is non-selective, admitting all girls who apply within the local authority coordinated scheme. It is consistently oversubscribed at key stage 3. In the most recent admissions cycle, the school received approximately 2.87 applications for every place available. All pupils entering years 7-11 must adhere to the school uniform: a brown blazer, yellow blouse, and brown knee-length skirt (introduced in 2013). Entry to the sixth form follows GCSE results; students must achieve three A-levels at grades A*-E to progress to Year 13.

Music and Sport aptitude routes exist, assessed via audition or trial. Open evenings typically run in September; the school website carries specific dates annually. Parents seeking a place should register through the local authority's coordinated admissions process during the published window (usually October to November). With strong local demand, early enquiry and understanding the application timeline are essential.

The school is described by inspectors as a warm and welcoming place where students are kind and caring. Each girl has a form tutor providing day-to-day pastoral oversight. Staff know pupils well; behaviour expectations are clear and consistently applied. The house system adds another layer of community; girls belong to a house that meets for assemblies, competitions, and social events. A trained counsellor visits weekly for pupils needing emotional support.

The school actively promotes respectful relationships and wellbeing throughout the curriculum. PSHE lessons address personal development, healthy relationships, and mental health explicitly. For students with additional needs, small group and individual support is available. Occupational therapists and hearing impairment advisors from local agencies are invited in to assess the learning environment and suggest improvements.

School hours run 8:40am to 3:20pm. The campus is located on Warwick Road in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire CM23 5NJ, served by local bus routes and accessible by train via Bishop's Stortford station (approximately 10 minutes' walk). Parking is limited; many families use public transport or walking. The school has no formal wraparound care (breakfast club or after-school provision beyond homework clubs), so families should plan collection carefully. In Years 7–11, girls aren’t allowed to carry phones; they must be switched off and kept in lockers during the day. Sixth form students may carry phones but may only use them in designated sixth form areas.

Uniform and phone policy: The school enforces a strict phone ban and uniform requirement. This approach supports focus during the school day but may feel restrictive to some families. Girls must be comfortable with these standards before entering.

Single-sex education for years 7-11: The all-girls environment until sixth form creates a distinct community dynamic. Some girls flourish in this setting; others prefer coeducational environments from the outset. Parents should consider their daughter's preferences.

Oversubscription: With 2.87 applications per place, entry is competitive. Living within the community and registering promptly are essential. Families further afield may struggle to secure a place.

Science College specialism: Whilst science is strong, the school does not narrow its curriculum to STEM. All subjects are offered, and humanities remain central. For families seeking a science focus specifically, verify course availability.

A well-established girls' secondary school combining rigorous academics with genuine care. One hundred and fifteen years of educational tradition inform its approach; recent investment in facilities (the sports centre, sixth form centre, drama studio) signals commitment to evolving with student needs. Ofsted's 2023 Outstanding rating and strong GCSE outcomes confirm quality. The school is best suited to girls who thrive in a purposeful, high-expectation environment where individual progress is celebrated alongside collective achievement. The all-girls setting before sixth form, combined with the single-sex teaching approach, creates a particular culture that suits many but may not suit all. For families in the local community seeking excellent state secondary education with depth in both academic and extracurricular provision, this school merits serious consideration.