Hertswood Academy

Hertswood Academy has undergone a remarkable journey of improvement, culminating in its 2025 assessment as a strong local choice for Borehamwood families. Housed in a state of the art £33 million campus that opened in 2019, the school has successfully moved beyond historical challenges to establish itself as a stable and ambitious learning environment. The academy serves approximately 1,170 students and is characterized by a "thriving and happy" community ethos, led by an experienced executive team that has overseen its transition to modern, unified facilities.

The physical environment of Hertswood is defined by its award winning architecture, which brought the school from a split site into a single, cohesive hub on Cowley Hill. The atmosphere is purposeful yet inclusive, with the house system (Dragon, Griffin, Phoenix, and Unicorn) providing a smaller, familiar community for students within the larger school. Peter Gillett, the Executive Headteacher, has led the academy since its conversion in 2013, providing a rare continuity of leadership that has stabilized the school's culture.

The school's values of Respect, Resilience, and Responsibility are woven into daily life. Visitors often note the professional standard of the facilities, which include a specialist theatre and high tech laboratories that feel more like a university campus than a traditional secondary school.

Academic outcomes are on a firm upward trajectory. While historical data placed the school below the England average, the 2024 results marked a significant turning point with the "best set of GCSE and Sixth Form outcomes" in the school's history.

• GCSE Performance: The school ranks 3rd locally in Borehamwood on the current secondary overall ranking. The Attainment 8 score is 38.3, with Progress 8 at -0.19, so GCSE outcomes remain below the stronger sixth-form picture.
• Sixth Form: Performance is stronger in the post 16 phase. The school ranks 1,176th out of 2,549 in England for A-level academic outcomes and 3rd locally in Borehamwood. In the 2025 dataset, 50% of grades were A* to B.

Teaching at Hertswood is characterized by strong subject expertise, particularly within the sixth form. The curriculum has been reviewed and adapted to ensure that knowledge is sequenced logically, helping students build on what they have already learned. There is a visible focus on literacy and subject specific vocabulary, which helps students access more complex material in subjects like Science and History.

The school utilizes its specialist wings effectively. For example, the technology and creative arts departments leverage industry standard equipment, reflecting the school's proximity to the Elstree film and media hub.

Where Students Go Next

The academy successfully prepares students for a variety of elite pathways. In 2024, approximately 60% of leavers progressed to university, with destinations including the University of Cambridge, London School of Economics, and Imperial College London. Increasingly, students are also securing competitive apprenticeships with organizations like the NHS. The school has even seen students progress to international institutions such as Yale.

Hertswood Academy is a state funded school and admissions are coordinated by Hertfordshire County Council.

• Year 7 Entry: For September 2027 entry, Hertfordshire's secondary application system opens on 1 September 2026 and closes on 31 October 2026. Offers are due on 1 March 2027, with acceptances due by 8 March 2027.
• Sixth Form: Check the academy's current sixth form admissions information for application windows, entry requirements and open-event dates.
• Oversubscription: Read the current criteria early and treat distance and proximity checks as part of the application planning.

Pastoral support is a noted strength, with staff described as acutely aware of local risks and proactive in their response to student concerns. The house system ensures that every student has a "key person" who understands their individual needs. Safeguarding arrangements are effective, and there is a clear, consistent approach to managing behavior that has significantly reduced incidents of disruption.

The extracurricular offer is extensive, with a growing number of clubs, trips, and experiences designed to build student confidence.

Creative Arts

The Hertswood Theatre is a focal point for high quality dramatic and musical productions.

STEM

The school offers various innovation clubs and coding sessions, utilizing its modern IT infrastructure.

Sport

Competitive fixtures in football, netball, and rugby are played on the school’s high quality all weather pitches.

The school day typically runs from 8:40 am to 3:10 pm. The academy is well served by local transport links and is within walking distance of Borehamwood town center. It features a "restaurant quality" canteen that provides varied and healthy meal options for students.

Fees & Financial Aid

As a state academy, there are no tuition fees. All core education is government funded. The academy provides support for uniform costs and school trips for families eligible for Pupil Premium, ensuring that all students can participate in the full "Hertswood experience" regardless of financial background.

• Trajectory of Improvement: While the school is now graded "Good," families should be aware of its historical "Requires Improvement" status; the current success is the result of a long term turnaround plan.
• Pace of Change: The academy is relentless in reviewing and adapting its provision, which means parents can expect frequent updates to policies and curriculum as the school strives for "Outstanding."
• Large Campus: The modern, open design of the building may feel overwhelming for some students who prefer a smaller, more traditional school setting.

Hertswood Academy is a school that has successfully reinvented itself. With world class facilities and a "Good" rating from Ofsted in 2025, it now stands as a primary choice for Borehamwood families. It suits students who will thrive in a modern, university style environment and those looking for strong pathways into both Russell Group universities and high level apprenticeships. The academy has proved it can deliver elite outcomes while maintaining a supportive community heart.