Longdean School Review 2026: Modern Innovation in Hemel Hempstead

Sitting in the Apsley valley, Longdean School presents a strikingly modern face to the world. A complete campus rebuild, finished in 2017, replaced aging concrete with glass and purpose-built learning zones, reflecting the school's forward-looking ethos. Serving over 1,400 students, this non-selective academy combines the breadth of a large comprehensive with specific specialist streams in Technology and Performing Arts.

Ms Ruth Georgiades has led the school since September 2025, bringing fresh energy to an institution that has maintained a Good rating from Ofsted for over a decade. The atmosphere is purposeful without being stifling; students move through the wide corridors of the new building with a sense of ownership. While academic results sit in the typical range for England, the school prides itself on adding value in other ways, particularly through its vocational pathways and aptitude-based admissions.

The first impression of Longdean is one of space and light. The £24 million rebuild transformed the physical environment, creating distinct 'learning zones' rather than endless corridors. This architectural choice aims to reduce congestion and improve behaviour, fostering a calm environment.

The school motto, Rejoice in the Youth, is traditional, but the daily reality is thoroughly modern. This is a fully inclusive mixed comprehensive where aspiring medics study alongside students aiming for vocational apprenticeships. The uniform—blazers with the distinct griffin crest—is worn with pride, though the atmosphere leans towards the relaxed side of formal.

A key structural feature is the House system, which breaks the large student body into manageable communities: Da Vinci, Franklin, Gates, and Pascal. House competitions are fierce, ranging from traditional sports to debating and photography. The school operates as an academy within the East Dacorum Co-operative Learning Trust, a partnership that links it with local primaries and businesses, reinforcing a sense of community service.

Longdean's academic outcomes reflect a comprehensive intake with pockets of high achievement. In 2024, the school's performance at GCSE was solid.

The school ranks 2,275th in England for GCSE results (FindMySchool ranking) and 4th locally in Hemel Hempstead. This places performance in the 'national typical' band, meaning it sits in line with the middle 35% of schools in England (25th to 60th percentile).

The Average Attainment 8 score of 42.5 is slightly below the England average of 45.9. The Progress 8 score of -0.29 indicates that, on average, students achieve about a quarter of a grade lower across their subjects than similar students nationally. However, this headline figure masks strengths in specific areas. The school has a strong track record in applied subjects and BTECs, which are not always fully captured in standard academic metrics.

At A-level, the picture is similar. The school ranks 1,407th in England and 2nd locally. The proportion of grades at A*-B was 44.5%, closely tracking the England average of 47.2%. The 'national typical' band here reflects consistent, reliable delivery at Key Stage 5.

The curriculum is broad, maintaining a commitment to arts and technology where other schools have cut back. The 'learning zones' structure means departments are clustered, allowing for collaboration between teachers.

Science and Technology are pillars of the school's identity. As a former Specialist Mathematics and Computing College, Longdean retains a high density of computer suites and workshops. The STEM provision is rigorous; students in the lower years engage in integrated projects that apply mathematics to real-world engineering problems.

In the classroom, teaching tends to be structured and supportive. There is a strong emphasis on 'Quality First Teaching' to support the diverse intake, which includes a higher-than-average number of students with Education, Health and Care Plans. Support staff are deployed effectively, often working with small groups in breakout spaces designed into the new building.

Destinations data highlights the school's success in preparing students for varied futures. In 2024, 61% of leavers progressed to university. While the school does not publish a full breakdown of Russell Group entries, the pathway to elite institutions exists for those who push for it. In the most recent cycle, one student secured a place at an Oxbridge university.

Notably, 11% of leavers moved onto apprenticeships, a figure well above the England average. This reflects the school's strong careers advice and links with local industry, validating its reputation for supporting vocational as well as academic success. Graduates have secured positions in engineering, digital media, and business administration, often with major local employers.

Admission to Longdean is coordinated by Hertfordshire County Council, but the process has a unique element. The school is consistently oversubscribed. In the last cycle, there were 661 applications for 213 places, resulting in a subscription ratio of 3.1 applications per place.

While most places are allocated based on distance—the 'catchment' effectively shrinks each year depending on demand—Longdean reserves a percentage of places for students demonstrating aptitude in Technology and Performing Arts.

Parents wishing to apply under the aptitude criterion must register their child for the entrance tests, typically held in September or October of Year 6. These tests do not assess academic ability but potential in the specific subject areas. For Technology, this involves a non-verbal reasoning paper; for Performing Arts, an audition or workshop.

For standard applicants, the 'last distance offered' varies. In 2024, the pressure on places in Hemel Hempstead meant families needed to live relatively close to the Rumballs Road site to secure a place on distance criteria alone. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place.

With over 1,400 students, there is a risk of individuals feeling lost, but the pastoral structure is designed to prevent this. Form tutors are the first point of contact, staying with their group as they move up the school to provide continuity.

The school's inclusion department is well-resourced. There is a dedicated student services hub where students can access support for mental health, attendance, and social concerns. The school has invested in non-teaching pastoral managers who are available throughout the day, ensuring that support is not limited to break times.

Extracurricular life at Longdean is a major strength, driven by the facilities and the aptitude streams.

Performing Arts

The performing arts provision is excellent. The school boasts a professional-standard theatre and drama studios. Regular productions are a highlight of the calendar, involving huge numbers of students in cast and crew roles. The annual school musical is a significant event, often selling out to the local community. Dance clubs and choir rehearsals run weekly, catering to both the aptitude students and enthusiastic beginners.

Sport and Fitness

Sports facilities are extensive, including a large sports hall, fitness suite, and floodlit all-weather pitches. The school has produced notable alumni, including Olympic gymnast Max Whitlock, and maintains a strong reputation for gymnastics and trampolining. Rugby, netball, and football teams compete locally with success.

STEM and Enrichment

The STEM club is popular, often feeding into national competitions like the UK Maths Challenge. The school also runs a successful Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme, with large cohorts completing Bronze and Silver awards, taking advantage of the nearby Chiltern Hills for expeditions.

The school day runs from 8:30am to 3:00pm. The site is located in Apsley, a short walk from Apsley railway station, making it accessible for staff and sixth formers travelling from further afield.

There is no official school bus service, but public transport links are good. Parents should check the local bus timetables for routes serving the Bennetts End and Apsley areas. Wraparound care is not provided for secondary students, but the library is typically open for homework club after school.

Large Environment: With 1,500 students, Longdean is a big, busy school. While the pastoral care is strong, it suits students who are reasonably robust and can manage a large social environment. Quieter children may take time to find their niche.

Admissions Complexity: Families relying on the aptitude tests must be organised. The registration deadlines for these tests are early in the autumn term of Year 6, often before the main secondary application deadline. Missing the test means missing the chance for a priority place.

Mixed Ability Classes: The school uses a mix of setting and mixed-ability teaching. Parents of very high-ability children should ask at open evenings how the school ensures stretch and challenge in mixed groups, particularly in Key Stage 3.

Longdean offers a compelling package: a modern learning environment, a stable leadership team, and genuine inclusivity. It is not an exam factory, and its results reflect a true comprehensive intake. Best suited to students who will thrive in a modern, busy environment and take advantage of the excellent opportunities in performing arts and technology. The main challenge is securing a place, given the high number of applications per seat.