Simon Balle All-Through School Review 2026: Fourteen Years of Learning in One Institution

The school's name traces back to 1298, when Simon de Balle, a medieval Member of Parliament, owned the Balls Park estate where the school now stands. Today, Simon Balle All-Through School occupies that historic ground and serves 1,561 pupils from ages four to eighteen in a seamless fourteen-year educational journey. The school's "Creating Tomorrow's Citizens Today" motto captures its philosophy: combining high academic expectations with character development across primary, secondary and sixth form. Located in Hertford town centre, easily accessible by Hertford East (1.3 miles) or North stations, it is one of England's rare all-through schools, where pupils never change school if they progress. The April 2024 Ofsted inspection confirmed its Outstanding rating, with primary results ranking the school sixth locally and in the top 20% in England (FindMySchool ranking). At secondary level, GCSE performance places the school third in Hertford and within the top 25% in England (FindMySchool data). Sixth form stands out: A-level results rank second in Hertford and within the top 17% of schools in England (FindMySchool ranking).

Simon Balle All-Through School in Hertford, Hertford has a clear sense of identity shaped by its setting and community. The primary phase, housed in the dedicated Larch Centre, operates as an integrated community where younger pupils meet older students serving as mentors, sports coaches and music leaders. This multi-age environment creates a culture where character development matters as much as grades. The visible values (kindness, curiosity, respect, resilience) appear genuinely embedded. Year 13 students chair the School Parliament alongside Year 6 pupils, making joint decisions on uniform policy, facilities and school direction.

Co-headteachers Rachel Kirk and Michael Moss lead with explicit commitment to high expectations: "With our young people at the centre of all we do, our distinct ethos to preserve, and our progressive and innovative vision, this is truly a special place to learn and work." The secondary campus, set back from Mangrove Road, benefits from extensive playing fields beyond the Larch Centre. Recent development includes a new four-classroom Modern Foreign Languages block and a 700 square-metre sports hall (completed 2025) designed by Saunders Architects with bronze perforated cladding featuring woodland imagery, architecture that respects the neighbouring Balls Park heritage landscape.

Primary (KS2)

In 2024, 86% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and mathematics combined, substantially above the England average of 62%. The scaled scores tell a precise story: reading 107 (above average), mathematics 106 (above average), grammar and punctuation 108 (above average). Science results were particularly strong, with 95% achieving the expected standard, reflecting effective upper primary curriculum implementation. The school ranks sixth among Hertford primaries and within the top 20% in England for primary outcomes (FindMySchool ranking). Progress in reading exceeded national norms by 1.8 scaled score points, and progress in writing was well above average at 4.2 points. This strong primary foundation directly feeds into secondary success.

GCSE (Key Stage 4)

Secondary results in 2024 demonstrate sustained excellence. The average Attainment 8 score was 52.9, compared to the national baseline of 45.9. Progress 8 stood at +0.45, indicating pupils make above-average progress from their Year 7 starting points. Over 24% achieved the English Baccalaureate (five GCSEs including sciences and languages at grade 5 or above), significantly above the national entering rate of 41%. The school ranks third in Hertford and within the top 25% in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking). The 2024 cohort showed strong performance in both traditional subjects and vocational pathways, with 71% of leavers progressing directly to sixth form.

A-Level and Sixth Form

A-level results for 2025 outperformed previous cohorts. 61% of grades achieved A*-B, with 41% at A*-A or Distinction*-Distinction. 21% attained the university benchmark of AAB or above. The average grade across the cohort was B, and vocational students achieved Distinction- grades. Value-added analysis shows students made +0.49 progress (half a grade above national expectations) placing A-level outcomes in the top 34% in England. In 2023-24 Simon Balle A-level students made the most progress of any school in Hertfordshire county. The school ranks second in Hertford and within the top 17% in England for A-level performance (FindMySchool ranking).

University destinations reflect this achievement. 85% of leavers secured their first-choice university. 46% progressed to Russell Group institutions. Three students gained Oxbridge places in 2024. This sustained pipeline to selective universities demonstrates the Sixth Form's success in preparing students for the most competitive institutions.

The curriculum is notably progressive. Spanish begins in Reception, positioning languages as fundamental rather than optional. Modern foreign languages (Spanish and French) expand into a dedicated new teaching block (2025), accommodating the increasing numbers choosing languages at GCSE. In upper primary, pupils transition from integrated learning to more specialised subject teaching to prepare for secondary rigour.

Secondary subjects include traditional sciences taught separately (Biology, Chemistry, Physics) and a full complement of humanities, languages, arts and technology options. STEM is particularly developed: the school offers computing alongside traditional technology, with coding and digital skills woven through multiple subjects. The curriculum structure rewards this breadth: Attainment 8 scores above 52.9 reflect strong performance across multiple subjects, not narrowed pathways.

Teaching employs explicit instruction in oracy, vocabulary building and literacy across subjects. Year 9 students undertake rigorous academic challenge alongside leadership training through the Simon Balle Leadership Academy, where students design and deliver sports sessions to younger pupils. The independent sixth form (61% of A-level grades at A*-B) operates a distinctive "more than just great A levels" philosophy, offering interview preparation, university mentoring and enrichment beyond curriculum content.

From Primary

Primary-secondary transition is managed within the school building: Year 6 pupils attend secondary orientation weeks, meet teaching staff and experience classrooms before formal transition. No pupils change location at 11; they simply progress through the same gates. This removes the typical anxiety around secondary entry, though the change in pace and structure is marked.

From Secondary

In 2024, 71% of Year 11 leavers progressed directly to Simon Balle Sixth Form. Others pursue A-levels or BTecs at local sixth form colleges, or vocational routes through apprenticeships. The school provides clear pathways through the sixth form open evenings (typically October) and structured Year 11 taster days exploring post-16 options.

From Sixth Form

In 2024, 46% of sixth form leavers progressed to Russell Group universities. This exceptional figure places the school well above the England average (approximately 20% in England). Beyond Russell Group, pupils have secured places at universities including Durham, Bristol, Exeter, Edinburgh and UCL, reflecting broad appeal across selective institutions. Three Oxbridge places were secured. Medical school places numbered 12 in recent years, a significant achievement reflecting strong biology and chemistry teaching.

The school is part of The Laurel Education Trust, a single-school trust established following academy conversion in 2013. Trust status allows direct responsibility for strategic direction and capital development, which is evident in the facility investments completed and planned.

This section represents the school's defining strength and must reflect actual named activities rather than generic descriptions.

Music: A Central Pillar

Music at Simon Balle achieves genuine distinction. The Simon Balle Big Band regularly performs at public events including the Hertford Lights annual switch-on. In 2024, the school filled Saffron Hall (800-seat capacity) with 300 performers and 800 audience members for a music celebration, a remarkable achievement for any school. String Orchestra has grown significantly over recent years, with student growth reflecting expanding commitment to ensemble performance across year groups.

Named choirs include Chamber Choir and Secondary Choir. Woodwind and brass programmes operate both as learner pathways (Woodwind Starters) and continuing progression. Over 50% of secondary pupils learn an instrument. Conservatoire-level achievements are rare in schools: five students completed DipLCM diplomas in 2024 (conservatoire standard, beyond Grade 8). Students named in this achievement include Sophie (flute), Barney and Lucien (drums), Eva (vocals) and Luca (electric guitar), with Luca's diploma being the first of its instrument in the country. The Sixth Form Music Academy provides specialist teaching for the most advanced musicians.

Concerts occur regularly: Rock Gigs at the Corn Exchange, Wind and Brass performances and piano recitals throughout the year. The music tour to continental Europe typically hosts 4+ concerts, creating immersive performance experiences. Music staff are supported by Mr Taylor and Miss Morgan (primary music), with departmental ensembles led by specialists in woodwind, brass and strings. The integration of music into Larch (primary) provision is exemplary: Year 2 pupils begin instrumental tuition.

Drama and Performance

Year 6 pupils deliver large-scale drama productions. In recent years, the entire cohort performed Shakespeare's Macbeth at BEAM Theatre, Hertford, with professional staging. This isn't a small school play: it represents ambitious performance by 60+ pupils with orchestra, lighting and formal set design. The learning extends beyond acting, pupils studied Globe Theatre history, visited the Shakespeare Globe in London, and developed technical understanding of theatrical production. CoPs Youth Group (delivered in partnership with Mimic Theatre Company) offers weekly drama workshops for Year 9-13 students, focusing on script work, improvisation and devising with experienced theatre practitioners.

Sport and Physical Education

The PE curriculum operates under a "sport for all" philosophy (PPP model) ensuring participation is inclusive whilst also identifying performers for representative teams. Recent success includes District and County level achievement in Netball, Football, Basketball, Rugby and Athletics. The new sports hall (700 square metres, opened 2025) provides four courts for badminton, cricket, netball and basketball. Before this facility opened, students trained in multi-use halls, creating timetabling pressure. Saturday morning fixtures run for boys' football in spring term. Year 5 pupils can apply for the Sports Leaders scheme. Year 9 students join the Simon Balle Leadership Academy, training in officiating and delivering events at internal and external competitions (sportshall, district athletics). Year 10 take the Simon Balle Leadership Programme as part of PE, designing and delivering sessions to primary pupils. Year 12 students become sports ambassadors.

Primary PE includes swimming from Year 1 onwards, gymnastics, dance, outdoor adventure and games. The Larch sports programme covers Dance, Games, Gymnastics, Swimming and Water Safety. Year 1 pupils participate in cycle balance-ability training to develop coordination and confidence.

STEM, Technology and Science

Science is taught as separate subjects (Biology, Chemistry, Physics) from Year 9, providing subject specialists and laboratory facilities across three dedicated science blocks. The curriculum emphasises practical work and investigative learning. Secondary science blocks feature specialised laboratories and equipment reflecting serious commitment to experimental science. Computing operates alongside traditional Design Technology, allowing students to engage both hardware and software design challenges.

Student-led clubs include the Simon Balle Leadership Academy STEM offerings (not explicitly named but referenced in school communications), with emphasis on university preparation and industry partnerships.

Enrichment and Day Clubs

Primary enrichment is structured through Explorers' Club (Years 3-6, Monday-Friday after school): activities rotate through culture (myths, legends), sports, music ensembles, strategic games and Friday fitness. Years 1-2 access clubs through partnership with Busy Lizzies at Simon Balle (on-site childcare 7:45am-6pm). Secondary clubs span the academic year, run at lunchtimes and after school (3:20-4:20pm typically).

Art gallery visits, local church visits, West End theatre visits and museum excursions are embedded across departments. Geography fieldwork includes Year 6 visits and Year 13 Dorset fieldwork. History pupils undertake battlefield trips (notably Year 9 excursions). Languages students participate in annual music and sports tours, with recent tours to Ghent (Belgium) offering 4+ concert venues.

Residential and Outdoor Education

Year 5 residential at Rootd Adventure (outdoor centre). Year 7 pupils attend PGL at Bawdsey Manor (Norfolk) for teamwork and outdoor learning. Year 13 pupils undertake Duke of Edinburgh expeditions, with Bronze and Gold levels available.

Student Leadership

Student Parliament is central to school governance. Co-chaired by Sixth Form Presidents, it brings together form representatives and focus group leaders covering specific initiatives. Primary Year 6 Senior Leaders contribute directly alongside secondary students, giving younger pupils voice in decisions affecting the whole school. The Parliament has successfully initiated: new PE kit, two new toilet blocks, revision displays, recycling programmes, diversity in curriculum, Speakers Corner reinstatement, and mental health app evaluation.

Leadership roles span multiple categories. Year 12-13 students mentor younger pupils in literacy and numeracy. Music leaders support ensembles. Sports coaches deliver lunch clubs. Farm management, mentoring and drama support are described as further roles available to mature students contributing to community.

Primary Entry

Reception entry (aged 4) is coordinated through Hertfordshire admissions. The school is significantly oversubscribed: in 2024, 303 applications competed for 58 places (subscription proportion of 5.22x). Admission criteria prioritise looked-after children and those with EHCP naming the school, followed by siblings, then distance from the school gate. The last distance offered in 2024 was approximately 0.5 miles. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place. Distance fluctuates annually based on sibling intake and applicant postcode distribution. Parents can verify precise distance from their home postcode using Hertfordshire's "Find Your Nearest School" system; the school website recommends this before relying on a place. Open morning typically runs in September.

Secondary Entry (Year 7)

Secondary admissions are equally competitive: 635 applications for 123 places (subscription proportion 5.16x) in 2024. Standard entry follows distance-based allocation. Music Aptitude places are available for pupils with demonstrable musical ability, assessed through audition and interview. The school issues a Supplementary Information Form for music applicants.

Sixth Form Entry

Sixth form admissions require meeting specified GCSE grades in intended subjects. Entry requirements vary by subject but typically demand grade 5 or above (strong pass) in relevant subjects. Some subjects (e.g., sciences, languages) have higher thresholds. The Sixth Form Open Evening (October) allows students and families to explore options. Year 11 taster sessions in October give prospective sixth form students opportunity to sample A-level teaching. No formal exam is required; places are determined by GCSE results and meeting subject prerequisites.

Music Aptitude

Applicants for music aptitude routes must demonstrate genuine instrumental ability. Assessment includes a practical audition, aural tests and interview. Students are not required to reach top grades in all subjects; aptitude and commitment to music are paramount.

School hours: 8:50am (start of first lesson) to 3:20pm (end of final lesson). Before-school supervision via Busy Lizzies childcare (7:45am onwards) for Years 1-2. After-school care (Busy Lizzies and school Explorers' clubs) until 6pm, aligned with working parents' needs. Larch Centre (primary) has dedicated facilities including outdoor learning areas and dedicated play spaces.

The school is located on Mangrove Road, with direct access from the town centre and walking routes from both Hertford North (1.6 miles) and Hertford East (1.3 miles) railway stations. Bus services run to the school via Hertford Bus Station (1.2 miles away). Free on-site parking is available with 100+ spaces, though construction of the new sports hall temporarily restricted availability in 2024-25. The school website advises parents to verify current parking arrangements during term time. Uniform is smart, with summer flexibility introduced (from Easter to October half term, secondary pupils may wear formal black shorts rather than trousers, a student-led initiative approved through School Parliament).

Transport to away fixtures is arranged for sports teams; pupils are not expected to find their own transport to representative fixtures.

Each form has a dedicated tutor providing pastoral oversight and academic checking-in. The SENCO coordinates support for approximately 45 pupils on the SEN register, operating four days per week and liaising with external agencies for families with complex needs. The school holds the Inclusion Quality Mark, a in England recognised certification for inclusive provision. Behaviour is described as "calm and consistent" with clear expectations tied to the school's values.

Mental health support is integrated: a trained counsellor visits weekly for pupils requiring emotional support. The school partnered with the Anti-Bullying Alliance to review and strengthen culture around kindness and respect. Student wellbeing is monitored through structured check-ins, not just crisis response.

The Larch Centre benefits from dedicated wraparound care (7:45am-6pm), removing barriers for working families. Sixth form students have a dedicated social area (newly created 2025) providing space for independent study and informal gathering between lessons.

Oversubscription and Entry Barriers. Securing a place is highly competitive. With subscription proportions of 5+ applications per place at both primary and secondary, distance from the school gate becomes critical. Families seriously interested should verify exact distance using the LA system rather than postcode estimators. Simon Balle All-Through School's last offered distance in 2024 was 0 miles (around 5.16 applications per place in the latest data). Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place.

Scale and All-Through Complexity. The school educates 1,561 pupils aged 4-18 in a single institution. This size brings advantages (specialist teaching, extensive facilities, peer mentoring) but also management complexity. Pupils experience two major transitions (Reception to Year 1 within the same building is gentle; Year 6 to Year 7 is marked but internal; Year 11 to Year 12 requires subject-specific entry requirements). New pupils entering at secondary or sixth form must integrate into an established all-through community, which is possible but requires active effort.

Construction and Facilities. The 2024-25 academic year experienced disruption from sports hall and classroom block construction. Parking was limited, playground space temporarily reduced, and noise from building work is an occasional classroom distraction. Completion is targeted for summer 2025. Once finished, facilities will substantially improve PE provision and accommodate rising pupil numbers.

Sixth Form Russell Group Focus. With 46% of sixth form leavers progressing to Russell Group universities, the school culture emphasises competitive university entry. Pupils aiming for vocational routes, apprenticeships or non-Russell Group universities should not feel unwelcome (the school explicitly supports all pathways) but the institutional bias towards academic progression is evident in enrichment offerings and peer culture.

Simon Balle All-Through School delivers sustained academic excellence across all phases, underpinned by genuine commitment to character development and inclusive engagement. The all-through model eliminates disruptive transition at age 11, allowing pupils to build relationships with older mentors and younger peers throughout their schooling. Results (primary, secondary and sixth form) consistently outperform local and national averages. Music and drama programmes achieve unusual depth. Leadership culture is genuinely distributed, with pupils from Year 6 onwards holding meaningful responsibility. Simon Balle All-Through School's last offered distance in 2024 was 0 miles (around 5.16 applications per place in the latest data). Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place. Entry is challenging; persistence through the oversubscription lottery is necessary.