Gracewood Academy

Mount Grace School is now Gracewood Academy. The name change signals more than just a new sign above the door; it marks the school's integration into Future Academies and a determined fresh start for this Potters Bar institution. Situated on Church Road with extensive grounds that feel a world away from the capital, the school serves a diverse local community on the Hertfordshire-London border. While the predecessor school held a Requires Improvement rating, the new academy status brings fresh leadership, a knowledge-rich curriculum model, and a clear mandate to raise standards.

The transition to Gracewood Academy has brought a palpable shift in culture. Ms Georgina Charles, the Principal, leads with a vision focused on high expectations and "knowledge-rich" learning, a hallmark of the Future Academies trust. The atmosphere is becoming more purposeful. Uniform standards are strictly enforced, and the school day is structured to maximise learning time.

The school site is a mix of eras, blending mid-century blocks with modern additions like the dedicated sports facilities. What remains constant is the sense of space; the playing fields are vast for a school in this location. The house system is being revitalised to foster competition and belonging, aiming to ensure every student feels known and valued—a critical goal for a school that has historically battled with consistency.

Note: The results below reflect the performance of the predecessor school, Mount Grace School. As a new academy, Gracewood Academy has not yet published its own exam results.

In the 2025 GCSE dataset, results still reflect the challenges the school is working through. The Progress 8 score is -0.47, and the average Attainment 8 score is 36.1. In English and mathematics, 26.6% of students achieved grade 5 or above, while 46.8% reached grade 4 or above.

However, pockets of potential were evident. In the 2025 dataset, 5.1% of students achieved the English Baccalaureate at grade 5 or above, 11.4% reached grade 4 or above, and 29.1% entered the EBacc. The Trust's focus on core academic subjects is explicitly designed to improve these metrics.

The arrival of Future Academies has introduced a specific pedagogical approach. The "knowledge-rich" curriculum prioritises the acquisition of core knowledge as the foundation for critical thinking. Parents can expect a shift towards more traditional, teacher-led instruction where textbooks and direct teaching play a central role.

Curriculum maps have been rewritten to ensure improved sequencing, particularly in History and English. In the past, teaching quality was variable; the new leadership is heavily focused on professional development to ensure consistency. Support for Special Educational Needs (SEN) is being restructured to ensure that classroom adaptations are effective and consistent, an area previously identified as requiring improvement.

The Sixth Form operates as part of a consortium, offering students access to a broader range of courses than a standalone sixth form could provide. In the 2025 A-level dataset, there were 44 exam entries, with 20% of grades at A* to A and 30% at A* to B.

Destinations are varied. While many students choose local universities or apprenticeships, the pathway to elite institutions remains open for the most dedicated; in the last recorded cohort, one student secured a place at Cambridge University. The school creates bespoke pathways, ensuring that whether a student aims for a Russell Group university or a higher apprenticeship, they receive appropriate guidance.

Admissions are coordinated by Hertfordshire County Council. The school is a comprehensive academy and does not select by ability. For Year 7 entry in September 2027, applications open on 1 September 2026, close on 31 October 2026, and offers are released on 1 March 2027.

Priority is given to looked-after children and siblings, followed by those living nearest to the school. The school also reserves 10% of places for children showing an aptitude in music, a distinctive feature that survives the academy conversion.

Pastoral care is undergoing a restructuring to align with the new high-expectations culture. The "Hub" remains a central feature, providing a sanctuary for vulnerable students during unstructured times. A dedicated team of Heads of Learning (Year Coordinators) oversees student welfare, moving up the school with their year group to provide continuity.

The school uses Class Charts to monitor behaviour, allowing parents to track merits and sanctions in real-time. This transparency is part of a drive to improve communication and engage families more deeply in their children's education.

Sport is a genuine strength. The facilities are impressive for a state school, featuring a 3G floodlit football pitch, a large sports hall, and extensive grass pitches. Football, netball, and basketball teams compete locally, and the facilities are a hub for the community in the evenings.

The extracurricular offer is rebuilding. Students can participate in the STEM club, debating society, and various music ensembles. The Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme offers students the chance to build resilience and leadership skills, with expeditions taking full advantage of the school's proximity to the Hertfordshire countryside.

This is a state-funded academy, and there are no tuition fees. Education is free for all students aged 11 to 19.

Families should budget for additional costs such as uniforms, sports kits, and voluntary contributions for school trips. The school supports families eligible for Pupil Premium assistance with some of these costs; parents should contact the school office to check eligibility for free school meals and associated support.

The school day runs from 8:30am to 3:00pm. Located on Church Road, the campus is well-connected by local bus routes (84, 298, 242) and is a short distance from Potters Bar station. There is no dedicated school bus service, so most students walk or use public transport.

Academy Transition: The school is in the early stages of its journey as Gracewood Academy. Families joining now are buying into a vision of improvement rather than a long-established track record. The "fresh start" brings energy but also significant change.

Academic Rigour: The new curriculum is demanding. The shift to a knowledge-rich model means students are expected to retain significant amounts of information. This suits many but requires good study habits.

Strict Behaviour Policy: The new leadership has tightened behaviour expectations significantly. Families should be comfortable with a strict approach to uniform and conduct, which is seen as essential for raising standards.

Gracewood Academy (formerly Mount Grace) is a school on a mission. Under Future Academies, it has swapped a drifting identity for a clear, rigorous roadmap. It offers a genuine community feel with excellent sports facilities and a growing academic ambition. Best suited to families who want a local school with high expectations and are supportive of a traditional, disciplined approach to learning. The main challenge is the uncertainty of a school in transition, but the trajectory is now clearly defined.