The Hertfordshire & Essex High School and Science College
107%
Capacity
1,450
Pupils
2.9x
Demand
About The Hertfordshire & Essex High School and Science College
The Hertfordshire & Essex High School and Science College is a state-funded None secondary school serving the East Hertfordshire community, welcoming girls from age 11 to 18. The school has 1,450 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (107% of 1,360 places).
the school is led by headteacher Cathy Tooze, it falls under Hertfordshire local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of +0.65 is well above the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is strong at 63.3. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of B-. Additionally, placing it in the top 25% nationally. Additionally, ranked 326th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 1st out of 10 in East Hertfordshire.
The Hertfordshire & Essex High School and Science College is a popular choice with families — it received 534 applications for 186 places, making it 2.9x oversubscribed. Of these, 231 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 9 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 6 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at The Hertfordshire & Essex High School and Science College include Library, Swimming Pool, Playing Fields, Gymnasium, Music Rooms, Sports Hall, Tennis Courts, Astro Turf, Theatre, Dining Hall, Sixth Form Centre.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Swimming, Tennis, Rowing, Dance and 2 more, as well as clubs including Drama, Young Enterprise, Coding, Book Club and 3 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 5.2%, which is well below the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in East Hertfordshire, The Hertfordshire & Essex High School and Science College is one of the options available in the East of England region. Use Classpot to compare it side-by-side with nearby alternatives and find the best fit for your child.
Key Details
| School Type | Secondary (State) |
| Age Range | 11 to 18 years |
| Gender | Girls |
| Religious Character | None |
| Address | Warwick Road, Bishop's Stortford, East Hertfordshire, CM23 5NJ |
| Headteacher | Cathy Tooze |
| Local Authority | Hertfordshire |
| Number of Pupils | 1,450 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 5.2% |
| School Capacity | 1,450 / 1,360 (107% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
14 Nov 2023Overall Effectiveness
Outstanding
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 14 Jan 2024. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+0.65)
326th of 3,141
Nationally
37th of 350
In East of England
1st of 10
In East Hertfordshire
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make significantly more progress than similar students nationally
Attainment 8 (vs national avg)
Students achieve significantly higher grades than the national average
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. Progress 8 compares to students with similar Key Stage 2 results.
A-Level Results
2023/24Average Points per Entry
Value Added Score
Best 3 A-Levels (Average)
'21/22
42.1
'22/23
37.8
'23/24
38.0
Source: Department for Education 16-18 Performance Tables, 2023/24. Value Added measures progress compared to students with similar GCSE results.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
11Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
13Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed186
534
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
231 families put this school as their 1st choice (43% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Hertfordshire & Essex High School and Science College
Helpful Guides for Parents
Ofsted Ratings Explained
Understand the 4 Ofsted ratings and what they mean
Understanding Progress 8
Learn how Progress 8 measures pupil progress from primary to GCSE
SEN & EHCP: A Parent's Guide
Understanding SEN support, EHC Plans and your legal rights
Understanding School Catchment Areas
How admission distances work and tips for maximising your choices
Contact Information
Warwick Road, Bishop's Stortford
East Hertfordshire, CM23 5NJ
Warwick Road, Bishop's Stortford
East Hertfordshire, CM23 5NJ
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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