Dear Parents & Carers,

I am writing to you in what will be my final newsletter as the Headteacher of De Havilland

School. It has been an honour and privilege to serve our community of children and families

over the past eleven years. Every day, the magic that is our school, creates memorable

moments, mostly of learning and joy. Every day is full of fun and excitement in one way,

shape, or form. I have our wonderful children to thank for that!

I am also deeply grateful for the continued parental support that has helped us build a

resilient community capable of facing challenges together. Pandemics, cost of living crises,

good times, hard times—we faced them all! Your involvement and encouragement have

been invaluable in this. Thank you!

To my staff team, who have always been exceptional: thank you for making every day

worthwhile with your dedication and care, which consistently goes above and beyond the

call of duty. Your commitment to our children’s well-being and education has been the

cornerstone of our success.

I am delighted to be handing our school over to Mr. Bostock, who has helped shape the

vision for De Havilland. He, too, knows the importance of people and relationships, ensuring

that our values remain at the heart of everything we do. I know that Mr. Bostock will

continue the important work of making a difference in our children's education and lives,

maintaining the strong foundation we have built together.

As I reflect on my time here, I am incredibly proud of what we have all accomplished. I look

forward to continuing to support the school and witnessing its ongoing success. I wish you

all a wonderful summer—please keep safe and enjoy the precious time with your families.

Mrs King xxx

Attendance This Year . . .

Whole School - 

92.5%

Best Attendance by Class

Early Years - Ash - 91.9%

Key Stage 1 - Chestnut - 92.4%

Key Stage 2 - Hazel - 95.7%

Special Mentions Table

Follow us...

Please make sure to follow dehavnurseryandprimaryschool on Instagram to keep up with all our latest news!

See you in 2025 

Mrs Gamage

Today, we say farewell to Mrs. Gamage, who will begin her maternity leave during the holidays. But don’t worry, Mrs. Gamage will be back in 2025 after her maternity leave. We wish Mrs. Gamage the best of luck and eagerly await news of the baby’s arrival.

Coronation rose garden

It was fantastic to see our Coronation Rose Garden in full bloom this year. What a colourful approach to our school this garden is offering us this term. 

Sports Round-Up

More success for De Havilland

A massive congratulations and well done to the boys football team who have finished off the school year with their 4th trophy. Making it the perfect season. The boys success locally meant they were invited to play in the very first Champions League Final between Welwyn & Hatfield schools. The boys came up against St Michael's Woolmer Green last Wednesday evening at Ridgeway Academy.

De Havilland came out 4-2 winners with goals from Declan, Adrian, Logan & Romeo.  It has to be said they saved their best football they have played all year. Well done to all involved it will take a special group to match what you have achieved this year.  

De Havilland is Gold...again!

We are proud to announce for a second year running we have been awarded gold by the School Games Mark. This is a big target at the start of every year and takes a lot to get the award. As a school we are very pleased to have a gold quality mark for another year. The target now is 3 more golds to become a Platinum School.

Mrs Barnes climbs 

for charity

On Saturday, Mrs Barnes is doing a walk up England’s highest mountain - Scarfell Pike. An 18.4km walk to an elevation of 1090m. It is for the charity, The Bowel Movement, which supports young adults going through a diagnosis and living with bowel cancer. A charity  that is very dear to Mrs Barnes heart. Should you wish to or are able to donate in any way, please scan the QR code.

Mrs Barnes' dad was originally doing the walk doing it but he is injured so I am stepping in and hoping her regular runs and the constant busy-ness of walking around school over an 8 hour day will be the training I need and will help me through!! 

Farewell Miss Balci

We are also saying goodbye to Mrs Balci. We would like to thank Miss Balci for all of her dedication and hard work this year. Miss Balci has left us to pursue a career away from education, and wish her all the best for her future career. 

Goodbye Rev Andy

On Sunday, the 7th of July, we said goodbye to the lovely Reverend Andy, who has retired from St. John's Church. It was a wonderful service showcasing the important work he has done in the Hatfield community. De Havilland would like to thank Rev. Andy and the team at St. John's for the work they have done at our school and the support they continue to give us, not only in our curriculum but in wider events as well. We wish Rev. Andy a peaceful retirement and look forward to welcoming Reverend Laura Bechervaise to our community in September.

Lower Key Stage 2 News

Our Sponsor of Sport at De Havilland

We are very excited to announce the partnership between De Havilland and Diamond Gymnastics Club. 

Diamond Gymnastics Club have generously agreed to become our sponsor of sport. Their contribution will make a huge difference towards furthering the opportunities and development of sport provision here at De Havilland. 

Farewell Mrs Mehta

We also bid farewell to Mrs. Mehta today, who has worked at De Havilland for a number of years. During her time here, Mrs. Mehta has covered PPA lessons and has been teaching in Year 4 since January. We thank Mrs. Mehta for all of her hard work and wish her the best of luck in her new role, which is much closer to her home.

Grounds and gardening club - potato harvest!

 We were delighted to dig into our allotment beds and harvest a bumper crop of different varieties of healthy potatoes. Our planting experiment proved that the potatoes thrived in deep soil conditions rather than grow bags. Well done and many thanks once more to all the children who volunteered to help in the grounds and garden areas this year.

Upper Key Stage 2 News

Farewell Mrs Gunn

And finally, we say goodbye to Mrs. Gunn, a learning practitioner who has worked at De Havilland for a decade and our resident Akela. Mrs. Gunn has taught and supported our children in class and beyond the curriculum, including outdoor club, archery, and survival skills. We thank her for her work and dedication, especially teaching this year in Year 4.

DET Staff Awards

We are delighted to share with you De Havilland’s winners of the 'Making a Difference Staff Awards.' Congratulations to Miss Pryor and Mr. Jackson, who were our winners.

Please see below to learn why these members of staff were nominated…

Miss Pryor

Early Years Learning Practitioner  

Miss Pryor goes above and beyond on a daily basis, ensuring our children get the very best of her time and care, whether this is during breakfast club or in Early Years supporting our youngest learners.  Miss Pryor never grumbles, remains positive and wears a permanent smile, even when she is overstretched. Nothing is ever too much trouble!  The care she gives to all children and staff never goes unnoticed. Thank you, Miss Pryor from everyone at De Havilland!

Mr Jackson

Sports Coach

Mr Jacksons unwavering dedication to physical education and sport at De Havilland is to be commended by the receipt of this award. Not only does he provide outstanding physical education at De Havilland, but his reach continues into the wider community, where he is responsible for Welwyn and Hatfield leagues and competitions. His work extends beyond the hours of the typical school day, as he leads before and after school activities ensuring our children are as active as possible. Mr Jackson also leads a boxercise club at lunch to support children who find lunchtimes challenging. Our children, families, and staff all speak so highly of him. Thank you, Mr Jackson, for your hard work, effort, camorardary and silverware you have helped us achieve over the past decade!

Dates for your diary

Wednesday 17th July - Cake and cold drink sale on the playground after school

Wednesday 17th July - Year 6 Leavers Production 1:30pm and 6:00pm 

Tuesday 23rd July - Leavers Assembly 9:15 - 10:00am 

Tuesday 23rd July - End of term finishes at 1:00pm 

Wednesday 4th September - Start of Academic Year 2024/25

Moving On 2025 - School open events and key dates for secondary / upper transfer 

Information for parents/carers with children in year 5 at primary/junior schools and year 7 at middle schools

Further information about moving to secondary or upper school in September 2025 will be available at www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/admissions from 2nd September 2024.

Important Dates

The timetable below gives you an idea of what will happen over the next few months.

First week of September 2024 - Admissions information is available online for parents to read or download

Monday 2 September 2024 - Online application system opens and the “Moving On” leaflet is distributed via children’s current school

July, September and October 2024 - Schools hold their open events

Thursday 31 October 2024 - Closing date for applications (online and paper)


Open Events at secondary and upper schools

The following gives details of open events at secondary and upper schools. Schools are listed in alphabetical order.

This is the information available at the current time. Please check the school’s own website and www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/schooldirectory for any updates.

Aptitude / academic testing

Some details have been provided under individual school entries, but please see the school’s own website for full details of their aptitude and academic testing arrangements.


Secondary / Upper schools 

Adeyfield - Hemel Hempstead

Join us for our annual Year 6 Open Evening on 26th September between 4pm and 7pm. Discover what makes The Adeyfield Academy a fantastic choice for your child's future. Meet our dedicated teachers, explore our facilities, and learn about the exciting opportunities we offer. During the evening there will be opportunities for guided tours of our classrooms and facilities, Interactive sessions with our subject teachers as well as presentations and Q&A sessions from our Principal, Miss Mason.Ashlyns - Berkhamsted

Open Evening will take place on Thursday 3 October 2024 between 17:30 and 20:30. The Headteacher's address will take place in the Chapel and is scheduled for the following times: 17:45, 18:30 and 19:15. All sessions will be ticketed, and these can be collected on arrival. Please check our website (www.ashlyns.herts.sch.uk) for details of Open Mornings which will take place the following week.

Astley Cooper (The) - Hemel Hempstead

We look forward to welcoming prospective families to our Open Evening on Thursday 10 October from 5.00pm – 8.00pm. We will be offering guided tours throughout the evening. The Headteacher's speech will be at 5.30pm and 7.00pm in the main hall. We have Open Mornings on Tuesday 15 October and Friday 18 October at 11.30am. However, places are limited. Please secure a place by calling 01442 394 141

Avanti Grange Secondary School - Bishop's Stortford

Our Open evening is 2nd October Times TBC. Please see school website.

Barclay Academy - Stevenage

Barclay Academy Open Evening will be taking place on Thursday 19th September 2024, 5pm to 7pm. Parents are welcome to attend our Principal's talk, first one taking place at 5pm and the second talk taking place at 6pm for those who were unable to make the first. No appointments needed, please arrive through the front reception. If you are unable to attend the open evening event, there will be an opportunity to tour the school during the day.

Barnwell - Stevenage

Barnwell School looks forward to welcoming you to our open evening on 17th September 4.30 pm-7.00pm. There will be two Headteacher talks one at 5.15pm and one at 6.00pm. The talk will also be available to view on our website after the evening. Parking will be on the upper campus field - SG2 9SW. Please park on upper campus and you will be directed to the middle campus. In addition, we will be conducting school tours weeks commencing 30th September and 7th October. These can be booked by contacting the school on communication@barnwell.herts.sch.uk

Beaumont - St Albans

Secondary Transfer Evening - Wednesday 25 September 5.45pm - 8.45pm. Headteachers Talks at 6.00pm, 6.40pm, 7.20pm & 8.00pm. Years 5&6 morning tours by appointment only on Friday 27, Monday 30 September & Tuesday 1 October at 09:30 and 11:30.

Birchwood High - Bishop’s Stortford

Birchwood High School - Bishop’s Stortford Open Evening: Thursday 3rd October 2024, 4:00pm - 7:30pm. Principal’s Presentations: 4:30pm, 5:15pm, 6:00pm, 6:45pm. Please refer to our website closer to the

date for any changes or updates.

Bishop's Hatfield Girls' - Hatfield

Open Evening - Thursday 19th September 5pm - 8pm. Headteacher talks will take place at 5.10pm, 6.00pm & 7.00pm with tickets available on arrival. Spaces for talks are limited and we cannot guarantee a specific time. Tours of the school will take place throughout the evening. Open Day tours will take place Monday 23rd September - Thursday 26th September at 9.10am and 1.30pm. Open Day tours are by appointment only and parents/carers should contact the school to book.

Bishop's Stortford High (The) - Bishop’s Stortford

Open Evening: Thursday 19th September 2024, 5.30pm - 8.45pm. Headteacher's Speeches: 5.45pm, 6.35pm, 7.25pm, 8.15pm. Please refer to our website closer to the date for any changes or updates.

Broxbourne (The) - Broxbourne

Our Open Evening will take place from 5.30 - 8.30pm on Wednesday 11th September with Headteacher talks at 5.45, 6.45 & 7.45pm. Applications for the Aptitude Test for Languages, taking place on Saturday 28th September, must be returned to the school by 4pm on Wednesday 18th September. Tours will be available from 16th September.

Bushey Meads - Bushey

Our Open Evening will take place on Thursday 19th September 2024 from 16:30 to 19:30. School tours will commence week commencing Monday 23rd September 2024. Appointments can be booked at the Open Evening or by contacting our Reception on 02089 503000 after Open Evening. There is no parking on site.

Chancellor’s - Brookmans Park

Open Evening is on Thursday 19th September 2024 6pm - 9pm. For more information on the Open Evening please see our website: www.chancellors.herts.sch.uk

Chauncy - Ware

Chauncy School Open Evening with be held on the evening of Wednesday 9th October.

Croxley Danes School - Croxley Green

Secondary Transfer 2025 Open Day - Saturday 21st September 2024 - 8.30am - 1.30pm.

Sixth Form 2025 Open Evening - Wednesday 20th November 2024 - 5.30 - 7.30pm.

Dame Alice Owen’s - Potters Bar

18 July: Open Afternoon: 2 pm-4:45pm. The Head will speak at 3pm, 4:15pm & 5:30pm. Last tours at 4:45pm. 7, 8 & 10 October: Tours of the school during a normal school day. 9am arrival - tours depart between 9:15am & 9:30am and take approximately 45 minutes. Booking is not required for any of these events. Parking is not available on site, please park with consideration for our neighbours and do not block roads, pavements or driveways.

Elstree Screen Arts UTC - Borehamwood

Wednesday 9th October 2024 - 5pm to 8pm

Wednesday 5th February 2025 - 5pm to 8pm

Registration not required except for the Principal's talks.

Fearnhill School - Letchworth

We have Open Evening and Open Morning events planned for prospective families to come and see us in action. Open Evening: Thursday 12th September 6:00-8:30pm when families can tour the school. Headteacher talks will take place during the evening. No booking required. Open Mornings: Tuesday 17th-Thursday 19th September 9:00 - 10:30am. Prospective families can visit and see a normal school day. No booking required. We look forward to welcoming you to Fearnhill.

Freman College - Buntingford

Open evening - Wednesday 25 September 2024, 6 - 8.30pm. Headteacher’s talk at 8pm in the Hall. Parents and students are welcome to visit the college for a tour with Ms Jones, the Headteacher, throughout September and October. Call 01763 271818 to book a tour.

Future Academies Watford - Garston

Open Evening Thursday 3rd October 2024 From 5.00pm to 8.30pm. The Principal's speeches will be at 5.15pm, 6.30pm and 7.45pm.

Grange Academy (The) - Bushey

Open Evening: Tuesday 24 September 2024, 5pm to 7.30pm. The Principal, Danny Bryant, will speak at 5.15pm and 6.15pm. Open Mornings: Tuesday 1 October and Thursday 3 October 2024, 9am to 10.30am. Please book the open morning via our website www.thegrange.futureacademies.org

Goffs Academy - Cheshunt

Open Evening Thursday 12th September 2024

Doors open 5.00pm to 8.30pm

Principal’s Speeches: 5.15pm and 6.15pm

Aptitude for Languages Test: Saturday 5th October.

Goffs-Churchgate Academy - Cheshunt

Open Evening Thursday 19th September 2024

Doors Open 5:00pm to 8:30pm

Principal's Speeches 5:30pm and 6:45pm.

Haileybury Turnford - Cheshunt

Tuesday 17th September 2024. Doors open at 5.30pm to 8.00pm. Principal's talks at 5.45pm & 6.30pm.

School Tours will take place from Monday 23rd September 2024.

Hemel Hempstead (The) - Hemel Hempstead

Our Open Morning will be held on 5th of October 2024 between 9.30am-12.15pm. The Headteacher’s talks are at 9.45am, 10.45am & 11.45am. You can book a Headteacher’s talk in advance via our website from September. If you are unable to attend the open morning, there will be a few tours available for the following week.

You can book these by emailing admin@hhs.herts.sch.uk

Hertfordshire & Essex High School and Science College (The) - Bishop’s Stortford

Open Evening: Thursday 19 September. Time: 17:30 – 20:30. Information, Q & A sessions with Executive Headteacher and Head of School: Monday 23 September at 17:45 & Tuesday 24 September at 17:45. Book via website from Wednesday 4 September.

Aptitude tests - Music and Sport: Saturday 5 October

Please check our website in case of any changes. 

Further information can be found at www.hertsandessex.herts.sch.uk.

Hertswood Academy - Borehamwood

Wednesday 25th September 2024 5-8pm. Headteacher speeches at 6pm & 7pm. Day time tours can be booked on the evening or via the school office, after this date.

Highfield (The) - Letchworth

The Highfield School welcomes visitors to our Secondary Open Evening on Thursday 26th September 2024 between 6pm - 8.30pm. There will also be Open Mornings available for families to visit during a normal

school day. These will take place on Monday 30th September, Wednesday 2nd, Friday 4th, Monday 7th, Wednesday 9th and Friday 11th October from 9am.

Hitchin Boys' - Hitchin

Our open events are an opportunity for prospective families to visit and find out more about what we have to offer. Open Evening - Wednesday 18 September 2024 6:00pm - 8:30pm. Open Mornings - Friday 20th September and Monday 23rd September 9:15am - 11:30am. Bookings are required for all events and tickets are available from our school website from 4th September at 8:00am. www.hbs.herts.sch.uk. We look forward to welcoming you to Hitchin Boys’ School.

Hitchin Girls' - Hitchin

Open mornings: Tues 24 and Thurs 26 September 2024 and Wed 2 October 2024. These mornings will offer tours and an opportunity to speak with the Headteacher and other members of staff. Tours will be arranged via appointment and the details on how to do this will be available on the school website. Additionally, the website will also include a virtual experience to supplement the mornings. There will be no parking available on site. We look forward to welcoming you to our school.

Hockerill Anglo-European College (Boarding and Day place) - Bishop’s Stortford

Saturday 14 September 0830 to 1200. Open morning during school hours with tours of the College with current students and presentations by the Principal (timeslots need to be booked). Those interested in applying for boarding can also tour the boarding houses. See www.hockerill.com for further information and how to register for the Principal’s presentations.

John F Kennedy RC - Hemel Hempstead

Open evening: Tuesday 1 October 2024, 6 - 9pm. Tours of the school during the evening with 2 presentations by the Headteacher, at 6pm & 7.30pm, with limited seat numbers and requiring booking in advance at www.jfk.herts.sch.uk. Open morning: Wednesday 9 October 2024, 9.30am prompt start. An opportunity to see the school in action (limited availability, please only book if you are unable to attend open evening). Register for tours at www.jfk.herts.sch.uk

John Warner (The) - Hoddesdon

Open Evening: Wednesday 18 September 2024. Doors open at 5:30pm and will close at 8:00pm. Headteacher speech at 5:45pm & 6:45pm. Technology Aptitude Test: Tuesday 8 October 2024 (deadline for applications 1 October)

Katherine Warington School - Harpenden

Saturday, 14th September 2024, 9am until 1pm.

Limited parking available on site.

Kings Langley - Kings Langley

Open Evening 3 October 2024 from 5.30pm-8.00pm, the Headteacher’s speech will be available online, if you wish to tour the school building please book a place via the school website, booking will open in September 2024.

Opening Mornings will be held at 9.00am on 8th, 15th and 22nd October 2024 this is by appointment only, please book a place via the school web site, booking will open in September 2024. Please note that parking is very limited on the school site.

Knights Templar (The) - Baldock

Open Evening: 10th October (18:00-21:00). This is a great opportunity for families to visit our school, meet our staff and see the broad range of courses, support and clubs that we offer. We will have a number of bookable headteacher speeches and guided tours throughout the school. Open Mornings: 15th, 16th October (9:00-11:00). These 'school’ in action tours' will allow you to experience the school on a real

school day. We look forward to welcoming you to our school.

Laureate Academy - Hemel Hempstead

Open Evening: Thursday 19th September 2024, from 3.30pm, with Principal talks at 4.15pm, 5.15pm & 6.00pm. Last entry will be 5.45pm. Open Morning visits will be held on Tuesday 17th September & Wednesday 18th September 2024, and we will also be holding a Meet the Principal Coffee Morning on Tuesday 8th October 2024.

Sixth Form Open Evening: Thursday 7th November 2024.

Leventhorpe - Sawbridgeworth

Our school Open Evening takes place on Thursday 26th September 2024 from 6.00pm-9.00pm. Presentations from the Headteacher take place at 6.00pm, 6.40pm, 7.20pm & 8.00pm. Please visit our website for further information: www.leventhorpe.net

Longdean - Hemel Hempstead

Open Evening: Monday 7 October 6pm-9pm. The evening includes a talk from the Headteacher and a tour of the school with Longdean School students. There are three talks from the Headteacher in our Main Hall at 6:10pm, 6:50pm & 7:30pm. We are also offering Open Mornings at the school from Wednesday 9 October to Friday 11 October. During the morning you will have a tour of the school, meet Longdean

staff and have an opportunity to ask any questions you may have following the Open Evening.

Loreto College - St Albans

Tuesday 24th September 2024, 4pm to 7pm Guided tours will be organised from 4.00pm to 6.00pm. Mrs Lucy Thompson, Headteacher, will address parents at 4.15pm, 5.15pm, & 6.15pm. Tours during the school day will take place between 30th September 2024 – 11th October 2024 (by appointment only). Appointments can be made from 25th September 2024 onwards by calling 01727 856206.

The Marlborough Science Academy - St Albans

Our Open Evening is going to be held on Thursday 19th September. The evening starts at 5.30pm and finishes at 9pm, with three opportunities during the evening to see/hear the Headteacher's presentation.

Marriotts – Stevenage

Open Evening Event – Tuesday 24th September 2024.

Marriotts School Open Evening will take place on Tuesday 24th September, from 5.00-8.00pm. The Headteacher, Ms Honnor will present talks at 5.15pm, 6.00pm & 6.45pm and you will be able to tour the school, meet staff and students and take part in activities. Further details about Open Evening, including plans for visits during the school day, will be published on our website.

Monk’s Walk - Welwyn Garden City

Our Open Evening will take place on Thursday 3rd October from 5pm to 8pm. Tours of the school will be available throughout the evening with Headteacher presentations at 5.15pm, 6.15pm & 7.15pm. You can also attend one of our Open Mornings on Monday 7th to Friday 11th October at 9am where you will also be able to meet the Headteacher and members of the senior team. For more details visit

www.monkswalk.herts.sch.uk

Mount Grace - Potters Bar

Mount Grace School welcomes prospective families to our Open Evening. Wednesday 18th September 2024 5pm-7.45pm. Tours of the school will be available after the first speech and before the second speech, last tour at 6.45pm. The Headteacher will speak at 5:15pm & 7:15pm. Open mornings will be held weekly commencing 23rd September until the end of October. To book for the Open Evening or

Mornings, please visit Mount Grace School / Open Evening 2024 or email: open@mountgrace.herts.sch.uk

Nicholas Breakspear Catholic - St Albans

Open Evening - Thursday 3 October from 5pm - 8.30pm.

Open Mornings - Week Commencing 7 October - book your place by emailing admin@nbs.herts.sch.uk

Nobel School (The) - Stevenage

Open Evening: Tuesday 10 September 4:30–7:30pm. Parents and Year 6 pupils are invited to book a time slot via TicketSource or by telephoning the school on 01438 222600. There will be three timed entry slots, each starting with hearing the Headteacher, followed by a student guided tour of the school. For those unable to attend open evening, there will be after school tours on Tuesday 24 September commencing at 4pm. These must be booked in advance via TicketSource.

Onslow St Audreys School - Hatfield

Open Evening: Tuesday 17 September 2024, 5.30 - 7.30pm. Headteacher's speech at 6.00pm. Open Mornings (by appointment): Tuesday 24, Thursday 26 September & Wednesday 2 October 2024, 9.15-11.00am. To book a place on one of the Open Mornings, please see our school website: www.onslow.herts.sch.uk

Parmiter's - Garston

Our Main Open Day is Thursday 27 June 2024, 4-8.00pm. (No need to book). The Headmaster will present at: 4.30pm, 5.15pm, 6.00pm, 6.45pm & 7.30pm. 

Sixth Form Open Evening: Thursday 3 October 2024, 6-8.30pm.

Presdales - Ware

Open Evening: Thursday 17th October 2024. Time: 5.30 - 8.30pm (doors open 5.15pm). The Headteacher, Mr Warren, will speak at 5.30pm, 6.30pm & 7.30pm (tickets available on arrival). You will be able to see the work of departments and meet staff and students. Guided tours will be available. Visits during the school day are by appointment only and available dates and times will be published on the school website in September.

Priory (The) - Hitchin

Our Open Evening event on site is on Thursday October 3rd, 5.30pm-8.30pm with talks by the Head Teacher at 6pm, 6.50pm & 7.40pm. No booking needed. We offer 7 morning tours so families can see the school in action, from Tuesday 8th - Wednesday 16th October, from 9-11am. This requires booking - details will be available on our website in September. Parents can also use theadmissions page on the website to access further information, including a virtual tour of the school.

Queens’ - Watford

Open Evening: 10th October 2024 - 4.00pm-8.00pm

Reach Free School (The) - Rickmansworth

Open Day: Saturday 5th October 2024 from 10.00am - 1.00pm. The Headteacher will talk at 10.00am & 11.30am with guided tours by pupils throughout the day. The two weeks following will be an opportunity for families to visit the school for a tour. Please call the school to book. We look forward to welcoming you to the school.

Richard Hale - Hertford

Monday 30th September 6.00pm–8.30pm. Headteacher’s talk at 8. 00pm.Tuesday 1st October 4.00pm–6.30pm. Headteacher’s talk at 6.00pm. There is no wheelchair access other than to the Main Hall. Limited parking will be available on site. Parking will be available at County Hall. No booking is needed for the open evenings. Dates for morning tours are on our website and booking for these will open in September.

Rickmansworth - Rickmansworth

We invite you to discover what Rickmansworth School has to offer by visiting us at our annual open evening or through one of our group tours. Our annual Open Eveningis to be held on Thursday 26 September: 16:30-20:00. We will offer small group tours, which are an opportunity to experience the school in a different way; these will be held in October and further details will be available on the school website. Our Sixth Form Open Evening will be held on Wednesday 13 November: 17:00-19:30.

Ridgeway Academy - Welwyn Garden City

Open Evening: Thurs 12 Sept 2024 6.00-8.30pm, ticketed. Headteacher speeches 6.15pm & 7.15pm. Half the tickets will be released in advance and can be collected from the school’s reception from Mon 9 Sept 2024. The remaining half will be available on the evening. Tickets available on a first come, first served basis. Open Mornings 9.00am Mon 16 Sept - Fri 4 Oct 2024. You will need to book in advance

to join one of the open morning tours, see website for further details. www.ridgeway.herts.sch.uk

Robert Barclay Academy - Hoddesdon

Robert Barclay Academy Secondary Open Evening Wednesday 25th September 2024. Doors open 5.15pm to 8pm. Headteacher’s Talks: 5.15pm, 6pm, 6.45pm & 7.30pm. Morning tours also available. Tickets to be booked via www.robertbarclayacademy.co.uk

Roundwood Park - Harpenden

Our Open Evening will take place on Thursday 26 September 2024 from 5.30pm to 8.30pm. The Headteacher's speeches will take place at 5.30pm, 6.15pm, 7.00pm & 7.30pm. Student guides will show

visitors around the school after each speech. Please note that tours will not be available after the last speech. Please visit our website in September to obtain tickets for the speeches. Limited parking will be available onsite. Daytime tours will be available to book after the Open Evening.

Saint John Henry Newman Catholic School (The) - Stevenage

26 September: Open Evening – 5pm onwards

24 October: Open Evening, Sixth Form – 5pm onwards

Samuel Ryder Academy - St Albans

Open Evening: Thursday 26th September 2024. Time: 5.00pm-8.30pm. Headteacher’s Talks: 5.15pm, 6.15pm & 7.15pm. Further information regarding our transition events, including tours, will be available our website: www.samuelryderacademy.co.uk

Sandringham - St Albans

Open Evening: Monday, 8th July 2024 - Time: 5.45- 8.45pm. SUMMER TERM Open Evening for September 2024. Headteacher’s Talks - SandPit Theatre: 6.00pm, 6.45pm & 7.30pm. Tickets for the Headteacher’s Talk can be collected in advance from the main reception or are available on the evening. Open Morning Tours: 10th Sept, 13th Sept, 16th Sept, 18th Sept & 19th Sept 2024: 9.00- 10.30am. Appointments must be booked in advance by contacting the main switchboard on 01727 799560.

Sele (The) - Hertford

The Sele School welcomes all prospective and current parents/carers to our open evening. It will be on Thursday 12 September 2024. Doors open at 6pm; unfortunately, we have limited access for wheelchair users but a vast majority of what is on display is on ground floor. Parking is available on site. The Headmaster’s speech will be at 6.20pm & 7.00pm in the main hall.

Simon Balle All-through School - Hertford

Saturday 21st September 8.30-12.30 (Last tour will leave at 11.30am). Our school will be open for admission to Reception, Y7 and Y12. Staff will be pleased to greet families across all subjects and Y6 and Y8 students will be your guides. The primary phase (Larch Centre) will also be fully staffed. Speeches, including in the Larch, will start at 9am and be repeated during the morning. Please use the link for full details: www.simonballe.herts.sch.uk/join-sbas

Sir John Lawes - Harpenden

Open evening - 2nd October 2024 - 5.00-8.00pm

Additional tours also available from 4th -11th October

15 January 2025 - 6th form Open Evening - 6.00- 8.30pm.

St Albans Girls' - St Albans

Open Evening: Thursday 3 October 2024 - 4pm to 7pm. The Executive Headteacher and Head of School speeches will be at 4pm, 5pm, 6pm & 7pm. Booking is not required; tickets will be available on arrival. We are also holding Working Day Visits during October 2024 for Year 6 students. Please find details with further guidance on the Admissions page of our website www.stags.herts.sch.uk.

Booking for Working Day Visits via our website will be available from the Autumn Term.

St Clement Danes - Chorleywood

Saturday 28th September 2024 from 9:00am to 12:00pm. There is no requirement to book

St George's Day and Boarding School - Harpenden

St George's School will hold their open evening on Friday 4th October from 5pm to 8pm, there will be details on how to book your place at the Head's welcome speech and information about school tours on our website - www.stgeorges.herts.sch.uk. We will also be running school tours during the week commencing 14th October, for people who can’t make our open evening, again full details on how to book your place will be posted on our website.

St Joan of Arc Catholic School - Rickmansworth

Our Open Evening will take place on Thursday 3rd October 2024 5pm - 8pm. Headteacher will speak at 5.15pm and 6.45pm. Open Morning will be on Friday 4th October 2024 9am-11.30am. There will not be a Headteacher speech. This is an informal morning with students in their lessons. There are no parking facilities at the school, please park in one of the town centre car parks. For all details, please go to the school website www.joa.herts.sch.uk

St Mary's Catholic - Bishop’s Stortford

Open Evening: Wednesday 25th September 2024 - 6pm to 8:30pm. Speeches from our Headteacher will take place at 6pm, 7pm & 8pm. Windhill, Bishop’s Stortford, Herts, CM23 2NQ. Email: info@stmarys.net

Tel: 01279 654901


St Mary’s CE High School - Cheshunt

Secondary Transition Evening: Thursday 26 September 2024: Doors open 5.30pm to 8.30pm: Headteacher’s speeches 5.45pm & 7.00pm : School in action tours 9-9.45am on the following dates 5,6,9,10,11,16,18,19,23,24,25 Sept and 1,2,7,10,15,16,21,23 Oct: Call the school to book on 01992 629124 or email admin@st-maryshigh.herts.sch.uk


St Michael's Catholic High - Watford

Open Evening is on Wednesday 18th September 2024, from 4.30pm-7.30pm. There will be welcome speeches by the Headteacher at 5.30pm & 6.30pm - no appointment is necessary. We will have one further open morning (with limited tour of the school) on Friday 20th September at 09.15-11.00am, limited places for open morning are bookable through admissions@stmichaelscatholichighschool.co.uk

Stanborough - Welwyn Garden City

Open Evening 26th Sept. 5:30pm - 8:30pm. Head teacher talks at 6pm, 6:45pm & 7:30pm. No booking for open evening is required. Open Mornings will run on 1st, 3rd, 8th, 10th, 15th, 17th October 9:10am-10:45am. Headteacher talk will start at 9:20am followed by a tour of the school. To book an appointment for the open morning, please email openmorning@stanborough.herts.sch.uk School Reception.

Thomas Alleyne (The) – Stevenage

In Person Open Evening, Thursday, 12th September 4.00pm-7.30pm Head Teacher speeches will be in the main hall at 4.15, 5.15 and 6.15pm. A recording of the Head Teacher's speech will be available on our website from Monday, 16th September and school tours will run at 9am every morning from the 7th to the 18th of October.

Spaces must be booked via 01438-344344 or admin@tas.herts.sch.uk

Townsend C of E (VA) - St Albans

Open Evening - Wednesday 18th September 2024 5.30pm-8.30pm. Headteacher presentations at 5.45pm, 6.30pm & 7.15pm. Email: admin@townsend.herts.sch.uk to book on a presentation

Tring School - Tring

Tring School Open Evening - Tuesday 24 September 2024. The exact timings are TBC and will be shared via the school website. There will be an opportunity to visit subject areas, tour the school and hear a talk from our Headteacher, Mrs Sally Ambrose. Tring School Open Morning - Thursday 26 September 2024. This is for 'out-of-catchment' parents only and appointments should be made in advance by calling the

School Reception.

Verulam - St Albans

Tuesday 1st October 2024 5pm-8pm. No parking on site.

Watford Grammar School for Boys - Watford

The Open Event is scheduled to take place on Saturday 5th October 2024, 9am - 12pm. Please refer to the Admissions section of the WBGS website for updates:

www.watfordboys.org/310/open-events

Watford Grammar School for Girls - Watford

Our next Open Evening for secondary transfer will be Thursday 17th October 2024, 5.00pm-8.00pm. Further details will be announced nearer the time on our school

website: www.watfordgrammarschoolforgirls.org.uk/admissions/year-7-admissions/

Westfield Academy - Watford

Open Evening on Thursday, 19th September 2024 between 5pm-8pm. Headteacher speeches at 5:45pm & 6:45pm. Guided tours available from 5pm-7pm. We offer small tours, during a normal school day - to book, please email headspa@westfield.academy. There will also be an informal 'unguided' Open Morning on Saturday, 5th October 2024 from 9am-12pm. Sixth Form Open Evening on Thursday, 7th November

2024 between 5pm-6:30pm. Tickets not required and there is parking available via our Croxley View entrance.

Yavneh College - Borehamwood

Open Evening Wednesday 18 September 2024 Open Morning Year 6 Wednesday 9 October 2024 and Tuesday 15 October. 6th Form Open Evening Wednesday 13 November 2024. Year 5 Open Morning Wednesday 21 May 2025

Middle/3 Tier Schools

Edwinstree C of E Middle School - Buntingford

10th October 2024, 6pm - 8pm. Headteacher speaks at 6.15pm

King James Academy, Royston - Royston

Our Open Evening will take place on Thursday 26 September 2024, from 18:00 to 20:00. The entire school will be open to visitors, with every department showcasing their subject. The Headteacher's address will be at 18:30. There will an opportunity to speak to our SLT, teachers and current students. Tours of the school will be available from October, where information will be detailed on our website www.kjar.org.uk

Ralph Sadleir School - Puckeridge

Open Evening Thursday 3rd October from 5.00-7.00 pm. Current students will lead tours from 5.00pm. The Headteacher will speak at 6.30pm. There will be Parent Tours to see the school in action on Tuesday 8th

and Thursday 17th October from 9.15am.

Fully funded parenting courses

Support for families

Step 2 Skills courses - New updated information

Get ahead and plan your autumn learning

Discover with a one session taster workshop for £5 - 

With the children at school, join us to find out more about Working in Schools and the roles available.

Introduction to Excel workshop.

If you've got an idea that you want to turn into a business, join our How to Fund your Business workshop.

If phonics is new to you, our 'Helping your child with phonics' workshop will help you to support their learning.

Explore with a longer 5-week course for £25 - 

If you find your confidence level holding you back in life, this 5-week 'Boost your confidence' online course will teach you strategies to help you achieve your goals. 

If you own a sewing machine but have never known how to use it, or you need a refresher, this online 'Explore your Sewing Machine' course is for you.

Microsoft PowerPoint is a great program to display information visually and this 5-week course will teach you all the skills you need to do just that.  

Click to browse the full range of courses and workshops

Looking for an English or maths qualification?

Count Yourself In - Whether you're looking to progress onto higher education or further your job prospects, we offer Functional Skills qualifications in English and maths, at Entry Level, Level 1 and Level 2 (equivalent to a GSCE grade C, Level 4 or above).

View the autumn qualification courses