Executive Headteacher's Welcome

The choice of secondary school is a critical one.  Substantial evidence indicates that girls achieve their best in a single-sex environment.  Throughout its first century, Herts & Essex has provided outstanding education for girls aged 11 to 18 and for boys aged 16 to 18.  In the twenty-first century we continue to combine the strengths of a single-sex girls´ school with an innovative and dynamic approach, responding to the demands of a rapidly changing world.

Our mission statement is Excellence for All, encapsulating our philosophy that we deliver a personalised high quality experience for every student.  We believe that our students will be leaders in whichever field of work, academic study or indeed personal interests they choose in their future.  Our dedicated staff work together to provide plentiful opportunities for each individual to develop the leadership skills, knowledge and qualities they will need in order to play a significant role in the complex world beyond school.  We aim to stimulate and challenge students academically, and each student is encouraged to succeed in any career they choose.  Past students have entered the professional fields of medicine, law, education, banking, politics, media, art, ICT and the sciences.  Many of the students who join us now will be preparing for jobs that do not even exist today.  It is crucial therefore that we help them develop a passion for learning and a breadth of skills.

With the six school values of compassion and creativity, initiative and independence, resilience and respect in mind, the staff at Herts & Essex provide the students with challenges that capture their interests and develop their thinking inside and outside the classroom.  Our aim is to help every student fulfil their highest potential at GCSE and A Level, and for each one to recognise their unique talents both academically and beyond. 

The wide range of co-curricular opportunities including clubs, community and charity work, foreign trips, exchanges and expeditions encourage leadership, compassion for others and develop a moral integrity essential in becoming a responsible global citizen.  Many of these activities are organised by the students themselves, demonstrating their initiative and commitment to the wider community both locally and abroad. We particularly value our fundraising activities which raise thousands of pounds annually as well as our links with international schools.  With such a variety of opportunity, every student can find an area in which they can take part and, potentially, excel.

Our status as the lead Matrix Maths Hub School in Hertfordshire (including Harlow) and as a part of the Science Learning Partnership, affords our students wide-ranging and stimulating learning experiences.  We encourage debate on moral issues including those linked to scientific development, wealth creation and personal values. It is no surprise, therefore, that our talented students often achieve local and national success in a wide range of Science, Technology and Mathematics competitions. 

We are a team of highly committed, well-qualified teachers and support staff, working in close partnership with governors, parents and carers to provide the best possible education, laying firm foundations for our students' successful futures.  We aim to be recognised for the quality of our work and we are constantly reviewing and reinvigorating our excellent practice.

We are a happy and caring community which believes in traditional values, and we are very proud of everyone who plays their part in it.  In line with our school motto 'Sic Itur Ad Astra' which translates as 'reach for the stars', we are highly aspirational for all our students.  They leave Herts & Essex confident and well-rounded, ready and keen to take their place in society sure in the self-belief that they can achieve anything.  

Please take the opportunity to visit our website or come and meet us all and to see for yourself what a multi-faceted, vibrant and wonderful school Herts & Essex is.

Cathy Tooze
Executive Headteacher