Secondary school places: A guide to open events in Bishop’s Stortford and Sawbridgeworth
The application process for transfer to secondary schools in Hertfordshire in September 2025 opened at the start of this month – and schools in Bishop’s Stortford and Sawbridgeworth are inviting pupils and parents to get a feel for what they have to offer.
The seven secondaries in the two towns are hosting a series of open events over the next four weeks, starting with Hockerill Anglo-European College this Saturday (Sept 14) and ending with The Bishop’s Stortford High School on Thursday October 10.
The events feature talks by their headteachers and tours of their campuses. Some are holding aptitude tests in languages, music and sport.
The closing date for applications is Thursday October 21. The easiest way to apply for a school place is to complete the online form at www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/admissions.
Last year, over 99% of parents used the system, which means they can access offers before allocation letters are received and can accept places online.
Education authority Hertfordshire County Council provides around 300,000 children with a place at a ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ school each year.
Last year more than 94% of children in the county were allocated one of their four ranked schools.
Cllr Mark Mills-Bishop, the county council’s deputy executive member for education, said: “We understand parents and carers will want to obtain a place at their preferred school for their children, and we work very hard with the admitting authorities of schools to satisfy parental preference wherever possible.
“All secondary schools will have open events, whether these are virtual tours or visits. I would urge parents to check the arrangements to view their local schools before applying, consider carefully which schools they rank and make use of all their preferences.”
OPEN EVENTS IN BISHOP’S STORTFORD & SAWBRIDGEWORTH
• Hockerill Anglo-European College – open morning Sat Sept 14, 8.30am-12pm. Tours will run from 9am. Language and music aptitude tests Sat Sept 21. Deadline to register for aptitude tests is 9am Mon Sept 16.
• Herts and Essex High School – open evening Thu Sept 19, 5.30pm-8.30pm. Presentations at 5.30pm, 6.15pm, 7pm and 7.45pm. Talks are free to attend but booking via www.hertsandessex.herts.sch.uk is necessary. Music and sports aptitude tests Sat Oct 5.
• St Mary’s Catholic School – open evening Wed Sept 25, 6pm-8.30pm. Talks by headteacher Deirdre McHugh at 6pm and 7pm.
• Leventhorpe School – open evening Thu Sept 26, 6pm-9pm. Presentations by headteacher Malcolm White at 6pm, 6.40pm, 7.20pm and 8pm.
• Avanti Grange – open evening Wed Oct 2. Presentations by principal Rhys Jones at 4pm, 5pm, 6pm and 7pm. Booking via www.avanti.org.uk/avantigrange.
• Birchwood High School – open evening Thu Oct 3, 4pm-7.30pm. Presentations by principal Sam Griffin at 4.30pm, 5.15pm, 6pm and 6.45pm. Booking not required.
• The Bishop’s Stortford High School – open evening Thu Oct 10, 5.30pm-8.45pm. Presentations by headteacher Dale Reeve at 5.45pm, 6.35pm, 7.25pm and 8.15pm. Tickets to be issued on the door. Sports aptitude test Thu Oct 17, music aptitude test Fri Oct 18. Deadline to register for aptitude tests is 4pm Sun Oct 13.
Bishop’s Stortford College has an open event on Saturday September 21 from 9am-1pm for all stages of entry. Register your interest at bishopsstortfordcollege.org. Talks by College head John Maguire and head of prep school Rachael Cox at 9.15am and 10.30am; head of pre-prep and nursery Jo Wallace at 9.30am and 10.00am; head of sixth form Alex Swart-Wilson at 11.30am and head of prep school Mrs Cox at 11.30am.
