The short version
Below-average GCSE results. Rated Requires Improvement by Ofsted (2022).
- GCSE results are below the national average (Attainment 8: 38.3 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Requires Improvement by Ofsted in 2022
- The school has significant spare capacity
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
38.3
5.5 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
27%
14.4pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
52%
A-Level Average
Mean grade across subjects
C+
A-Level Value Added
Progress vs expected
+0.20
Band 2Source: Department for Education Performance Tables 2024-25
Post-GCSE Destinations
These figures track pupils 6 months after leaving. Source: DfE destination measures.
Sustained destination
In education, employment or training
86%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
80%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
3%
Employment
Directly into work
3%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
9%
Based on 218 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 21 days per year on average — over a month of school.
31% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
5% of pupils miss half or more of school sessions
Source: DfE School Census
Staffing
On average, 16 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 11 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 104 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Academy converter
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–18
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 1,173
- Capacity
- 63%
- FSM
- 33.1%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Hertfordshire
- Trust
- HERTSWOOD ACADEMY
- Head
- Wanda Gill (Headteacher)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- Yes
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection
11 official reports linked on this page, including 10 earlier reports.
Previous reports
School inspection: Requires Improvement
June 2022 | School Inspection
Monitoring visit
July 2021 | Monitoring Visit
Monitoring visit
February 2021 | Monitoring Visit
Monitoring visit
March 2020 | Monitoring Visit
School inspection: Requires Improvement
September 2019 | School Inspection
Monitoring visit
May 2018 | Monitoring Visit
Full inspection: Inadequate
September 2017 | Full Inspection
Full inspection: Good
May 2014 | Full Inspection
Full inspection: Requires Improvement
October 2012 | Full Inspection
Academy conversion letter
October 2012 | Academy Conversion Letter
Location
Cowley Hill, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, WD6 5LG
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmWoodlands Primary School
Primary · 381m away
Cowley Hill School
Primary · 516m away
Parkside Community Primary School
Primary · 1.1km away
Monksmead School
Primary · 1.3km away
Meryfield Primary School
Primary · 1.4km away
Kenilworth Primary School
Primary · 1.5km away
Summerswood Primary School
Primary · 1.8km away
Saffron Green Primary School
Primary · 2.0km away
Questions parents ask
Is Hertswood Academy a selective school?
No. Hertswood Academy is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is Hertswood Academy's Ofsted rating?
Hertswood Academy was rated Requires Improvement at its most recent inspection in February 2025. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend Hertswood Academy?
Hertswood Academy currently has 1,173 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does Hertswood Academy take?
Hertswood Academy caters for pupils aged 11 to 18. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is Hertswood Academy?
Hertswood Academy is in Borehamwood, WD6 5LG, in the Hertfordshire local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does Hertswood Academy have a sixth form?
Yes, Hertswood Academy has a sixth form, so pupils can continue to A-levels or equivalent qualifications without changing school.
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