Longdean School

Longdean School

Motto	Rejoice in thy Youth
Established	1970
Type	Academy
Headteacher	Mr Graham Cunningham
Location	Rumballs Road Hemel Hempstead Hertfordshire HP3 8JB England Coordinates: 51°44′31″N 0°26′35″W / 51.74195°N 0.44293°W / 51.74195; -0.44293
DfE URN	137110 Tables
Ofsted	Reports Pre-academy reports
Students	1,188
Gender	Coeducational
Ages	11–18
Houses	Pascal, Gates, Da Vinci, Franklin
Colours	Blue and Silver/White
Precursor	Apsley Grammar School
Precursor	Bennetts End Secondary Modern
Website	www.longdean.herts.sch.uk

Longdean School is an academy in the southeast of Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire. The academy has specialist status as a Maths and Computing College.

History [edit]

Grammar school [edit]

Originally called Apsley Grammar School, it began as a state grammar school in Hemel Hempstead. It was founded in 1955 as part of the development of the town after its designation as a new town and the need for expanded secondary school provision. Although named for the nearby village of Apsley the school is actually situated about one mile away, in the Bennetts End district of the town. Its first Head Teacher was Valentine (V.J.) Wrigley.

Comprehensive [edit]

The name of the school changed to Longdean School in 1970 on the amalgamation with the adjacent Bennett's End Secondary Modern School to form what was the third-largest comprehensive school in Hertfordshire at the time.

The school motto of Rejoice in Thy Youth was retained after the amalgamation.

Since September 2006 the headmaster has been Mr Rhodri Bryant, replacing the previous headmaster, Mr Nigel Matthias. The last Ofsted report classed the school as a ‘GOOD’ school with outstanding features [1]. Mr Bryant's appointment coincided with the £30,000 redevelopment of the 6th Form common room as well as significant refurbishment throughout the school. Further development is planned.

On 30 October 2007 a new website was released sporting the new colours of the school. The school has a VLE system (virtual learning environment) on which student work can be uploaded and teachers can contact students. A cashless catering system is operated where money can be credited to cards which can be used in the school's two canteens.

During the summer term of 2011, Longdean School attained academy status.

The school works in consortium with two neighbouring schools to enhance post-16 provision. The group consists of Adeyfield School, Astley Cooper School and Longdean School. Staff development and well-being are also coordinated at consortium level.

In May 2012, Longdean was included in the Government's £2 billion Priority School Building Programme.^[1] Longdean's inclusion was based upon the condition of its existing 25 year buildings that have exceeded their 25 year life expectancy. The plans and schedule have yet to be decided.^[2]

Admissions [edit]

Longdean is a non-selective coeducational school within the state education system, accepting pupils from its catchment area of Bennetts End, Nash Mills, Leverstock Green and adjacent areas.

Alumni [edit]

Apsley Grammar School [edit]

Former students include:

• Rob Pooley, (now Professor Rob Pooley) - left 1967 for University of Bristol. Professor of Computer Science at Heriot Watt University since 1998.
• Paul Boateng, (now Baron Boateng) - the UK's first black Cabinet minister, and British High Commissioner to South Africa from March 2005 to April 2009.
• Prof Hugh Loxdale MBE, entomologist, Professor of Ecology from 2009-10 at the Institute of Ecology, University of Jena, and President from 2004-6 of the Royal Entomological Society of London^{[citation needed]}
• Andy Powell - guitarist in the rock group Wishbone Ash
• Prof Kenneth Powell, biotechnologist, and Professor of Biology from 1995-2000 at University College London^{[citation needed]}

Former members of staff include:

• Iris du Pré - music department
• Prof David Daniell, Professor of English from 1992-4 at University College London (sixth form master from 1958–69)^{[citation needed]}

Longdean School [edit]

Former students include:

• Chris Eagles - Professional soccer player, enrolled in Manchester United youth academy before turning pro, now playing for Bolton.
• Jake Howells - Professional soccer player, currently playing for Luton Town, for whom he has twice won the Young Player of the Season award in 2009 and 2010.
• Max Whitlock- member of Britain's gymnastics team and bronze medallist at the London 2012 Summer Olympics.
• Ben Sansom- lead guitarist of Lower Than Atlantis, who toured with Blink 182 in June 2012

Former members of staff include:

• Brian Coulshead, Headteacher from 1993-2010 of Parmiter's School (taught from 1972-9)^{[citation needed]}
• Geoffrey Mills, Headteacher from 1983-98 of The Latymer School (taught from 1973-8)^{[citation needed]}

References [edit]

External links [edit]

• Official website