The Hertfordshire & Essex High School and Science College

‘I had many happy memories at Herts & Essex as a student, so I could think of no better place to spend my teaching career than at the place who shaped who I am. As a staff-body, we are a close knit community full of respect and friendship. But equally important, is the teamwork between staff and students, which enables me to teach to the best of my ability and watch students flourish. Herts & Essex not only offer me new opportunities, but also are open to me coming up with my own ideas that benefit the School and my own career. I joined two years into my teaching career and have gone on to become a successful Subject Leader, via House Leader and Arts Award Coordinator and I am now on the path to becoming a Senior Leader in the not-so-distant future’.

‘I find working at Herts & Essex really fulfilling. I work with a great group of people and everyone works together as a team for the benefit of the school. I really enjoy the variety of my role, as well as dealing with the unexpected. I very rarely end up doing what I had planned to do! I applied to work at the School as I thought that I would find the role challenging and it was able to offer a working pattern that enabled me to strike the right work/childcare balance for my family’.

‘I researched a number of schools in the area before applying to Herts & Essex. When I explored the ethos of the school and the values of it, I was sold. I had heard lots of worry from prospective teachers about working in an all girls’ school and I would say to any applicants thinking of applying to put preconceptions aside and apply because they work so well together and the feel of empowerment is second to none. As an English teacher, I enjoy getting to share my passion for the subject with students, and watching their own passion grow. As a Head of Year, it is great to get to know the students more personally and feel like you are really making a difference for their school careers and future lives. I always believed that the academic side was for me, but when I had the opportunity to apply for a pastoral role it changed my outlook. It is so rewarding to work for the school and those above me are so eager to help and allow opportunities to grow’.

‘I applied to work at Herts & Essex as the School has an excellent reputation and I was very impressed when I walked around. The best thing about working here is the sense of community; staff, students, governors and parents are proud of the School and there is a real sense of ambition and positivity in our work. I really enjoy teaching students who are completely engaged in the learning and working with teachers who are warm and supportive colleagues’.