Longdean School
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Longdean School | |
| Motto | Rejoice in thy Youth |
| Established | September 1970 |
| Headteacher | Mr Rhodri Bryant |
| Specialism | Maths and Computing College |
| Location | Rumballs Road Hemel Hempstead Hertfordshire HP3 8JB England |
| LEA | Hertfordshire |
| Ofsted number | 117523 |
| Students | 1435 |
| Gender | Coeducational |
| Ages | 11 to 18 |
| Precursor | Apsley Grammar School |
| Precursor | Bennetts End Secondary Modern |
| Website | http://www.longdean.herts.sch.uk/ |
| Coordinates: | |
Longdean School is a secondary school in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire. The school has specialist status as a Maths and Computing College.
Apsley Grammar School was a state Grammar school in Hemel Hempstead founded in 1957 as part of the growth of the town after being designated as a new town and the need for new secondary school provision.
Although named for the nearby village of Apsley the school is actually situated about one mile away in the Bennett's End district of the town. 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 the third-largest comprehensive school in Hertfordshire of the time.
The school motto was Rejoice in Thy Youth, and this remained after the amalgamation.
From September 2006 the headmaster is Mr Rhodri Bryant, replacing the previous headmaster, Mr Nigel Matthias. The school is currently going through a changing period with the new headmaster in place. the last Ofsted report classed the school as satisfactory and the staff are working on improving this. Mr Bryants appointment co-incided with the £30,000 redevelopment of the 6th Form common room as well as significant re-furbishment throughout the school. Further development is planned.
On the 30th of October 2007 a new website was released sporting the new colours of the school.
The school works in consortium with two neighbouring schools to enhance post-16 provision. The consortium consists of Adeyfield School, Astley Cooper School and Longdean School. Staff development and well-being is also coordinated at consortium level.
[edit] Alumni
Apsley Grammar School
Former students include:
- Paul Boateng - the UK's first black Cabinet minister and current British High Commissioner to South Africa.
- Andy Powell - guitarist in the rock group Wishbone Ash.
Former members of staff include:
- Iris du Pré - music department
Longdean School
Former students include:
- Chris Eagles - Professional soccer player, enrolled in Manchester United youth academy before turning pro, recently sent to local team Watford on a loan.

