Why Join Gracewood Academy?

We recognise that, as a parent, choosing a secondary school is one of the most important decisions we make. We need to ensure that we select the right school because we are entrusting our children into its care for the next 5 years. At Gracewood Academy, we are committed to working with parents to ensure we can offer the best possible school for your children.

Gracewood Academy is a school characterised by high academic standards, robust pastoral care and a co-curricular programme that is second-to-none. Students here benefit from teaching by subject specialists who are superbly well-qualified to teach and inspire their students to love learning as much as they do. Students are known for the individuals they are and are supported here by a range of people in the pastoral team, including their tutors, Heads of Learning and Pastoral Support Leaders. Gracewood Academy has designated staff who work closely with children and families to support the transition to secondary school and ensure all students feel a strong sense of belonging within our school community.

One of the defining features of a Gracewood Academy education is the breadth of opportunities we offer our students through our enrichment programme and, with scores of clubs and societies on offer to them, there are numerous ways for students to develop their resilience and confidence, their ability to work independently and as part of a team. See the enrichment programme available here.

All in all, we aim to deliver the transformative education every one of our students deserve – an education that will lead to success while they are with us and long after they have left us.

What does it mean to be part of Future Academies?

Future Academies was established to improve the life chances of children through an education that is built on the importance of knowledge-rich teaching by subject experts and of raising the aspirations of all. Our family of schools has built a reputation of achieving the highest standards for all out students.

At Future we want children to leave school with the capabilities to lead a life of choice, opportunity having achieved Libertas Per Cultum. To make this happen, we know children need both academic achievement and strength of character. Underpinning both achievement and character in schools is the work of everyone in our organisation creating and culturing an inclusive community for all learners.

The name ‘Future’ is important to us because the education we provide today is to ensure all our children can achieve the best in their future lives. We are an inclusive community where all children are welcomed and challenged to be the best they can be. With the support of our sponsors, Future, we are able to engage with the best teachers, the best universities and a wide range of the most prominent employers in the country to ensure that all children are equipped with the knowledge and desire to be the best in whatever path they wish to follow in their futures.

Our Guiding Principles

At Gracewood, our ethos is brought to life through The Gracewood Tree: a symbol that captures who we are, what we value, and how we grow together as a community. The tree represents our belief that every child can grow a little every day. Just as a strong tree needs deep roots and purposeful branches, we nurture each student with the knowledge, character, and support they need to flourish.

We see parents and families as essential partners in this journey. Together, we shape the environment in which our young people grow- an environment where every child is encouraged to stretch, thrive, and become the very best version of themselves.

At Gracewood, our guiding principles set the tone for who we are and what we stand for. They reflect our belief in powerful education, high standards, and a culture where every child is known, challenged, and supported to thrive.

•  High Standards, No Shortcuts: We show our belief in children by setting ambitious expectations, insisting on effort, and never lowering the bar. Hard work is expected every lesson as we know hard work beats talent.
•  A Culture of Clarity and Consistency: Students thrive when structures are certain. Our routines, rules, and expectations are clear, consistent, and rooted in respect. This creates a safe, purposeful environment where all students can excel.
•  Calm, Focused, Disruption‑Free Classrooms: Learning time is protected. Our standards for behaviour, punctuality, uniform, and conduct ensure classrooms remain quiet, orderly, and joyful places to learn.
•  A Knowledge‑Rich, Ambitious Curriculum: We believe every child deserves access to the best that has been thought and said. Our curriculum, from Latin to the Arts, Computer Science to Citizenship, helps students know more, remember more, and think more deeply.
•  Education Beyond the Classroom: Character matters. Students develop resilience, ambition, and integrity through enrichment, leadership opportunities, and experiences that help them navigate the modern world with confidence.
•  Strong Pastoral Care and Individual Support: Every child is known, valued, and supported. Our pastoral systems ensure students feel safe, cared for, and guided throughout their time at Gracewood.
•  Adults Who Grow and Model Excellence: We ask a great deal of students, and an equally high amount of ourselves. Staff at Gracewood are warm, demanding, and committed to improving a little every day.

Find more about out challenging curriculum here - Gracewood Academy - Curriculum

Find more about our excellent pastoral care -  Gracewood Academy - Staff

Useful links:

1. Term Dates (link to other page on website) Gracewood Academy - Term Dates
2. Year 6 Transition - click here

Secondary Admissions

Secondary admission for September 2026 entry will open in September 2025. All applications must be made via Hertfordshire County Council Admissions. Please follow the link below for details: Secondary School Places.

In-Year Admissions

Parents can make an online in year application via the Hertfordshire County Council website www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/admissions or contact the Customer Service Centre on 0300 123 4043 for a paper application form. Parents should return the application form direct to the County Council.   

For in-year admissions parents will be contacted in writing with the outcome of their application. For unsuccessful applications, the County Council will provide registration details to enable parents to login and appeal online at www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/schoolappeals.   

Key Dates:  Open Events for Y6/Y7 September Entry 2026

• Open Evening:  Wednesday, 17 September 2025
• Year 6 Open Morning: from 22 September through to the end of October 2025

Appeals 

If you have not been offered a place following an in-year application, the law entitles you to appeal to an Independent Appeal Panel. For more information or to submit an appeal for in-year admissions, click here

Useful Links for Hertfordshire Admissions

Important dates – secondary school admissions | Hertfordshire County Council

Gracewood_Academy_School_Determined_Admission_Arrangements_for_2026-27.pdf

Pastoral Care

Developing Character

 Read More: Character Curriculum