Bishop’s Stortford College

Pre Prep - should be betterYear 2

Would you recommend this school to another parent?

Bishops Stortford College has, in recent years, encountered several challenges that have impacted its reputation. The school has faced negative reports, power struggles amongst staff, issues with unkind teaching staff, and difficulties in leadership, which have contributed to a notable decline in sixth form enrolment. However, the introduction of new perspectives and leadership teams has brought a renewed sense of hope and optimism to the college community.
Catering to pupils from Reception through to 18 years old, Bishops Stortford College possesses all the characteristics that should make it an exceptional school. Its expansive campus, abundant green spaces, and an impressive swimming pool provide an outstanding environment for students. The school once held a reputation for excellence, some 20 years ago, but in its pursuit of success, it seems to have lost some of its core strengths.
Transitioning away from being a full boarding school, with weekends now largely limited to sports fixtures, has noticeably altered the school's atmosphere. It is regrettable, as the college has the potential to be a truly award-winning institution—a place where children grow into exceptional young adults from their very first day to the moment they leave. Instead it is a wedding venue in holidays and weekends.
There is hope that Bishops Stortford College will rediscover its former strengths, whether by reinventing itself or returning to the values and traditions that once made it outstanding. The foundations are in place for the school to reclaim its position as a nurturing and exceptional place for pupils to thrive.

What are the school's greatest strengths?

Bishops Stortford College boasts a range of impressive facilities. The swimming pool, in particular, is highly regarded and frequently serves as a venue for IAPS qualifiers. The all-weather surface courts and expansive cricket fields further contribute to the college’s outstanding sporting environment.
However, it is worth noting that these exceptional facilities are largely reserved for older students. The pre-prep children, unfortunately, do not have access to most of these amenities, apart from the swimming pool. Instead, their playground is situated in the parent car park—a hard, concrete surface that can become treacherous and icy during the winter months. While parents have generously raised funds for an adventure play area, its use appears limited, as teachers seem hesitant to supervise, meaning the space rarely echoes with the sounds of children’s laughter and excitement. This is a missed opportunity for the youngest pupils to enjoy a more engaging and stimulating play environment.

Do you have any helpful suggestions for improvement?

Bishops Stortford College pre prep possesses a number of commendable qualities that deserve greater emphasis. It is important to focus on the positive attributes the school can promote to prospective families. The campus itself is superb, featuring expansive grounds and first-rate facilities that provide a wealth of opportunities for students. These resources, including the internal fixtures, offer an excellent environment for academic and personal growth.
While the school may currently be seen as a less inspiring choice compared to its former reputation as a major contender, there remains significant potential to recapture that sense of inspiration. By actively making use of the available facilities and showcasing the extensive campus, the school can strengthen its appeal. Furthermore, there is an opportunity to enhance the teacher cohort, which, with brave decisions, that may not be the popular ones, the right direction and leadership, could contribute greatly to the school’s overall improvement and future success.