THE HAREFIELD ACADEMY in Hillingdon, Uxbridge

Education Centre Information: The Harefield Academy:

Establishment Type:Academy Sponsor Led
Phase of Education: Secondary
Status: Open
Local Authority: Hillingdon
Reason Establishment Opened: New Provision
Establishment Open Date: 01/09/2005
Boarders: Boarding School
Sixth Form: Has a sixth form
Urban/Rural Description: Town and Fringe - less sparse
Religious Character: Does not apply
Total Pupils: 880
Number of boys: 526
Number of girls: 354
Admissions: Comprehensive
Age Range: 11-18
Gender: Mixed
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Background:

John Penrose school is located in the north-western corner of Hillingdon. Whilst being in Greater London, Harefield retains the features of a rural village, having several miles of agricultural land surrounding it in all directions. The school comprises four main buildings, the first built in 1954, the second in 1972, the third in 2000, and the most recent in 2001. It also has joint use of a sports centre which has a large sports hall and gymnasium. The school is set amongst acres of Green Belt land. The weekly activities are popular and diverse and include: sports, club, drama, French, keyboard, art, science and mathematics classes, singing and culture club. There are regular creative arts evenings, a Christmas review, ski trip, theatre and university visits. The learning resource area/library is open for homework research, computer work. The DfES have recently agreed to spend two million to transform John Penrose into a Sports Science School with state-of-the-art facilities. This will mean an eightfold expansion in the sixth form and community afternoon and evening use of extra-curricular activities. Its recent expansion brings about new opportunities. In 2000 a £750000 project was completed. This included a new drama studio, food technology room, science laboratory, classrooms and offices. The school aims to provide an attractive and stimulating environment for pupils and staff to work in.