Welcome from the Principal

Situated on a beautiful campus at the edge of Bishop’s Stortford in Hertfordshire, Hockerill enjoys an ideal location within easy reach of London and Cambridge, just ten minutes from Stansted Airport. We welcome applications for both day and boarding places from local, national, and international students who hold a current UK passport or the right to reside in the UK. 

At Hockerill, we take great pride in inspiring our students to strive for excellence in everything they do—whether it’s academic achievement, the creative and performing arts, sports, or leadership. Our dynamic curriculum encourages critical thinking, problem-solving, and risk-taking, while nurturing key life skills such as resilience, empathy, and creativity. Complemented by a wide range of extra-curricular activities, we prepare our students to thrive as global citizens in a rapidly changing world. 

Our dedicated staff ensures that every student reaches their potential academically, socially, and emotionally, leaving Hockerill as confident individuals ready for productive and purposeful lives. Our students consistently achieve excellent examination results, with many progressing to top universities in the UK and abroad. 

At Hockerill, we are committed to continuous growth, fostering a culture of hard work, support, and aspiration, where students celebrate each other’s successes and form lasting friendships based on integrity, trust, and respect. Our students succeed because they are motivated, focused, and supported by a strong pastoral system that enables them to flourish. 

A truly international school where languages are genuinely embedded in the curriculum.

The Good Schools Guide

Hockerill’s global outlook is enriched by the diverse backgrounds of our students and staff, who bring a wealth of perspectives and cultural experiences to our community. Many of our boarding students return to homes overseas during the holidays, reflecting the truly international nature of our school. Our commitment to Modern Foreign Languages is demonstrated by the number of native speakers who contribute as teachers or assistants. Across the campus, it’s common to hear students and staff conversing in languages other than English—an enriching and distinctive feature of our multicultural environment, which we consider one of our greatest strengths. 

Hockerill thrives on the positive relationships we build with parents, working together to support and encourage our young people. 

I am extremely proud to be the Principal of such a highly regarded and successful school. Hockerill is a truly unique community where staff and students learn, work, and live in an inspiring and enriching environment. 

I hope you will see that Hockerill is a place where your child can thrive and succeed. If you would like to learn more, I warmly invite you to visit and let our students show you what makes the College so special. 

Alasdair Mackenzie, Principal