Welcome to the Sixth Form 2025/26
Welcome to the Sixth Form
Dear Parents, Guardians and new Year 12 students,
It is a great pleasure to welcome you into the Sixth Form at Haberdashers’. These next two years will be some of the most exciting, challenging and rewarding of your school journey.
Our Sixth Form is built on conversation, collaboration and academic curiosity. You’ll be encouraged to ask big questions, debate bold ideas and explore your subjects in depth. Lessons will be rigorous and purposeful; led by knowledgeable teachers who care deeply about your progress and are committed to helping you fulfil your potential.
We want you to thrive not just in the classroom, but across every area of school life. Whether it’s through sport, drama, music, community action or student leadership, you will be encouraged to take risks, seize opportunities and grow in confidence.
Sixth Formers play a vital role in shaping the wider school culture, acting as role models and mentors to younger pupils.
As you begin this exciting chapter, you’ll also be among the first to benefit from our newly refurbished Sixth Form space; designed to support independent study, collaboration and connection. Alongside this, we are evolving the Habs Diploma to reflect the breadth of Sixth Form life and prepare you even more fully for university and beyond.
We are confident that this will be a brilliant two years; filled with challenge, growth, friendship and opportunity. We can’t wait to see all that you will achieve.
NAME SURNAME HEAD OF SIXTH FORM
No name supplied.
About the Sixth Form
There are approximately 800 students aged 11 to 18 in the Senior School.
A small number of students join Habs in Year 12 to pursue their A Levels. As a school we believe in lessons that have both pace and rigour as defining characteristics. We believe that academic excellence is a product of our approach to active and independent learning, with practical tasks and problem solving enabling our students to develop their understanding in the deepest sense. Enthusiasm and excitement are key, as is providing the stimulus for discussion and debate.
Students love to be challenged and have an insatiable curiosity about the world around them. Parents are welcomed into the school to support the curriculum. There are Curriculum Evenings for parents to learn about our approach to particular subject areas and how they can best support their children at home; we firmly believe that children do best when school and home are working in true partnership.
Our values
Our brand values are what we hold dear as a school, the core beliefs that we stand for. They should drive all decisions and actions.
Ambition
We are bold and ambitious – for ourselves, but also for others and for the world. This is underpinned by our altruistic and philanthropic foundation, which drives our values and behaviours. We expect everyone to give their best, to stretch boundaries, and to challenge the status quo. We believe that ambition can be limitless. When combined with courage, curiosity and community, ambition can be a selfless and powerful lever for change.
Curiosity
We create and use every opportunity to engage with the world around us; we ask questions, challenge assumptions and express our ideas. Alongside our academic interests and skills, we also love to exercise our imaginations, creativity and spirituality. Our broad and carefully curated curriculum leads us into experiences of awe and wonder – bringing a sense of magic and excitement to learning.
Courage
Exploring beyond our comfort zones enables us to become more self-aware, adventurous, resilient and independent. We aim high, following our dreams, but we cope well if we don’t always succeed. We understand how to balance humility and boldness when speaking out on behalf of ourselves and others. And we are unflinching problem-solvers, continually seeking to change the world for the better.
Community
Habs is one caring, respectful community on one fabulous campus. Our focus is on belonging and inclusivity: celebrating our differences, not in spite of our differences. Beyond our students and staff, this sense of collaborative togetherness extends to our families, alumni, partner schools, and even the world. We’re helping to learn from and empower wider communities – locally, nationally and globally. We bring the world to our door, but we also step through that door into the wider world.
Sixth Form Induction Day
Friday 5 September 2025
8.15am to 2.30pm
Induction Day takes place a day before term officially starts for all pupils. During Induction Day, students will take part in a series of fun activities to help them get to know others in their form and year group.
We invite all parents, guardians and students to join the Senior Leadership Team, Sixth Form Team and Tutors for breakfast and presentations from 8.15am to 9.45am.
Staff will be in the coach and car park to welcome and guide you to the Dining Room. Please arrive between 8.15am and 8.30am.
Induction Day will end at around 2.30pm, students will be shown back to the coach or car park.
WE ASK STUDENTS TO:
- Attend wearing full Sixth Form dress code
- Bring their school bag, some pens and their school issued device (if they have one)
- Bring a packed lunch if they are not using the school dining room
- Students will not need any kit on this day
- Students can bring a mobile phone but it needs to be switched off when they arrive at school
INDUCTION DAY COACH SERVICE FOR ALL
Any student can use the coaches on Induction Day, whether or not you are registered as a regular user for the service. There is no charge, but you will need to book a ticket to reserve a seat.
Information on how to reserve a seat on this service will be sent to you by the Transport Manager during the summer break.
A bespoke timetable will be in operation for Induction Day covering the popular stops on our usual home-to-school service. The timetable for this service will be published in the transport newsletter which will be sent to all parents.
The return service will depart from school at approximately 2.30pm and follow the bespoke published timetable.
We encourage everyone to use the Induction Day coach service to give students a taste of the experience of arriving and departing school from the coach park and the opportunity to meet some of our expert home to school coach drivers.
From Monday 8 September you will become part of a 1,700 student strong coach community and the orientation provided on Induction Day together with the information in the Home to School Coach Terms of Service will ensure you are equipped for your journey on the coaches.
STUDENTS TRAVELLING TO SCHOOL BY CAR
If you are being driven to school on Induction Day by your parent or guardian, please enter via the main gate on Butterfly Lane. Your parent or guardian will be directed round the one-way system where you will be dropped off. On arrival please make your way to Aldenham House where you Form Tutor will meet you. Please arrive by 8.35am. At the end of the day, parents should enter the main gate on Butterfly Lane. They will be directed to park in the Pitch 5 car park to collect you.
Sections and Houses
The Senior School is formed of three sections. Each is looked after by a Head and Deputy Head of section. These sections are:
MIDDLE SCHOOL
YEAR 7 AND YEAR 8
SCHOOL YEAR 9 TO YEAR 11
Students will be allocated a House and you will remain in this House for the duration of their time at Habs. Students will receive a House tie that incorporates their House colour, allowing them to easily identify their house peers. These houses are all named after previous Headmasters.
12 TO 13
Buddies for new joiners at 16+
If you are new to Habs Boys, you will be paired with another member of your Form and House who will be your Buddy. They will help to settle you in from September and answer any questions you may have.
Wellbeing and PSHE
You will receive fornightly PSHE lessons with your Form tutors during morning tutor time.
Workshops with specialist speakers are organised for all year groups at different times through the year, focusing on age-appropriate issues such as e-safety, physical health, mental health and relationships. Talks and/or workshops are also delivered to parents.
TOOLED UP
Our school is a ‘Tooled Up Education’ school. This means, in addition to all that we do at school to help pupils, we also care about supporting parents and families. Please use the link here to register your free account and gain access to the digital hub of evidence-based resources covering: mental health, digital life, aspiration, learning, family life and relationships.
Medical Centre information
The school’s Medical Centre is situated in Aldenham House and is open during term time from 8am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday. For home sports fixtures on Saturdays, we have external medical cover.
Phone number: 020 8266 1790
MEDICAL CENTRE STAFF
Gill McGrath
Senior School Nurse
Amelia Pitch
Senior School Nurse
Martina McGrath
School Nurse
Brendan Grufferty
School Counsellor
COLLECTION OF UNWELL CHILDREN FROM SCHOOL
It is important that a parent or guardian is always available to collect you from the Medical Centre if you are unwell/injured. Please let the Medical Centre know as soon as possible if a parent or guardian will be unavailable for collection and provide an alternative contact number for a suitable guardian, who can act on their behalf in case of an emergency.
Email address: schoolnurseboys@habselstree.org.uk
REQUEST FOR SCHOOL TO DISPENSE PRESCRIPTION MEDICINES
If you require any prescription medicine to be taken at school then please complete the ‘Request for School to Dispense Prescription Medicines’ form on the Habs App. You will need to bring the completed form to the Medical Centre along with the medication to be dispensed. It is your responsibility to attend the Medical Centre to be given your medication.
GENERAL HEALTH INFORMATION
Please keep us updated, via the Habs App, of any changes to your wellbeing such as hospital admissions, illnesses, or new medication. Please fill in the online health questionnaire when you start school and then please keep us updated, via the Habs App, of any changes to your wellbeing such as hospital admissions, illnesses, or new medication.
We are always happy to talk about any existing medical conditions that you might have and how this could influence our care of you in school, e.g., food allergies/diabetes/asthma/ any severe reactions you have had which require use of an AAI (Adrenaline Auto Injector). Any relevant information will be shared with the appropriate staff members if it is essential to your wellbeing. If you develop any contagious disease such as chicken pox, measles, etc. then please inform the Medical Centre as soon as possible.
If you are unwell with a raised temperature, please ensure your temperature has returned to normal before you return to school. If you have episodes of diarrhea or vomiting, please ensure that you wait 48 hours after the symptoms have stopped before you return to school.
We also ask that your parents inform us of any significant events such as divorce or bereavement which may affect you.
Assemblies
Our school community begins the day with time either as a Form, year group, House or whole school to share our values and explore ideas.
On alternate Fridays, we have multi-faith assemblies, allowing a different group of students to share their experiences of their faith. We also have the Headmaster’s assembly for those not wishing to attend a faith assembly.
Our available religious assemblies are shown below.
BUDDHIST
CHRISTIAN
HINDU
HUMANIST
JAIN
JEWISH
MUSLIM
SIKH
Student Voice
The Student Council is comprised of two students from each year group, elected by their peers.
The Council is overseen by Senior School staff and we have seven Sixth Form directors who manage the day-to-day operations. The Student Council plays an important role in life at Habs, providing development opportunities for all pupils.
In the last couple of years, our Student Council has achieved Silver Eco-School status, led a highly successful Christmas foodbank appeal and has been awarded the UNICEF UK OutRight Certificate.
Academic support
Academic support at Habs Boys is available to all our Senior School students.
From Year 7 to Upper Sixth, we are here to help you with all things academic. In the first instance, you should direct all concerns to either your Form Tutor or Class Teacher.
Mobile Phone Usage
During the day Year 12 students are allowed their phones in the Common Room and may listen to music while in study periods, students are not allowed to use them around the school site.
During the day, your mobile phone must be switched off and kept in your bag or locker.
We aim to teach you how to use your phone safely and we encourage parents to be very firm about your usage at home. The bill payer is responsible for anything on the phone that may be construed as inappropriate.
Please ensure you have read and understood our Mobile phone policy
With the content supplied in the boys doc, this page would have been very empty, I have opted to use the ocntet from the girls book, so this this page feels more susbstantial
Mobile phone usage
Click here for our mobile phone policy.
Communication
We are always happy to answer any questions that parents and guardians have, big or small.
You can call Reception on 020 8266 1700, who will direct you to the relevant member of staff. The School Nurse can also be contacted through Reception.
If you have any pastoral or academic concerns please contact staff in the following order:
- Your child’s Form Tutor via the Habs App
- Head of House
- Deputy Head of Sixth Form: Mr Peter Martin-Brown pmartin-brown@habselstree.org.uk
- Head of Sixth Form: Mr Michael Broadwith mbroadwith@habselstree.org.uk
- Designated Safeguarding Lead: Mr Adam Lawrence alawrence@habsboys.org.uk
- Deputy head Pastoral: Miss Katie Barron kbarron@habselstree.org.uk
LETTERS
We upload parent information letters to the Habs App every Friday.
EMAILS
We encourage an open dialogue but also we politely request that teachers are given time to respond. In an emergency please contact Mr Broadwith or Mr Martin-Brown and she will respond as quickly as she can.
PARENTS' EVENING
There is a Parents Evening each year when parents and students meet with teachers to discuss academic progress. You will also receive one written report each year while, progress grades provide a snapshot of academic progress at regular intervals throughout the academic year. If you have any concerns during the school year, do not hesitate to contact your child’s Form Tutor.
PROGRESS GRADES
Students are given progress grades according to the schedule that will be published at the beginning of the Autumn Term. You can access these via the Habs App. These grades allow Form Tutors to track your progress.
HOMEWORK
If your parents have questions about the time you spend on homework (either too little or too much), please have them get in touch with your Form Tutor.
We do not want you to spend all evening working, as it is important you should have time to relax.
INDIVIDUAL NEEDS
The aim of our Individual Needs Policy is to ensure that every child at Habs enjoys personal and academic success. We prioritise sustaining a close partnership with parents and providing appropriate support. The Head of Academic Support co-ordinates a team consisting of specialist teachers, senior academic and senior pastoral staff.
Support is delivered through various staff and programmes eg; the Form Tutor, Head of House, Deputy Head of House, subject teachers, study support sessions and learning skills programmes. Our Individual Needs policy is available on the school website.
It is important to make us aware if you have any identified specific learning needs (e.g. dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD, hypermobility, visual impairments and hearing impairments) so we can provide the best support for you.
Important websites
Students will be given an email account which teachers can email them on. They will receive login in details and further information once they start at Habs. Students will also have a Microsoft Teams account.
Habs App:
The Parent Portal contains a host of important information and is where you or your parents can email the school or form tutors regarding absences or any other matter. The portal holds all school reports, progress grades, letters, school timetable, school calendar, school blog, and coach service bookings.
To find out how to download and use the app click on the links below for further information:
HABS PARENT APP
HOW TO USE THE APP
Parent Pay:
PARENTPAY.COM
This website is where your parents pay for your school lunch. Once they have set up a login, they will be able to view what you eat every day and how much you have spent.
SOCS:
SOCSCMS.COM/LOGIN/129
This is the website where you can sign up for co-curricular clubs.
Evolve:
EVENT BOOKINGS
This website is used for all event bookings, for parents to give consent and pay for events.
Tooled Up parent resource
TOOLEDUPEDUCATION.COM
Our school is a ‘Tooled Up Education’ school. This means, in addition to all that we do at school to help pupils, we also care about supporting parents and families.
Attendance
When you are ill or will be absent from school, please ensure your parents follow this procedure:
- Contact your Form Tutor and Absences (absencesboys@ habselstree.org.uk) on the day you are ill. You can do this via the Habs App or you can call the Senior School switchboard (020 8266 1700).
- If you arrive late or leave early, you must sign in or out at Aldenham House reception.
- If you wish to request absence for religious observance please write to us, giving at least seven days’ notice.
- If possible, doctor and dental appointments should be made during the holidays. If this is not possible, please write to your Form Tutor, asking permission to be absent. This is known as an ‘exeat’.
- If the planned absence is for more than half a day, please write to Mr Michael Broadwith at mbroadwith@habselstree. org.uk . If the planned absence is for more than one day, please write to the Headmaster at hmboys@habselstree.org.uk
We request that absences are kept to a minimum.
SPORTS FIXTURE ATTENDANCE
If you are unable to attend a fixture then please let the Sports Centre Administrator (sportsadminboys@habselstree. org.uk) know with at least seven days’ notice. If you are ill on the day of the game, you or your parents/guardians should email the Director of Sport or the team coach directly. Your parents are warmly invited to watch as many fixtures as possible.
Term dates
All our dates have been agreed and co-ordinated with the Girls’ School.
Click here to view term dates on our website.
Curriculum
You will choose either three or four A Levels in discussion with the Head of Sixth Form or a senior member of staff, who will guide you in this important decision.
The following subjects are available to you:
- Art
- Classical Civilisation
- Classical Greek
- Computer Science
- Drama
- Design andTechnology
- Economics
- English Literature
- English Language
- Geography
- History
- Latin
- Maths and Further Maths
- French
- German
- Spanish
- Music
- PE
- Philosophy
- Politics
- Psychology
- Religious Studies
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
You will have at least one subject taught in a co-educational group. This means that for that subject there will be students from both the Boys’ School and Girls’ School in your lessons. The lessons for this subject could be based at either school. For example, you may have Maths in a co-educational group at the Girls’ School which means that all your Maths lessons would be taught at the Girls’ School but your other subjects are in single sex groups and are taught at the Boys’ School.
The school day
The school day runs from 8:35am to 4pm each day, with the grounds opening from 8am and shutting at 5.15pm.
Only students attending a supervised activity may stay after 4pm.
At the end of the day, coaches depart at 4.15pm and 5.30pm. After school activities, which finish at 5.15pm, leaving plenty of time for students to get the last coach of the school day. It is important for you to know that the 4.15pm and 5.30pm coach routes often differ and may not include your usual stop.
If your parents or guardians intend to collect you, please meet them at the Pitch 5 car park which is next to the AstroTurf pitches.
Please ensure to be ‘car aware’ in all circumstances. This includes not listening to devices when walking on the pavement. During the winter months, we would also recommend putting reflective strips on your bags and coats.
Habs Diploma
Joining Habs in the Sixth Form is hugely exciting. Alongside the 3 or 4 A Levels you choose to study at Habs, you will also complete the Habs Diploma.
The Habs Diploma is key to our Sixth Form provision. From September 2025 we have made some exciting changes. We have reshaped the programme to reflect our students’ other commitments, and to create more of a ‘pre-university’ experience.
The purpose of the diploma is to create a wonderment in learning, going beyond the constraints of subject boundaries; providing opportunities to develop skills that are differentiators for study, for the workplace and in adult life more generally.
Students will undertake 5 compulsory components:
VISITING SPEAKER PROGRAMME
AN INDEPENDENT PROJECT (ERP OR EPQ)
ELECTIVE COURSES
SUBJECT ENHANCEMENT COURSES
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Please do take the time to read the Habs Diploma booklet found here, which explains the Diploma in more detail.
School timetable
Timetable
REGISTRATION
8.35AM TO 8.45AM
PERIOD 0 8.45AM TO 9.15AM
PERIOD 1 9.15AM TO 10.15AM
BREAK 10.15AM TO 10.35AM
PERIOD 2 10.35AM TO 11.35AM
TRAVEL TIME 11.35AM TO 11.40AM
PERIOD 3 11.40AM TO 12.40PM LUNCH 12.40PM TO 1.55PM
PERIOD 4 1.55PM TO 2.55PM TRAVEL TIME 2.55PM TO 3PM
PERIOD 5 3PM TO 4PM
PERIOD 6 (CO-CURRICULAR) 4.15PM TO 5.15PM
Lockers
All students will be allocated a locker at the beginning of the academic year with, either, a combination padlock or a keypad lock, depending on its location. These will both come with instructions to set your own code with your Form Tutor. You must write this code down somewhere safe and remember not to pass it on to anyone else.
These lockers should be used to store possessions at the start of the day, allowing you to carry the few items needed for each lesson. They can return to their locker at break and lunchtime to swap items to avoid having to carry a heavy bag all day.
On sports afternoons, sports kit can be stored in the Medburn lockers, for which you can sign out a key with Medburn reception staff. You can also use the McGowan changing rooms where lockers require a self-selected key code.
If you have any questions, please email office@habsboys.org.uk .
Catering
The Bates Dining Room is open at the following times:
BREAKFAST 8AM TO 8.35AM
BREAK 10.15AM TO 11.00AM
LUNCHTIME 12.40PM TO 1.55PM
Our catering services are provided by Holroyd Howe who offer a wide range of catering options available to pupils at breakfast, breaktime and lunchtime.
Bates Dining Room is available at breakfast offering a cooked breakfast, continental breakfast, as well as a yoghurt bar and a selection of fruits. During breaktime you can enjoy fruit, a hot snack, cakes, crisps and drinks. At lunchtime you can enjoy a choice of hot meals along with a wide selection of salads plus a daily soup and desserts.
In addition to Bates, there is a Grab and Go outlet available at breaktime and lunchtime, providing an easy grab meal option. This includes a hot option allowing you to attend lunchtime co-curricular.
A wide range of sandwiches and baguettes are available, including kosher sandwiches.
All menu offers include a plant-based option which has reduced allergens. An experienced team of allergy champions are always on hand to support any dietary and allergen requirements. It is essential that you inform the school of any dietary or allergen requirements to ensure the catering team can accommodate and provide a suitable, nutritious and balanced meal.
You will also be allowed to use Joe’s Café, which is located in the Medburn Centre. It is available for all Year 12 and Year 13 students during free periods, at breaktime and during lunchtime. Hot and cold drinks, snacks and lunch options are available.
Dress code
The Sixth Form represents a transition towards adult life and professional environments. Our dress code reflects the values of respect, responsibility, and readiness. Students are expected to dress smartly and appropriately for a working day.
REQUIRED DRESS
- Suit: A tailored suit comprising jacket and trousers.
- Shirt: A plain, collared shirt, neatly tucked in.
- Tie: A tie must be worn at all times.
Students will be presented with a Sixth Form House tie at the matriculation event in September. They may choose to wear this or a tie of their own choice.
- Jumper: Round neck, v neck, or quarter zip jumper of a plain design. Small logos are acceptable, if discreet.
- Shoes: Smart, dark leather shoes. Trainers, boots, or casual footwear are not permitted.
- Jewellery: One small stud earing may be worn in each earlobe.
Lanyard: Grey Sixth form lanyard to be worn at all times
UNACCEPTABLE ITEMS
- Hoodies, denim, or casual outerwear.
- Sports shoes, sandals, or slippers.
- Slogan tops, large logos, or inappropriate designs.
- Excessive hairstyles or unnatural hair colours.
PE AND GAMES DAYS
On specified days, students may remain in full, clean Habs branded sports kit if directed by a member of staff.
FINAL NOTE
The school reserves the right to decide what constitutes appropriate dress. If there is any uncertainty, we advise students to err on the side of formality or seek clarification in advance from the Head of Sixth Form.
Uniform list - Sports Kit
Pictures below are for Sixth Form PE
T-shirt - sublimated, with school logo
Shorts - sublimated, with school logo
Socks
OR
Reversible rugby jersey sublimated, with school logo
Rugby shorts sublimated, with school logo
Socks - navy/blue loops
AND
House t-shirt with school logo
Mid layer with sublimated piping. Embroidered with school logo
Tracksuit bottoms with sublimated piping and school logo
Fees
Academic year 2025/26
Please click here for information regarding our Fees in Advance Scheme.
Please click here for information regarding our Fees in advance calculator
Please click here for information regarding our School Fee Plan.
Please click here for information regarding our Coach prices.
Fees refund scheme
Please click here for more information on our Fees Refund Scheme.
Fees refund scheme
Students from Year 7 to Year 13, will each receive a digital device. When joining Year 12, you will receive a Microsoft Surface Pro 10 for Business. The charge for the device rental is £125 per term (£375 a year) and this charge will be itemised on your termly invoice.
For more information please click here
Insurance cover information
Students Healthcare Scheme
AXA
Co-curricular information
At Habs, we offer a full and varied co-curricular programme. We enjoy seeing students explore a range of clubs and activities.
If there is a club that you want to see, we will support you in every way possible to set it up. These opportunities provide fantastic opportunities for you to continue learning outside of the classroom.
Drama
Drama at Habs is an inclusive and thriving community that develops the skills and instincts of our students as performers, storytellers and artists.
Working collaboratively, inside and outside the classroom, we develop pupils as theatre-makers encouraging them to take creative ownership of the work and to take risks and be playful in doing so. As one of the most vibrant and diverse drama programmes in the country, process sits at the heart of everything we do. Students have the opportunities to work with a broad range of professional artists both to support the curriculum and to create new and ambitious work that is playful, relevant and socially conscious and sits alongside other leading Youth Theatre companies.
Our work ranges from adaptations of books, graphic novels and classic texts to new plays devised by the company or created alongside professional writers. Each year there are at least three major school productions, as well as participation in the Coram Shakespeare Schools Festival and the National Theatre New Views Programme. Alongside this, there are numerous other opportunities, including house events, masterclasses, improvisation workshops and writing mentorship groups with the aim of engaging as diverse a range of students as possible. We are also excited to be developing our film making provision - giving students the opportunities to train in all aspects of film making and produce their own film projects.
We frequently collaborate with the Girls’ Schools and the music department as well as partnership projects with other schools and companies. This is a really exciting time for Drama at Habs, as we look to take more work outside of the school and collaborate with some really exciting partners and there is a place for any student to be involved regardless of experience.
Music
Music is central to life at Habs, exceptional in both its quality and breadth of opportunity. With over 70 ensembles rehearsing every week, over 20 major concerts per year, and lunchtime performance opportunities every week, our musicians are part of one of the most vibrant and diverse music programmes in the country.
It is an exciting time for music at Habs. We are working together with the Girls’ School on more and more projects, raising the potential of what we can offer even further. We visit concert halls in London several times a year, curate projects through recording (our Big Band recently recorded at the world-famous Abbey Road Studios), collaborate with drama to produce new work, run music partnership programmes in the community, host several summer schools a year, and much more. Alongside our outstanding orchestral programme, the pinnacle being our combined Habs Elstree Symphony Orchestra, we have an exceptional jazz department, sending students every year to leading conservatoires in London and beyond.
Since 2022 we are delighted to offer tuition in Indian Classical Music, on instruments such as Tabla, Dhol, and Harmonium. We have prodigious young songwriters, rock bands, composers, improvisers, one of the largest guitar orchestras in the country - all genres and styles of music are given equal platform, we want our leading musicians to guide our course of study, allowing them to impact the shape of what we offer with each generation that passes through the school.
For any young musician who wants to discover their potential, whilst experiencing a breadth of styles and opportunity through the process, Habs is the perfect place. Together with our talented young students we are immensely excited about what the future holds for Habs music.
We are proud to have an exceptional team of Visiting Music Teachers (VMTs) who provide expert tuition on a wide range of instruments. Whether you would like to continue an instrument you have already started with, or whether you’re curious to try something new, click here to find out more and to apply for lessons.
We offer lessons on the following instruments: FLUTE
OBOE CLARINET
SAXOPHONE BASSOON
TRUMPET
FRENCH HORN
TROMBONE
TUBA
VIOLIN
VIOLA
CELLO
DOUBLE BASS
ACOUSTIC GUITAR
PIANO
ORGAN
PERCUSSION
DRUMS
VOICE
TABLA
Sport
Sport is an integral part of school life at Habs and we encourage students to engage in a variety of sport and physical activities.
We offer all students the opportunity to represent the school and they have the chance to get involved in Inter House events, social activities, Inter House events, social activities or competitive fixtures with other local schools. We also encourage a healthy relationship with sporting and exercise, helping to develop an understanding of how exercise can positively affect wellbeing, cultivate team spirit, positive relationships and pride in both individual and team achievements.
Participation rates are exceptionally high with students embracing the opportunity to get involved with our broad and diverse sporting programme.
As part of school life at Habs, we have a weekly 3.5km community run. This is HabsDash and it takes place every Tuesday lunchtime with a route that takes students around our school grounds. The run is open to all members of the Habs community – students and staff, at both the Boys’ School and Girls’ School. To take part, students need to go to the Medburn Centre at 12.40pm on Tuesdays and get changed – the run starts at 12.50pm. The school produces results sheets each week so students can track their progress and work towards running a half marathon, a marathon or even further.
We also run pre-season rugby and football sessions. Students will need to bring boots, trainers, shinpads (football) and mouthguards (rugby) to each session, along with some light snacks and plenty of water. Further details will be shared by the Sports Administrator in due course.
MOUTHGUARD INFORMATION
For students taking part in a sport that requires a mouthguard, such as Lacrosse, parents can order from Opro. We would recommend a high or pro impact mouthguard. You can choose any design, including a Habs branded version.
A selection of some of the sports available to students:
ATHLETIC DEVELOPMENT
ATHLETICS
BADMINTON
BASKETBALL
CLIMBING
CRICKET*
CROSS COUNTRY
FITNESS
FOOTBALL
GAMEPLAY
GOLF
GYMNASTICS
HABSDASH
HOCKEY*
RUGBY
RUGBY SEVENS
SOFTBALL
SPIKEBALL
SQUASH
SWIMMING
TABLE TENNIS
TENNIS
TOUCH RUGBY
WATER POLO
SWIMMING
TABLE TENNIS
Leadership opportunities
There are multiple leadership opportunities that you can undertake during your time in the Sixth Form, furthering your skills and giving you examples for those all important job interviews and personal statements.
There are leadership opportunities through whole school initiatives such as the Student Voice, which is made up of Lower Sixth students, or the School Prefect team, who are selected towards the end of the Lower Sixth year.
In addition to the whole school roles there are numerous other opportunities to take on the responsibilities of leadership through the broad range of co-curricular activities on offer.
Travelling to school Coaches
Parking
The security barrier on Butterfly Lane is lowered at 5.30pm Monday to Friday. If your parents or guardians need access after 5.30pm then they can still enter via Butterfly Lane and park in the North Drive car park. The routine drop-off and pick up point for students is the Pitch 5 car park, next to the AstroTurf pitches. For evening events, such as parents’ evening or concerts, parents can park in the North Drive car park after 6pm.
The School Transport Manager, Ms Emma Summers, will be pleased to answer any parental questions regarding travelling to and from Habs. She and her team can be contacted by email on transport@habselstree.org.uk or on 020 8266 1920.
Parents are responsible for their children until they board the school coach. When travelling by coach, all pupils must have with them a working and in-credit mobile phone.
Coach tickets are available for regular travel or single journeys. Single journey coach tickets can be purchased from the School Office, subject to availability, for the day in question.
Should your child lose an item on the coach and it is found by the coach company, it will be placed in the lost property racks in the Coach Park. If it is of high value, such as a musical instrument or a mobile phone, it will be taken to the Transport Manager’s Office and can be retrieved by asking a member of staff on duty in the Coach Park.
There is a Home to School Coach Terms of Service which all parents, guardians and pupils must follow when using the service. The Reception booklet has a section for Important Websites.
To book your child’s coach seat for September 2025 please complete the online booking request form.
Driving in
STUDENTS
We encourage you to take the school coach, as this is a more reliable option. If you have passed your driving test, you may drive to school and park at Aldenham Country Park. However, this is strictly at your own liability. There is no parking available for the Sixth Form on school grounds at any time.
PARENTS
At drop off and pick up at 4.15pm, there will be a one way system in place. Marshals will direct you to our drop off zone behind the Aske Building, opposite our AstroTurfs.
University and Careers
When it comes to thinking about life after Habs there is a wealth of support on offer. From early in the Sixth Form, you will be encouraged to think about the myriad options available to you after school. As Head of University Applications, Mrs Revens, will take the lead on guiding you through the UCAS process while the school will also be able to support those looking to apply to US and other overseas universities. If you are thinking about a degree apprenticeship or want to get advice about careers, please reach out to the Head of Futures, Mr Spencer Pinkus (spinkus@ habselstree.org.uk)
Alumni network
Graduation marks the end of your school days but not your connection to the school. As an alumni, you will remain an important part of the Habs community throughout your life.
Graduates of either school - Habs Boys or Habs Girls - are known as Old Haberdashers. As an Old Haberdasher (OH, for short) you become part of a career and social network of thousands of alumni worldwide. The Alumni Office within the Habs Elstree Schools Foundation is here to help Old Haberdashers’ connect with each other, the school and their former teachers. As Old Haberdashers you will be invited to meet-ups, reunions and professional networking events throughout the year.
There will also be opportunities to come back to Habs and help current students, as you may have been helped yourself during your time at the school. This might include giving advice on choosing a university or course of study or, later, career talks and tips. Questions? Contact the Alumni Office any time: foundationboys@habselstree.org.uk
Your future after Habs
Parental Professional Expertise
As a school, we benefit hugely from the professional expertise and generosity of Alumni.
GOVERNORS
AND PARENTS
In this increasingly competitive environment, we recognise the need to complement the school’s rigorous academic approach and develop the students’ understanding of the skills that will be required of them when they enter the workplace. We run a number of events and initiatives to support students in this area, and there are many ways in which parents may be able to contribute.
Special events
NETWORKING BREAKFASTS
We hold careers networking breakfasts jointly with the Girls’ School across a range of sectors. These give Sixth Form students the opportunity to talk informally to representatives from a variety of professions within their field of interest. Breakfast sessions run in fields such as Medicine, Law, Finance, Media & Creative industries, Public Sector, STEM and Entrepreneurship. We are always delighted to hear from parents who would like to represent their profession at one of these sessions. Breakfasts run from 8.30-9.15am at the Boys’ School.
EMPLOYABILITY SESSIONS
To support our students with the skills they will need as they embark on their careers, we run various employability talks and workshops and would love to hear from anyone who would be happy to deliver sessions on topics such as graduate recruitment, digital interviews and online assessments, interview skills, transferable skills; and assessment centres.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Please let us know if you would be willing to accommodate one or more of our students for a work experience placement. This might be for two days or two weeks, and can be online, in-person or a blend of both. Placements are hugely appreciated by our students, helping them to develop skills outside of the classroom as well as gain an insight into a career they may be interested in.
MOCK INTERVIEWS
Could you carry out a mock work-based interview and provide feedback? Each year an increasing number of our students consider applying for degree apprenticeship programmes, so any support with mock interviews is extremely useful. If you can help with one or more of the above, please contact Mr Spencer Pinkus (spinkus@habselstree.org.uk).
Introducing our Parents’ Guild
Habs Boys’ Parents’ Guild (HBPG) is run by both Prep and Senior School parents, HBPG is a strategic partner for the Boys’ School to enrich and enhance the education of students across all year groups and creating opportunities for engagement with the wider school community.
As a parent or guardian of a pupil at Habs Boys, you are automatically a member of the Guild. The Guild is a great way for parents and guardians to get more involved in school life – enabling you to get to know other parents across the year group and within your child’s class and House in the Prep and Senior School.
The school have established a committee of 15 parents, representative of the school community. Alongside this, the Guild have established a network of House reps in the Senior School and we also have the existing network of class reps in the Prep School. The reps across both the Prep and Senior School will communicate most of the Guild’s messages via established class/House WhatsApp groups.
Click here to find out the Parents’ Guild objectives and how they work. We look forward to getting you involved!
