Catholic Independent Diamond Model Boarding (9-19) & Day (1-19) School
EXCELLENCE IN STEM London Linked
Introduction In a world driven by technology and shaped by rapid scientific advancement, the importance of a strong Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education has never been more evident. We live in a technological society where science is everywhere; woven into our daily routines, embedded in the tools we use, and central to the challenges we face. Advances in STEM are transforming our world at an incredible pace, and the future will undoubtedly bring leaps in technology we can scarcely imagine today. At New Hall, STEM is more than a collection of subjects; it is a way of thinking. Through problem-solving, applying knowledge to real-world situations, and developing strong research skills, our students learn to approach complexity with curiosity, confidence, and creativity. From their earliest years in the Preparatory Divisions to their specialist studies in the Senior Divisions, pupils are immersed in a rich, hands-on STEM programme, designed to prepare them for the future. We have an extensive co-curricular programme, ranging from F1 in Schools, Coding & Robotics, Young Engineers, Astronomy Club, Chemistry Society, Genetics Practical Club, Mathematics Society, and more. This ensures that every student can pursue their passions and discover new ones. In an era defined by discovery and technological change, we remain committed to nurturing the scientists, engineers, thinkers, and problem-solvers of tomorrow. In recent years, Old Fishes (New Hall alumni) have gone on to read Medicine, Veterinary Medicine and Computer Science at the University of Cambridge, and Mathematics, Biochemistry, Biological Sciences and Physics at the University of Oxford.
Mrs Katherine Jeffrey Principal
Early Integration of STEM From the very start of their educational journey, pupils in our Nursery and Preparatory Divisions experience science, technology, engineering, and mathematics as dynamic, hands-on subjects that encourage curiosity and inspire confidence. Our commitment to early STEM immersion ensures that even our youngest learners develop the foundational skills that will support them throughout their school years: problem-solving, critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration. In the Nursery, children have regular visits from subject experts from the Senior Divisions, allowing them to witness science in action. This early exposure helps build excitement around STEM and nurtures an understanding that science is all around them. In the Preparatory Divisions, pupils benefit from a fully equipped computer suite and Junior Science Lab known as ‘The Octagon’. This unique lab is tailored to learners from Year 3 onwards, with specialist workbenches, stools, and equipment suitable for their age. Annual events such as Chemistry Week, Maths Week, and the New Hall Science Fair bring STEM to life through hands-on challenges, demonstrations, and themed projects. Pupils also receive exciting visitors to enhance their learning, including an Astrodome in the Denford Hall, to expand their knowledge of Space. Alongside their academic studies, pupils can participate in a wide range of STEM clubs, including Young Engineers, Computer Science, Maths Mastery, and Chess & Strategy Games, which encourage problem-solving and strategic thinking in enjoyable and accessible ways. The Year 6 CREST Award programme offers pupils the opportunity to complete eight practical projects to earn the nationally recognised ‘Superstar Award’. CREST Awards are an outstanding introduction to STEM problem-solving, giving children the freedom to explore scientific ideas through hands-on investigation and real-world challenges. From Year 5, selected pupils begin preparation for GCSE Foundation Mathematics, which they sit five years early at the end of Year 6.
STEM in the Senior Divisions STEM education in the Senior Divisions at New Hall is ambitious, rigorous, and designed to empower students with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in an increasingly technological world. In Years 7-8, Biology, Chemistry and Physics are taught as discrete subjects by specialist teachers. Alongside their core academic subjects, students are introduced to a range of STEM opportunities, including taking part in the MiSAC Competition, an organisation that promotes the teaching of microbiology in schools and colleges. Student also participate in a physics workshop called The Space Race, a highlight of the term, and enjoy in-class rocket-making competitions. Students may also take part in national challenges such as the UKMT (UK Maths Challenge) for top-set maths students and the BEBRAS National Computer Science Challenge, which involves computer-based puzzles. In Year 8, students visit Colchester Zoo, to further understand the ecology and conservation of species. At GCSE, Mathematics and Science (Triple Award or Combined Science) are compulsory, ensuring that every student gains a solid foundation in core scientific and mathematical principles. Students may also select Computer Science and Further Mathematics, enabling them to explore advanced concepts and deepen their analytical abilities. At A Level, students can study Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Core Maths, Further Mathematics, Mathematics, Physics, and Psychology.
Outstanding Results Our commitment to excellence is reflected in outstanding examination results. Last year at GCSE we celebrated our best ever set of STEM results. A record 60% of Biology, 56% of Chemistry, and 51% of Physics grades were awarded at 8+ (A*). We were also proud to celebrate the success of our first cohort of Further Mathematics GCSE students, who achieved an exceptional 82% at grade 8+ (A)* across the group. At A Level, 79% of Biology, 72% of Chemistry and 65% of Physics grades were awarded at A*-B. 90% of Further Mathematics and 60% of Computer Science were also awarded at A*-B.
Beyond academic results, our students also show outstanding commitment and success in STEM subjects. • Robyn E won the Chelmsford Science and Engineering Society Award for designing and building a fully functioning dive computer, presented at the ARU Technology Exhibition. • Max A achieved a Gold Award in the Senior Physics Challenge, placing him in the top 7% of students nationwide. • Creativity and innovation flourish through personal projects, such as Francis B, who engineered a fully working wind turbine in his back garden, capable of charging his electronic devices using renewable energy. • Our students regularly compete in the International Biology Olympiad, achieving Gold and Silver awards that place them among the top 5% of entrants nationally. • The Bebras Challenge introduces computational thinking to students worldwide. This year, students in Years 7-8 competed, with 37 students achieving the Gold Award. • A group of Year 8 students competed in the Mission Zero Astro Pi Challenge, which offers young people the chance to have their code run in space. Their programme was successfully selected to run on the International Space Station. • In the UKMT Senior Mathematical Challenge, four students secured gold and were invited for follow up rounds, with Ned B also earning a place in the British Mathematical Olympiad.
Trips Beyond the classroom, students at New Hall benefit from an inspiring programme of STEM enrichment experiences. Each year, students visit CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, one of the world’s largest and most respected centres for scientific research. This exciting trip gives students the rare opportunity to witness cutting-edge particle physics research.
Sixth Form biologists also enjoy the annual project day at the Babraham Research Institute, where they work alongside postdoctoral scientists, meet industry leaders such as the CEO of Creasallis, and gain hands-on experience with advanced laboratory techniques such as fluorescent microscopy and electrophoresis, providing invaluable insight into the realities of scientific research. This year, the Biology Department hosted a trip to The Azores, offering a unique opportunity to explore volcanic landscapes, biodiversity, sustainability, and marine ecosystems through hiking, whale watching, and geothermal fieldwork. In addition, Science Live! Lectures offer A Level students the chance to hear directly from leading scientists on topics ranging from CRISPR gene-editing technology to climate change, while also receiving expert guidance on examination success and preparing for future STEM pathways.
Co-Curricular Opportunities STEM learning at New Hall is enriched by a vibrant co-curricular programme, offering students numerous opportunities to deepen their knowledge, build problem-solving skills, and explore new areas of interest. Students can participate in F1 in Schools and Young Engineers, where they design and test engineering solutions in competitive, project-based environments. The Coding, Robotics & Game Development club further develops creativity and computational thinking through hands-on programming and digital design. A range of academic societies supports extension and enrichment, including the Chemistry Society, Biology Society/MDV, Genetics Practical Club, Computer Science Club, and Mathematics Society. The cross-disciplinary STEM Club brings these areas together, encouraging collaborative innovation and investigative work. Analytical and strategic thinking are further developed through Chess Training and the Dice & Digits Puzzle Club, while Farm Club provides practical experience linked to sustainability, environmental science, and animal care. The popular Astronomy Club gives students the chance to explore celestial phenomena and develop observational skills.
New Hall Outdoor Centre for the Natural Sciences The New Hall Outdoor Centre for the Natural Sciences is home to a range of animals, vibrant vegetable gardens, and expansive green spaces. This unique facility enriches learning across all subjects, from Art and Mathematics to English, offering hands-on experiences that go beyond the traditional classroom. At our on-site Farm, Nursery children engage their creativity with nature-based art, while pupils in the Preparatory Divisions enhance their practical skills and environmental awareness in our outdoor forest area. Students in the Senior Divisions can learn about animal care through our Animal Husbandry Volunteer Programme, contributing to the Farm’s thriving ecosystem. For many, the Farm also facilitates the completion of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. By engaging with nature and caring for animals, students from Nursery to Sixth Form develop both practical and emotional skills, fostering a lasting connection with the natural world. New Hall School’s Farm is more than just a place for education; it is a journey into the heart of learning, where every day is an adventure in growth and discovery. New Hall Park Farm, set within 70 acres of countryside in nearby Little Baddow, is ideally located as a Field Studies Centre, offering students exceptional opportunities for hands-on, outdoor learning.
Leavers’ Profiles Each year, around 85% of students achieve places at Russell Group/Top 20 universities. Here are profiles of some of our top STEM achievers in 2025: Kelvin C University of Manchester: Aerospace Engineering
Henry L Durham University: Economics
A* Mathematics A* Chinese A Further Mathematics A Physics
A* Economics A* Further Maths A* Mathematics A Physics
Full boarder & Further Mathematics Prefect
Senior Prefect
Alumnus of Windermere School
Alumnus of Little Hallingbury School
Nicole L UCL: Biomedical Sciences
Jessica E UCL: Economics
A* Psychology A* Chinese A Chemistry A Biology
A* Economics A* Mathematics A Further Maths A Computer Science
Full Boarder & Eco Council Prefect
Full Boarder & Economics Prefect
Alumna of West Island School (Hong Kong)
Alumna of Lagoon Secondary School (Nigeria)
Robyn E won the Chelmsford Science and Engineering Society Award for designing and building a fully functioning dive computer, presented at the ARU Technology Exhibition.
Leavers’ Destinations Scotland University of Dundee University of St Andrews
North West University of Lancaster University of Liverpool University of Manchester
North East Durham University University of Newcastle
Yorkshire and The Humber University of Leeds University of Sheffield University of York Northern Ireland Queens University Belfast
East Midlands University of Leicester University of Nottingham Loughborough University
West Midlands University of Birmingham University of Warwick
East of England University of Cambridge University of East Anglia University of Essex
Wales University of Cardiff
South West University of Bath University of Bristol University of Exeter
South East University of Brighton University of Kent University of Oxford University of Reading University of Southampton University of Surrey University of Sussex
London University of the Arts London UCL (University College London) Imperial College London King’s College London LSE (The London School of Economics & Political Science) Queen Mary’s University London Royal Holloway University SOAS University of London
Global Destinations USA
Asia
DePauw University, USA Michigan State University, USA Parsons School of Design, New York, USA Stanford University, USA University of North Carolina, USA University of San Francisco, USA Chinese University of Hong Kong Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Europe KU Leuven, Belgium
Sciences Po, Dijon, France
Top STEM Course Choices •
Geography & Environmental Sciences
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Biological & Biomedical Sciences
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Medicine, Pharmacy & Clinical Sciences
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Business & Management
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Psychology & Social Sciences
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Physics & Engineering
MDV Success New Hall also has a proven record of support for students looking to study Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Medicine (MDV). Over the last five years, students have secured places at the following institutions: Medicine, Leicester University Medicine, University of East Anglia Medicine, St John’s College, Cambridge Medicine, University of Southampton Medicine, Hull York Medical School Medicine, UCL Medicine, Cardiff University Medicine, University of Nottingham Medicine, University of East Anglia Medicine, University of Dundee Medicine, University of Buckingham Veterinary Medicine, Girton College, Cambridge Veterinary Medicine, University of Nottingham Veterinary Medicine, Royal Veterinary College Veterinary Medicine, University of Bristol The MDV Society offers students a unique opportunity to deepen their interest in medicine, dentistry, and veterinary science and related fields through a programme of practical, handson activities. Students take part in extra sessions on dissection and suturing techniques, gaining valuable experience in anatomical understanding and basic clinical skills. Students deliver presentations on key topics, and staff then support them in preparing for their UCAT examinations, personal statements and interviews.
Oxbridge STEM Success New Hall has a distinguished record of success in securing places at Oxford and Cambridge. In recent years, New Hall alumni (Old Fishes) have gone on to read:
Cambridge
Oxford
Computer Science, Magdalene College Engineering, Jesus College Medicine, Girton College Medicine, Newnham College Medicine, Robinson College Medicine, St John’s College Natural Sciences, Churchill College Natural Sciences, Newnham College Veterinary Medicine, Girton College
Biochemistry, Hertford College Biology, Somerville College Biological Sciences, St Catherine’s College Mathematics, Somerville College Mathematics, St Peter’s College Physics, Exeter College
Old Fish, Professor Pippa Rogerson (New Hall, 1972-1977) the first female Master of Gonville & Caius College, Cambridge. She is pictured together with fellow Oxbridge Old Fishes, Mrs Jeffrey (Mansfield College, Oxford) and Mr Goulding (Magdalen College, Oxford), at New Hall’s annual Oxbridge Dinner.
Students at New Hall’s annual Oxbridge Dinner
In 2025, Ned B secured an offer to read Mathematics at Magdalen College, Oxford
Most Able & Talented New Hall School has high academic standards, regularly outperforming local grammar and independent schools in public examinations. Our thriving programme of activities stretches and challenges our most academically able. We believe that the learning habits required to achieve academic success can be nurtured in all our students, and that even the most able can develop to even higher levels when set intellectual challenges and opportunities to think creatively. This programme is delivered alongside our excellent system of pastoral care to ensure that, as well as being academically stretched, students are supported and develop the skills to balance their studies alongside their equally important co-curricular contributions. The success of this programme can be illustrated by the performance of our most academically able students (MAT). These students represent a third of each year group, all of whom are at or above the entry standards for grammar schools at point of entry.
Old Fish STEM Success Gina Rippon, Emeritus Professor of Cognitive Neuroimaging at Institute of Health and Neurodevelopment, Aston University Old Fish 1961-1968 Professor Gina Rippon is an international expert on brain-imaging. Her research has involved techniques to investigate developmental disorders such as autism. Her current research interests explores the under-recognition of autism in women and girls, especially in neuroscience research.
Ning Ding, Research Scientist at EDURINO, an EdTech start-up Old Fish 2010-2012 Leaving school in 2012, Ning studied Psychology at the University of St Andrews and completed her PhD in Psychology at the University of Cambridge. Ning was a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Oxford, investigating recovery patterns of children’s mental health after the Covid-19 pandemic.
Lucy Greenwood, DPhil in Health Data Science at University of Oxford Old Fish 2004-2016 Lucy completed an integrated Master’s in Mathematics at the University of Oxford, with her final year project focusing on the dynamics of self-propelled cells in different background flows. She then completed an MSc in Modelling for Global Health, also at the University of Oxford, with a placement project at the National University of Singapore.
STEM in Action!
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The well-planned curriculum fosters intellectual curiosity and self-motivation in pupils. This enables both children in the early years and older pupils to develop appropriate knowledge, skills and understanding to make good progress.
ISI Inspection Report, 2024
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