THANK YOU & GOODBYE
"I would like to say thank you to all the staff at Simon Balle for the most wonderful seven years. They have had a huge part to play in everything I’ve gained over my time here and everything I’ll receive in the near future. A paragraph outlining all the things ...I’ve learned and experienced wouldn’t signify the amount of gratitude I feel towards each and every member of staff; and ultimately, it would be way too long. But despite that, a few words to express my thanks feels absolutely necessary.
Simon Balle has catered to my every need in ways I would never have imagined when I chose it all those years ago. I came from my primary school alone and yet the feeling of loneliness has been completely absent. I like to think I’ve got involved in as much as I could during my school years, but at Simon Balle I think it would be physically impossible to get involved in absolutely everything as their are always different things happening. At times I have felt overwhelmed and nervous with the amount of activities that have been available to me. However, what I now understand is that every individual extra curricular activity has moulded me in a way that only the exceptional staff at Simon Balle could have thought. In addition, throughout your school years it’s necessary to feel overwhelmed and nervous in order to grow and excel. The Simon Balle staff have helped me grow and excel beyond expectations. Genuinely, whether it be Mr Moses asking me to do athletics each week, or Mrs Owen asking me to do a speech on open day, I’ve always been supported unconditionally and come out of it for the better; with a skill that I didn’t have before. More than anything, I’ve seen how the staff have helped other students around me, students that wouldn’t necessarily have got involved as much at another school. But at Simon Balle, everyone is encouraged to be the best version of themselves and it is truly inclusive. Of course I have been taught many academic lessons and the quality of teaching has been incredible: seen in the amazing grades year after year. Although, the staff here also prioritise the type of teaching that can’t be quantified, the type that goes beyond a test or an exam, the type that will literally change a person’s life for the better. Predominately, it is the moments and memories that shape someone’s school years and I couldn’t have asked for any better or any more memories and moments.
It’s bittersweet leaving Simon Balle, and, even in the few months that I’ve been off, I’ve missed the excitement of being in and around the school grounds. I’m sad to be saying goodbye to everything and everyone that I’ve got so comfortable with over that last seven years, but all I can do is trust in the confidence and skills that Simon Balle has supplied me with going forward.
Thank you and goodbye."
Charlie R
School President 2025-26
Simon Balle All-Through School
Social Wall
Simon Balle School
3 hours ago
WHAT A FIRST DAY!
What an amazing first day of Year 7 Summer School!
It was fantastic to welcome all of our new starters to Simon Balle today and see so many new friendships, smiles and exciting first experiences already taking place.
A quick reminder that our Year 7 ABC ...Summer Challenges are underway, helping students get ready for September through Academic, Belonging and Culture.
READING CHALLENGE
Our Summer Reading Challenge is a fantastic opportunity to discover exciting books, develop vocabulary and confidence, explore new ideas and begin to discover the values and culture of our school community.
WOW ME! PROJECT
Don't forget to bring your Wow Me! Project to the library tomorrow! This is your chance to showcase your passions, interests and talents. Whether it's a hobby, skill, collection or something you're proud of, we can't wait to see what makes you, you!
We can't wait to see everyone again tomorrow for another brilliant day.
Our Simon Balle journey starts here.
#simonballeallthroughschool #simonballe #simonballeschool
Simon Balle School
7 hours ago
THANK YOU & GOODBYE
"I would like to say thank you to all the staff at Simon Balle for the most wonderful seven years. They have had a huge part to play in everything I’ve gained over my time here and everything I’ll receive in the near future. A paragraph outlining all the things ...I’ve learned and experienced wouldn’t signify the amount of gratitude I feel towards each and every member of staff; and ultimately, it would be way too long. But despite that, a few words to express my thanks feels absolutely necessary.
Simon Balle has catered to my every need in ways I would never have imagined when I chose it all those years ago. I came from my primary school alone and yet the feeling of loneliness has been completely absent. I like to think I’ve got involved in as much as I could during my school years, but at Simon Balle I think it would be physically impossible to get involved in absolutely everything as their are always different things happening. At times I have felt overwhelmed and nervous with the amount of activities that have been available to me. However, what I now understand is that every individual extra curricular activity has moulded me in a way that only the exceptional staff at Simon Balle could have thought. In addition, throughout your school years it’s necessary to feel overwhelmed and nervous in order to grow and excel. The Simon Balle staff have helped me grow and excel beyond expectations. Genuinely, whether it be Mr Moses asking me to do athletics each week, or Mrs Owen asking me to do a speech on open day, I’ve always been supported unconditionally and come out of it for the better; with a skill that I didn’t have before. More than anything, I’ve seen how the staff have helped other students around me, students that wouldn’t necessarily have got involved as much at another school. But at Simon Balle, everyone is encouraged to be the best version of themselves and it is truly inclusive. Of course I have been taught many academic lessons and the quality of teaching has been incredible: seen in the amazing grades year after year. Although, the staff here also prioritise the type of teaching that can’t be quantified, the type that goes beyond a test or an exam, the type that will literally change a person’s life for the better. Predominately, it is the moments and memories that shape someone’s school years and I couldn’t have asked for any better or any more memories and moments.
It’s bittersweet leaving Simon Balle, and, even in the few months that I’ve been off, I’ve missed the excitement of being in and around the school grounds. I’m sad to be saying goodbye to everything and everyone that I’ve got so comfortable with over that last seven years, but all I can do is trust in the confidence and skills that Simon Balle has supplied me with going forward.
Thank you and goodbye."
Charlie R
School President 2025-26
Simon Balle School
8 hours ago
RIVER LEA ART TRAIL
Our bench has officially taken its permanent place in Little Hartham this week.
After many hours of painting, we are so incredibly proud of the final piece. The sheer creativity of everyone who submitted designs to the final design is to be commended—your talent ...made this possible.
A massive thank you to Jade Dawn and East Herts Council for giving our young artists this amazing opportunity to leave their mark on the community.
Go check it out next time you're in the park!
#simonballeallthroughschool #simonballe #simonballeschool
Simon Balle School
2 days ago
SUMMER STORIES: DOMINIC
We love hearing about what our students are getting up to during their summer break, and last week we heard all about Dominic’s incredible experience this year.
At the beginning of 2026, Dominic was accepted onto the Cambridge Higher Aspirations Scheme (CHAS) ...for Natural Sciences (Biological), run by Gonville & Caius College at the University of Cambridge.
Through online supervision sessions, Dominic explored topics including cell signalling, protein dynamics, protein-protein interactions and homeostasis, culminating in an essay exploring the Hallmarks of Cancer.
His journey continued this summer with a place on the CHAS Residential, an opportunity offered to just 1 in 8 applicants. During the residential, Dominic took part in sessions focused on university applications, super-curricular activities and personal statements, before celebrating his graduation from the programme alongside his parents.
What an incredible experience and a fantastic example of our students making the most of opportunities beyond the classroom.
Well done, Dominic. We cannot wait to see where this journey takes you next.
#simonballeallthroughschool #simonballe #simonballeschool
Simon Balle School
2 days ago
YOUR MUSICAL JOURNEY
Applications are now open for Year 7 Music Scholars for September 2027 entry.
At Simon Balle, young musicians thrive as part of a vibrant musical community, with exciting opportunities to perform, create and grow.
Our Music Aptitude Test (MAT) is open to ...children living within the Priority Area who show musical potential. No music grades, theory knowledge or formal training are required — just enthusiasm, musicality and a passion for music.
If your child is ready to take the next step in their musical journey, we’d love to hear from you.
Find out more and apply here:
https://www.simonballe.herts.sch.uk/admissions/music-aptitude-tests-for-admission-to-year-7/
#simonballeallthroughschool #simonballe #simonballemusic
Simon Balle School
6 days ago
YEAR 11, YOU ABSOLUTELY SMASHED IT!
What a day! It has been incredible to see my Year 11 students celebrate their outstanding GCSE results.
The day has been filled with every emotion imaginable, from happiness and joy to excitement, pride and plenty of relief. Seeing the smiles, ...celebrations and hugs has made all the hard work over the past few years completely worthwhile.
Year 11, you have worked incredibly hard, supported one another and shown just how much you are capable of. You should be incredibly proud of what you have achieved today.
Well done, Year 11. You absolutely smashed it!
Mr East
Head of Year 11
#simonballeallthroughschool #simonballe #simonballeschool