Simon Balle All-through School
| Simon Balle School | |
|---|---|
| File:Simon Balle Crest.gif | |
| Address | |
 | |
Mangrove Road , , SG13 8AJ | |
| Information | |
| Type | Academy |
| Established | 1957 |
| Local authority | Hertfordshire |
| Department for Education URN | 117519 Tables |
| Ofsted | Reports |
| Chair of Governors | Viv Jones |
| Head teacher | Alison Saunders |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Age | 11 to 18 |
| Enrollment | 1041 |
| Colour(s) | Hunter Green, Maroon |
| Website | http://www.simonballe.herts.sch.uk/ |
Simon Balle School is a mixed age 11–18 school, that includes a sixth form, in Hertford, Hertfordshire, England. The school's results for many years have been above the national average. The school is currently converting to Academy status.[1] Its name derives from Simon de Balle, one of two deputies (MPs) sent to Parliament to represent the Borough in 1298. He owned Ball's Park, where the school is located.[2]
Architecture
In 1958 the school featured in magazine Architects' Journal exploring the virtues of its extensive use of glass and curtain walling system; the walls do not support the dead load of the building, vertical reinforced concrete beams connected to steel horizontal lattice beams support the roof and floors.
Innovative aluminium QuickTho curtain walling systems were used in the original 1957 buildings which are: The Assembly Hall, Gym, Three Storey Block and Art / Technology classrooms. Unfortunately, the Three Storey Block curtain wall has now been replaced.
The Cowper Testimonial School
The Cowper Testimonial School which opened in 1841 and stood at the junction of Mangrove Road and London Road was closed in July 1957 to make way for the dual carriageway. The pupils were moved to the new school at Balls Park (Simon Balle School).