Our Vision

The Academy is inclusive and caters for the needs of all students. We ensure that every young person is successful in their own right. Achievement, at the highest possible level, will be gained in The Academy with a focus on sport, health and wellbeing and in all aspects of academic study including the visual and performing arts.

  • The Academy nurtures high aspirations and relates strongly to the world of business, enterprise and work related curriculum.
  • The Academy will benefit from links with high profile people from the world of sport, business, the arts and entertainment.
  • Extended hours and a commitment to sharing resources with the community will ensure benefits for a very wide age range of people.
  • We aim for students to be determined to succeed, confident in their abilities and fully involved in the life of The Academy and community.

Watford FC and The Harefield Academy Working Together for a Bright Future

The dream of a new dry training centre for Watford FC is a reality. The development of a purpose-built, state-of-the-art school in Harefield Village includes outstanding sports facilities and an important part of the complex is the dry training centre.

The Harefield Academy will not only be a top class school for 11-19 year olds and the new base for the Watford FC Academy but will also offer a programme of activities for all member of the community.

As Principal I am delighted to have been appointed to lead these exciting developments. The post is my second headship and I am sure that my background as a PE and Dance teacher are useful in the role. I very much share the sponsors' vision of establishing a community school where every young person will be successful in their own right. This will be achieved with a focus on sport, health and wellbeing and in all aspects of academic study including the visual and performing arts.

The Harefield Academy opened in September 2005. The dry training centre was the first part of the complex to be built and the construction work was completed during 2006.

The £26 million Academy building includes virtual learning areas, science and technology suites, all fitted to a high specification, and Directors of Watford FC have been very involved in the project at all stages.

The main school will house 750 students aged 11 to 15 and a further 250 sixth form students. 10% of the places are available for students with an aptitude for sport. Very recently a group of keen Year 6 pupils spent a day at Brunel University. During the day the young boys and girls were put through their paces over a range of activities that assessed their abilities.

The programme for the most able ensures that those who are particularly talented will follow a specially designed training schedule. They will also be offered support so that school work does not suffer when they are competing in the sport or activity which is their major strength. Much of this support will be possible with the best use of technology.

I have no doubt that the young people selected to join the elite group will be the names to look out for in the future on the football field, athletics track, tennis court and across a range of sports.

With wonderful facilities, the support of sponsors, businesses and Watford FC the future in Harefield is very exciting indeed!

Lynn Gadd
Principal