Dacorum Education Support Centre
30 Tenzing Road, Hemel Hempstead, HP2 4HSOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
Dacorum Education Support Centre is an alternative provision school in Hemel Hempstead for ages 5 to 16. It is one of the 583 schools in Hertfordshire. Its latest Ofsted rating is Outstanding, from an inspection in January 2013.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 23 January 2013, report published 14 February 2013
- Overall effectiveness
- Outstanding
- Leadership and management
- Outstanding
What Ofsted said
From the inspection on 24 May 2023
Pupils thrive and flourish attending Dacorum Education Support Centre (DESC). They learn to behave and improve their self-esteem. All pupils have had negative experiences in their previous schools. Most successfully return to their original school after working through a 12-week programme. Others are well supported to move to another appropriate placement. Some older pupils remain at DESC for up to two years, gaining GCSEs and other qualifications. Pupils have a warm relationship with the adults in charge. The youngest have good behaviour clearly modelled, for example taking turns and listening to others. Older pupils' lessons are more relaxed to help build their confidence, but with high academic expectations. Pupils understand and follow the two simple rules, 'let learners learn, let teachers teach' and, 'be in the right place at the right time'. Behaviour is excellent because staff know the pupils well. Pupils are supported to be able to avoid the things that make them upset or angry. When pupils are showing negative behaviour, staff calm them down quickly and get them back to learning. Clear, consistent systems and routines help this be highly effective. Bullying is rare but dealt with effectively when it does happen. Pupils feel, and are, safe.
Pupil numbers and mix
11 pupils on roll
Schools near Dacorum Education Support Centre
| School | Distance | Ofsted |
|---|---|---|
| Roman Fields Academy | 2 miles | Ofsted: Outstanding |
| Links Academy | 7 miles | Ofsted: Good |
| Chessbrook Education Support Centre | 7 miles | Ofsted: Outstanding |
| Avenue Centre for Education | 8 miles | Ofsted: Good |
| Links Hatfield Academy | 9 miles | Ofsted: Good |
School details
- School type
- Pupil referral unit
- Sector
- Local authority maintained
- Age range
- 5 to 16
- Gender
- Mixed
- Headteacher
- Ms Naomi Walker and Mrs Clare Winter
- Phone
- 01442247476
- Address
- 30 Tenzing Road, Hemel Hempstead, HP2 4HS
- Local authority
- Hertfordshire
- URN
- 131100
School details from Get Information about Schools, 17 September 2026. Ofsted outcomes published to 31 August 2026. Pupil mix from the school census, 2025/26.