Longdean School

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Apsley Grammar School was a state Grammar school in Hemel Hempstead founded in 1957 as part of the growth of the town after being designated as a new town and the need for new secondary school provision.

Although named for the nearby village of Apsley the school is actually situated about one mile away in the Bennett's End district of the town. The name of the school changed to Longdean School in 1970 on the amalgamation with the adjacent Bennett's End Secondary Modern School to form the third-largest comprehensive school in Hertfordshire of the time.

The school motto was Rejoice in Thy Youth, and this remained after the amalgamation.

From September 2006 the headmaster is Mr Rhodri Bryant, replacing the previous headmaster, Mr Nigel Matthias.

[edit] Alumni

Former students include:

Paul Boateng - the UK's first black Cabinet minister and current British High Commissioner to South Africa.

Alison Wheeler - political activist.

Chris Eagles - Professional soccer player, enroled in Manchester United youth academy before turning pro, recently sent to local team Watford on a loan.