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Open Days

Below you will find details of local nursery, primary, secondary, sixth form and independent school open days over the coming months.  These are listed in alphabetical order.  If you have missed any of the open days or in cases where no public open day has been organised by the school we would suggest contacting the school directly to arrange a visit.

If you know of open days that aren't listed, then please let me know as it's a lot to keep on top of, so it would be much appreciated!

I do my best to ensure dates, timings and details are accurate.  However from time to time details change. To avoid unnecessary disappointment we recommend contacting the school/nursery or checking their website to double check the details and confirm attendance before setting off.

You can access all the information you need about the state school applications process on the Herts County Council website (there are some Bedfordshire schools listed too, but please note If you live in Bedfordshire, you must apply to your own council. That's even if you're applying for Hertfordshire schools.)

Independent schools will run their own admissions processes and you should visit the school websites for further details. 

Jump to:
Nursery Schools (Local Authority)
Nurseries (Independent)
Primary Schools
Secondary Schools
Sixth Form
University Technical Colleges (for entry in Y10 & Y12)
Independent Schools (Pre-prep, Prep, Senior & Sixth Form) 
Further Education (16+)
Special Educational Needs Schools

Local Authority Nursery Schools Open Days (alphabetical order)

Unlike schools, applying for a Local Authority Nursery School place is not a centralised process run by Herts County Council.  You must apply directly to each school.  Not all of the nursery schools run dedicated open days.  Those who do will hold them during Spring term.  Others will be happy to arrange a visit for you.

Most of the schools are now offering up to 30 hours of childcare in some form and this will be free for those eligible for the Government's 30 hours free childcare scheme.  The format of the offering and number of places available varies by school and each has it's own eligibility criteria so you should discuss this option with each school.

For 2024/25 admissions, each school is running its own process with varying start and end dates. I have included these below where I have them, but this is for guidance only.  Please double-check with the school website to ensure you return your forms on time - I will not be held responsible if you rely on dates provided here.

Highbury Infant School & Nursery, Hitchin
Our virtual tours and Headteacher's talks for prospective parents can be accessed here
Nursery Open Days:
Monday 20th January 10am
Friday 24th January 1:30pm
Tuesday 28th January 1:30pm
Thursday 30th January 10am
https://www.highbury.herts.sch.uk/statutory-information/admssions

Highover JMI & Nursery School, Hitchin
Open day dates unknown.
https://www.highover.herts.sch.uk/admissions

Offley Endowed Primary School and Nursery, Offley, Hitchin
Before you register your child, in the first instance, we would highly recommend that you make an appointment to visit our setting.  The Headteacher will be happy to show you around and discuss the provision on offer at our amazing village school. You can complete a registration form at any time and your child will be put on a waiting list for the appropriate start date.
https://www.offley.herts.sch.uk/

Oughton Primary and Nursery School, Hitchin
Open day dates unknown.
https://www.oughton.herts.sch.uk/nursery-admissions.html

St Andrew's C of E VA Primary School & Nursery
Open day dates unknown.
https://www.standrews.herts.sch.uk/Admissions/Community-Nursery/

Strathmore Infant and Nursery School
Open day dates unknown.
https://www.strathmore.herts.sch.uk/admissions-nursery/

York Road Nursery School & Pre-School, Hitchin
Friday October 18th at 4pm
https://yorkroad.herts.sch.uk/admissions/

Independent Pre-School and Nursery Open Days (alphabetical order)

Breachwood Green Pre-school, Breachwood Green, Hitchin
Open day dates unknown.
https://bwgpreschool.co.uk/

Early Days Pre-School, Hitchin
Open day dates unknown.
https://earlydays-hitchin.wixsite.com/earlydays-hitchin

Goslings Playgroup, Hitchin
Open day dates unknown.
https://www.goslingsplaygroup.co.uk/

Highbury Lodge, Hitchin
Open day dates unknown.
https://childbasepartnership.com/nursery/highbury-lodge-day-nursery/

Hitchin House, Hitchin
Open day dates unknown.
https://hitchinhousedaynursery.com/

Kiddi Caru, Hitchin
21st September 2024, 9am to 1pm
https://www.grandiruk.com/nurseries/hitchin/kiddi-caru-hitchin

Kingshott School, Hitchin
Thursday 10th October 2024, from 9am to 11am 
https://www.kingshottschool.com/176/joining-our-nursery

Millennium First Steps Nursery, Hitchin
Open day dates unknown.
https://millenniumfirststeps.com/

Monkey Puzzle, Astwick, Hitchin
Open day dates unknown.
https://monkeypuzzleastwick.co.uk/

Pippin Pre-School, Hitchin
Open Days are held once registration has been completed
https://pippinpreschool.co.uk/parents/admissions

Pirton Pre-School, Pirton, Hitchin
Open day dates unknown.
http://pirtonpreschool.co.uk/admissions/

Smarty's Day Nursery, Hitchin
We welcome all to visit Smartys with a pre arranged booking, to enable prospective parents to view the nursery in action and to gain a feel for the environment.
http://www.smartysdaynursery.co.uk/admissions.php

St Francis' College Nursery
Meet the head – Thurs 19 Sept, 9-10.30am
Open Day – Sat 5 Oct, 10-12.30
Meet the head – Thurs 7 Nov 9-10.30am
Meet the head – Thurs 16 Jan 9-10.30am
Meet the head – Thurs 6 March 9-10.30am
https://www.st-francis.herts.sch.uk/nursery-boys-and-girls-3-months-to-4-years/nursery/

St Paul's Walden Pre-School Nursery, St Paul's Walden, Hitchin
Open dates unknown.
https://www.whitwellnursery.co.uk/

Tilehouse Street Preschool and Nursery, Hitchin
Parents are welcome to make a preliminary visit to see Pre-School and Nursery, to view the setting in practice and to gain an understanding of what Tilehouse Street Pre-School and Nursery can provide for you and your child. We recommend bringing your child to see how they interact with the setting and staff. We want this to be a positive first impression for your child. Most do not want to leave and are excited about returning to their ‘new’ school. 
https://thpsn.org.uk/admissions/

Toad Hall, Hitchin
Open dates unknown.
https://www.toadhall-nursery.co.uk/hitchin

Primary Schools Open Days (alphabetical order)

Most Primary Schools now hold formal open events during school hours for prospective parents, typically in late Autumn term and early Winter term.  Booking your place is usually required as the schools can only accommodate a limited number of parents at each event.  Where no dates have been specified schools are usually happy to arrange a visit for you.

Breachwood Green JMI School, Breachwood Green, Hitchin
Please email the school office: [email protected] or call 01438 833115 to book your visit.
https://breachwoodgreen.herts.sch.uk/

Graveley C of E School, Graveley, Hitchin
In November each year we hold an Open Morning or Afternoon, where you are invited to come and visit the school and find out more about us. Please contact the school office for further information. 
https://graveley.herts.sch.uk/

Highbury Infant School & Nursery, Hitchin
Reception Open Days:
Monday 21st October 10am
Thursday 24th October 1:30pm
Tuesday 5th November 1:30pm
Friday 8th November 10am
Monday 11th November 10am
Friday 15th November 10am
https://www.highbury.herts.sch.uk/statutory-information/admssions

Highover JMI School and Nursery, Hitchin
Tuesday 5th November 2024  
Wednesday 6th  November 2024
Tuesday 12th November 2024
Wednesday 13th November 2024
Tuesday 19th November 2024
Wednesday 20th November 2024
Tuesday 26th November 2024
Wednesday 27th November 2024
https://www.highover.herts.sch.uk/admissions

Ickleford Primary School, Ickleford, Hitchin
Wednesday 13th November 2024, starting at 1:30 - 3.00 pm
Wednesday 4th November 2024, starting at 10.00 - 11:30 am
Wednesday 8th January 2025, starting at 1:30 - 3 pm
https://www.ickleford.herts.sch.uk/

Mary Exton Primary School, Hitchin
Thursday 17th October at 1:30pm
Friday 8th November at 9:30am
Wednesday 27th November at 11am
Thursday 9th January at 1:30pm
https://www.maryexton.herts.sch.uk/

Offley Endowed Primary School and Nursery, Offley, Hitchin
We are now welcoming you to come and visit our fabulous Village school if your child will be starting Reception in September 2025. (Born between 1/09/20 - 31/08/2021).  We would be delighted to show you around and answer any queries. Please give us a call (01462 768392) and speak with Melissa or Claire in the Office or myself. If you prefer, e-mail our admissions team at [email protected] 
https://www.offley.herts.sch.uk/

Oughton Primary and Nursery School, Hitchin
Open dates unknown.
https://www.oughton.herts.sch.uk/admissions.html

Our Lady Catholic Primary School, Hitchin
Tuesday 26th November 6-7:30pm.
https://www.ourladys.herts.sch.uk/149/reception

Preston Primary School, Preston, Hitchin
Thursday 17th October 9am - 12pm
https://www.prestonjmi.herts.sch.uk/admissions/

Purwell Primary School, Hitchin
Open dates unknown.
https://purwell.herts.sch.uk/our-school/admissions/

Samuel Lucas JMI School, Hitchin
6th November 2024 at 9.15am
14th November 2024 at 2.00pm
19th November 2024 at 9.15am
27th November 2024 at 9.15am
8th January 2025 at 2.00pm
https://samlucas.herts.sch.uk/

St. Ippolyts C.E. Primary School, St Ippolyts, Hitchin
Open dates unknown.
https://www.stipps.herts.sch.uk/admissions/

St. Andrew's Church of England (VA) Primary School and Nursery, Hitchin
Monday 4th November 2024 9am
Tuesday 19th November 9am
https://www.standrews.herts.sch.uk/Admissions/Main-School-Reception/

Strathmore Infant and Nursery School
4th November at 9:30am 
4th November at 2:00pm
11th November at 9:30am
11th November at 2:00pm
20th November at 9:30am
20th November at 2:00pm
4th December at 9:30am
4th December at 2:00pm
14th January at 10:00am 
https://www.strathmore.herts.sch.uk/admissions-reception-to-year-2/

Whitehill Junior School, Hitchin
Contact the school to book in.
https://www.whitehill.herts.sch.uk/

William Ransom Primary School, Hitchin
17th October, 8th November and 11th November.
https://www.wransom.herts.sch.uk/school-information/admissions

Wilshere-Dacre Junior Academy, Hitchin
Reception starters: Wednesday 6th November at 11.00am-12.00pm.
Year 3 starters: Wednesday 6th November at 9.30am-10.30am and Thursday 21st November at 11am-12pm.
https://www.wilshere.herts.sch.uk/new-parents-information/

Wymondley JMI School, Little Wymondley, Hitchin
Thurs Oct 10th 9:15 - 10:15am
Fri Nov 8th 9:15 - 10:15am
https://www.wymondley.herts.sch.uk/

Secondary School Open Evenings (alphabetical order)

Senior School open evenings take place in September/October, with informal tours available in autumn.  Booking is not usually required for the main Open Evenings, unless stated, but Headteachers' talks will often be ticketed on a first-come-first-serve basis on the night, and booking is likely to be required for additional tours.  Visit the school websites for more information.

Etonbury Academy, Stotfold
Complete the form on the website to book a tour
https://www.etonbury.org.uk/parents-area/prospective-parents

Fearnhill School, Letchworth
Thursday 12th September 6:00-8:30pm
Tuesday 17th – Thursday 19th September 9:00-10:30am
https://fearnhill.herts.sch.uk/

Hitchin Boys' School, Hitchin
Wednesday 18th Open Evening September 6.00pm - 8.30pm
Friday 20th September Open Morning 9.15am - 11.30am
Monday 23rd September Open Morning 9.15am - 11.30am
https://www.hbs.herts.sch.uk/

Hitchin Girls' School, Hitchin
Tuesday 24 & Thursday 26 September, and Wednesday 2 October - full details on website after Sept 9th.
https://www.hgs.herts.sch.uk/

The Academy of Central Bedfordshire, Stotfold
Open dates unknown.
https://www.acb.beds.sch.uk/

The Highfield School, Letchworth
Open dates unknown.
https://www.highfield.herts.sch.uk/96/admissions

The Priory School, Hitchin
Thursday 3rd October from 5.30pm to 8.30pm
We will also host a series of morning tours for families to see the school in operation during a school day. These begin on Tuesday 8th October and families will need a pre-booked ticket for these mornings, which run from 9am to 11am. Tickets will be bookable through a link on this page which will be posted in September.
https://www.priory.herts.sch.uk/admissions/

Sixth Form Open Events (alphabetical order)

Sixth Form Open Events take place any time from October to January and can be in the form of Open Mornings, Tours and Information Evenings. Booking is often  required so please check the websites for more information.  Where no open event is listed it may be possible to arrange an individual tour with the school. Applications are made to each Sixth Form individually and deadlines differ so check with each school you are interested in to ensure you get your application in on time.

Fearnhill School, Letchworth
Open dates unknown.
https://fearnhill.herts.sch.uk/sixth-form/admission-to-the-sixth-form/

Hitchin Boys' School, Hitchin
Tuesday 14th January 2025 5-7pm.
https://www.hbs.herts.sch.uk/sixth_form

Hitchin Girls' School, Hitchin
Open dates unknown.
https://www.hgs.herts.sch.uk/page/?title=Admissions&pid=131

St Francis' College, Letchworth
Meet the head – Thurs 19 Sept, 9-10.30am
Open Day – Sat 5 Oct, 10-12.30
Meet the head – Thurs 7 Nov 9-10.30am
Meet the head – Thurs 16 Jan 9-10.30am
Meet the head – Thurs 6 March 9-10.30am
Meet the head – Thurs 1 May, 9-10.30am
Meet the head – Thurs 12 June, 9-10.30am
https://www.st-francis.herts.sch.uk/admissions/visit-us/

The Highfield School, Letchworth
Open dates unknown.
https://www.highfield.herts.sch.uk/97/sixth-form-admissions

The Priory School, Hitchin
Thursday 7th November - Post 16 Options Evening
January 2025 - Post 16 Options Marketplace Event for Internal and External applicants
https://www.priory.herts.sch.uk/sixth-form/studying-with-us-admissions/

University Technical Colleges Information Events (for entry into Y10 and Y12)

BMAT STEM Academy
Open dates unknown.
https://www.bmatstemacademy.org/832/apply

Cambridge Academy for Science and Technology
Year 9 Open Event for September 2025 Entry - Thursday 26th September 2024 5.00PM - 7.30PM
Sixth Form Open Evening for September 2025 Entry - Wednesday 6th November 2024 5.00PM - 7.30PM
https://www.cambridgeast.org.uk/

Elstree Screen Arts, Borehamwood
Wednesday, 9 October 2024 5-8pm
esaacademy.org

London Design and Engineering UTC (LDEUTC), London
Open Evening 15th October, 2024
Open Evening 26th November, 2024
Open Day 5th July, 2025
http://www.ldeutc.co.uk/

Mulberry UTC - Digital technology Healthcare and medical services, London
Thursday 24th October 2024 4:30 - 6:30pm
http://www.mulberryutc.co.uk/

Silverstone UTC
Open dates unknown.
https://www.utc-silverstone.co.uk/

South Bank Engineering UTC - South Bank Engineering UTC, London
Open dates unknown.
https://www.sbusixth.ac.uk/opendays/

Independent Schools Open Days (alphabetical order)

This section includes open days for Nurseries, Pre-Prep, Prep Senior and Sixth Form offered by Independent Schools. Independent schools typically hold a number of Open Days throughout the year and many will be happy to arrange individual visits.   Open events usually require you to register your attendance in advance. 

Kingshott School, Hitchin
Senior School Open Evening - Thursday 19th September 2024, from 6pm to 7:30pm
Whole School Open Morning - Thursday 10th October 2024, from 9am to 11am 
https://www.kingshottschool.com/224/open-events

St Christopher School, Letchworth
Nursery and Junior School:
Wednesday 13 November 2024 9.15am - 10.30am
Wednesday 22 January 2025 9.15am - 10.30am
Wednesday 26 March 2025 9.15am - 10.30am

Senior School and Sixth Form:
Tuesday 24 September 2024 9.45am - 12.30pm
Tuesday 15 October 2024 9.45am - 12.30pm

Following attendance at an Open Day we welcome families to visit again on a personal tour if they choose.
https://www.stchris.co.uk/admissions/open-days

St Francis, College, Letchworth
Meet the head – Thurs 19 Sept, 9-10.30am
Open Day – Sat 5 Oct, 10-12.30
Meet the head – Thurs 7 Nov 9-10.30am
Meet the head – Thurs 16 Jan 9-10.30am
Meet the head – Thurs 6 March 9-10.30am
https://www.st-francis.herts.sch.uk/admissions/visit-us/

Further Education 16+ (Not Sixth Form)

Cambridge Regional College, Cambridge 
Open Day - Wednesday 23rd October 2024 - 4:30pm - 7pm
Open Day - Saturday 16th November 2024 - 9:30am - 12:30pm
Apprenticeship Information Evening - Tuesday 19th November 2024 - 6-7:30pm
Open Day - Saturday 25th January 2025 - 10am - 12:30pm
Apprenticeship, Jobs and Careers Fair - Tuesday 4th March 2025 - 2-4pm
Open Day - Thursday 24th April 2025 - 4:30 - 7pm
Open Day - Tuesday 4th July 2025 - 4:30 - 7pm
https://www.camre.ac.uk/about/events/open-days-2/

Cambridge Regional College, Huntingdon
Open Day - Thursday 17th October 2024 5-7pm
Open Day - Saturday 9th November 2024 9:30am - 12:30pm
Apprenticeship Information Evening - Thursday 21st November 2024 6-7:30pm
Apprenticeship, Jobs and Careers Fair and Open Day - Thursday 6th March 2025 4-6pm
Fun Day and Open Day - Saturday 28th June 2025 10:30am - 1pm
https://www.camre.ac.uk/about/events/open-days-2/

North Hertfordshire College, Hitchin
Our open events will be running on:
13th November
5th March
30th April
Please check back for further information on these events, including how they will be delivered and how to book.
https://www.nhc.ac.uk/openevents/

North Hertfordshire College, Stevenage
Our open events will be running on:
13th November 2024
5th March 2024
30th April 2025
Please check back for further information on these events, including how they will be delivered and how to book.
https://www.nhc.ac.uk/openevents/

Barnfield College, Luton
16th November 2024 9:30am - 12:30pm.
1st March 2025 9:30am - 12:30pm.
14th June 2025 9:30am - 12:30pm.
https://www.barnfield.ac.uk/whats-on/events

Herts Regional College, Broxbourne and Ware
Open Event (Ware Campus) - Tuesday 24th September 2024 5:30 - 8pm
Higher Education/University Information Evening - Tuesday 1st October 2024 6-7pm
https://www.hrc.ac.uk/open-events

Oaklands College, St Albans Campus
Saturday 16th November 2024 10am - 3pm
Thursday 6th February 2025 5pm - 8pm
Thursday 1st May 2025 5pm - 7pm
https://www.oaklands.ac.uk/news-events/events-archive/open-events/

Oaklands College, Welwyn Campus
Saturday 9th November 2024 10am - 3pm
Tuesday 4th February 2025 5pm - 8pm
Tuesday 29th April 2025 5pm - 7pm
https://www.oaklands.ac.uk/news-events/events-archive/open-events/

West Herts College, Watford and Hemel Hempstead
Hemel Hempstead - Saturday 16 November, 9.30am-12.30pm
Watford - Saturday 23 March, 9.30am-1.30pm
https://www.westherts.ac.uk/

Special Education Needs Schools Open Days

Contact the below schools directly to arrange a viewing/information on admissions.

Brandles School, Baldock (Boys 11-16)
https://www.brandles.herts.sch.uk/

Greenside School, Stevenage (3-19 years)
https://www.greenside.herts.sch.uk/

Larwood School, Stevenage (4-11 years)
https://www.larwood.herts.sch.uk/

Lonsdale School, Stevenage (3-18 years)
https://www.lonsdale.herts.sch.uk/

Woolgrove School, Special Needs Academy, Letchworth (4-11 years)
https://woolgrove.herts.sch.uk/admissions/