Rivers Education Support Centre, Hoddesdon

From the headteacher's welcome: "At Rivers Education Support Centre, we believe that every young person can achieve success when provided with the right support, guidance and opportunities. We work with pupils across East Hertfordshire and Broxbourne who may be experiencing challenges in mainstream education. Through a nurturing, supportive and highly structured environment, we help students rebuild confidence, develop positive relationships, and re-engage with learning."

Clubs and activities named on the school's website include cooking, art, knitting, film and Duke of Edinburgh.

Of the 12 pupils who finished Year 11 in 2023/24, 58% stayed in education or training for at least two terms, including 58% to a further education college.

73.3% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, and 0% speak English as an additional language, according to the 2026 school census.

The largest ethnic groups are White British (87%) and Black (7%).

In 2026, 13 pupils (86.7%) received SEN support and 2 (13.3%) had an education, health and care plan. The most common need among them is social, emotional and mental health needs.

The nearest railway station is Rye House Railway Station, about 1020 metres away (roughly a 13-minute walk).

7 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Duke Street (near), 230 metres away.

In August 2026, police recorded 214 crimes within a mile of the school, most often violence and sexual offences, anti-social behaviour and other theft. That is well above the typical figure around schools in Hertfordshire (138), as is usual near a town centre.