I feel like people get the wrong impression when they visit HABS. As a student who joined HABS in year one and is now in year 10. Reading some of the comments on here are just totally untrue. Yes the school is rigorous academically, but that's required for the best grades; it is not pushy or particularly stressful as there is a huge range of pastoral support from teachers and other members of staff. I think that HABS has got a reputation, (likely through the competitiveness of the 11+ examinations) that it is some sort of 'elitest academy' where you will be worked to death. This is TOTALLY FALSE. I have loved my time at HABS and spent an equal amount of time in extra-curricular activities where I have been able to develop myself as a person, outside of the classroom. There are 250+ sports, activities, musical and 'hobby' pursuits which you can follow at HABS, including clubs, orchestras, societies, discussions and so much more! I think the words of our former headmaster perfectly sum up what I am trying to say; "when looking back on your time at HABS, you aren't going to remember that time you got 95% in a test, or that week you spent revising for a GCSE. What you will remember, and what we want you to remember, is the time you had a part in the school play, or sang a solo in the music concert, or just had a laugh with your friends, because HABS means more than walking out of your final A-Level, eager to get your results in a few months times, or counting up your number of UCAS points. It is a place where you can spend your childhood with fun and in safety, and best prepare yourself for your future to come" Peter Hamilton.