School's History

Sir Frederick Gibberd College, named after the celebrated architect who designed Harlow as one of the UK's first post-war New Towns, opened in 2019 to meet the rising demand for secondary education in the area. From its inception, the school has been dedicated to providing high-quality education to the local community, even when faced with significant challenges.

Initially, the school operated out of temporary porta-cabins while awaiting the completion of its permanent facilities. This period included the difficulties posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which affected all schools across the world. Despite the global crisis, the school continued to flourish, creating a strong sense of community and purpose amongst staff and students alike. The resilience shown during this time demonstrated the school's commitment to ensuring that learning continued.

In September 2021, Sir Frederick Gibberd College moved into its new, state-of-the-art building, offering modern facilities with specialist classrooms designed to support the students' educational journey. However, in September 2023, structural concerns with the new building, constructed by Caledonian Modular, forced the school to vacate the premises. Sir Frederick Gibberd College was one of six schools affected by these issues.

The school temporarily moved into marquees, but in May 2024, it relocated to its current modern porta-cabins, which feature fully functioning specialist classrooms. While these are temporary, they provide a high-quality learning environment, allowing the school to continue delivering a strong education.

Through every challenge, from COVID to relocations, Sir Frederick Gibberd College has shown remarkable adaptability and resilience. Just as Sir Frederick Gibberd designed Harlow with vision and innovation, the school continues to embody these principles, ensuring the best possible education for its students despite any obstacles.