In 2024, Hockerill Anglo-European College, a historic educational institution founded in 1852, enhanced its campus safety and privacy measures. Known for their innovative and high-quality fencing solutions, Jacksons Fencing provided a tailored installation to meet the unique requirements of this prestigious boarding school.
The college, originally founded by the Church of England to train women teachers, has evolved into a co-educational boarding school with 950 students aged 11-18. Located in Bishop’s Stortford, it is celebrated for its commitment to fostering a safe and inspiring learning environment.
An inspired approach to security
To strengthen safety and privacy, Jacksons Fencing installed 80 metres of EuroGuard® Combi fencing around the health centre and one of the school’s five boarding houses. This combines robust V mesh panels with the natural aesthetic of timber fencing slats, creating a balance between security and the leafy campus environment.
At Hockerill, the fencing meets the ideal specifications for boarding houses, standing 2-3 metres tall to ensure safety without creating an oppressive environment. By avoiding spiked toppings, the design prioritises a welcoming ambiance. Instead, tamper-proof fixings or concealed fasteners enhance durability and security.
The timber slats shield ground-floor windows and gardens from external views, ensuring privacy while blending seamlessly with the college’s landscaped grounds. The anti-climb mesh panels create a formidable barrier, offering robust protection against unauthorised access. Additionally, concealed fixings prevent tampering, and ensure the fencing remains secure and reliable over time.
Meeting the needs of modern education
Meeting the specific requirements requires a careful and thoughtful approach to installing fencing in a boarding school environment. Jacksons Fencing conducted a detailed risk assessment to ensure the solution addressed several key priorities, including safeguarding standards, accessibility, and fire safety compliance. The fencing avoids sharp edges or hazardous features to minimise risks, ensuring it adheres to safety requirements.
Accessibility was a key focus, with secure entry and exit points integrated into the fencing system. Emergency egress routes were designed to comply with fire regulations, supporting both safety and ease of use for staff and students.
The EuroGuard Combi system was selected for its ability to blend contemporary functionality with natural aesthetics, aligning with Hockerill’s historic campus architecture. This approach preserves the school’s welcoming and inspiring atmosphere while ensuring a secure perimeter around high-priority areas such as the health care and boarding house gardens.
Peter Jackson, Managing Director of Jacksons Fencing, emphasised the company’s dedication to supporting educational environments: “Working with Hockerill Anglo-European College to enhance the safety and privacy of their historic campus reflects our commitment to providing secure, innovative, and aesthetically sensitive solutions tailored to educational settings. The EuroGuard Combi system aligns with the school’s dedication to fostering an environment that inspires students while ensuring their safety. This project underscores our dedication to safeguarding spaces where young people can learn and thrive.”
