Katherine Warrington School was established by a partnership of the existing three secondary schools in Harpenden, the University of Hertfordshire and Rothamsted Research (who together form the Harpenden Secondary Schools Trust).

The ethos of the school is aimed at enabling every student to make outstanding progress, whatever their starting point. They offer traditional academic values with an innovative, technology-rich approach, providing high quality education for young people within their local community. Central to the vision for the school is the shared belief that young people have the right to a transformational educational experience. The school fosters a learning culture that rewards effort, inspires learning and engenders a shared belief amongst all members of the school community that they are equipped to thrive in a changing world.