Hayes is a town in West London in the London Borough of Hillingdon. The name Hayes originates from the Anglo-Saxon “Hesa” or “Heah,” which means “brushwood” or “shrubland.” Hayes is mentioned in the Doomsday Book of 1086, where it was mentioned for its agricultural output, particularly livestock and grain.

In the 19th Century, the Industrial Revolution transformed Hayes. In 1794, the opening of the Grand Junction Canal (now part of the Grand Junction Canal) greatly helped transport goods from the area. The 19th and 20th Centuries saw Hayes become a key area for the manufacturing and engineering industries. Notable companies included the Gramophone Company (later EMI), crucial in developing sound recording and the music industry.

During the interwar period, extensive housing development in Hayes accommodated the growing workforce, establishing numerous housing estates and suburban developments. Hayes remains an important industrial and commercial centre. It hosts the headquarters of several multinational companies, including Nestlé, which had a factory in Hayes until its closure in 2014, and United Biscuits.
The town's economy is bolstered by its proximity to Heathrow Airport, providing numerous employment opportunities in logistics and aviation-related industries.

Transport

• By Rail – Hayes & Harlington Station: Operated by Great Western Railway, the station provides frequent services to London Paddington, Reading, and other destinations. The Elizabeth Line, which began operations in 2022, offers direct services from Hayes & Harlington to central London locations such as Bond Street, Liverpool Street, and Canary Wharf, as well as to Heathrow Airport and further east to Abbey Wood and Shenfield.
• By Bus - Hayes is served by numerous London bus routes that connect it to nearby towns and key locations such as Heathrow Airport, Uxbridge, Southall, and Hounslow. Major bus routes include the 140 (to Heathrow Central and Harrow Weald), E6 (to Greenford and Bull’s Bridge), and U4 (to Uxbridge and Prologis Park).
• By Road - Hayes is conveniently located near several major roads, including the M4 motorway, which provides direct access to central London to the east and Reading and Bristol to the west. The A312 (The Parkway) runs north-south through Hayes, linking it to the M25 motorway and other parts of West London.
• By Air—Less than 4 miles away is Heathrow International Airport, the UK's biggest airport. It is located only 14 miles from central London and serves hundreds of destinations worldwide.

Schools

Hayes has a good variety of schools that cater to different age groups and educational needs. We have detailed below some examples:

• Charville Primary School - Offers a nurturing environment focusing on academic and extracurricular activities.
• Grange Park Junior School -  Is known for its inclusive environment and emphasis on academic excellence and personal development.
• Barnhill Community High School - Provides a comprehensive secondary education with a wide range of GCSE and A-Level courses and vocational options.
• Hedgewood School - Specializes in education for children with autism and severe learning difficulties, providing tailored support and learning programs.
• Uxbridge College (Hayes Campus) - Offers a wide range of courses, including vocational training, A-Levels, and adult education programs. It also provides apprenticeship opportunities and pathways to higher education.