Developing remarkable people

A family of leading independent schools based in Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire, offering high quality education and care for boys and girls aged 5 months to 18 years.

Welcome to Berkhamsted School

We are committed to the thriving of young people in our care – their development, their membership (with their parents) of our community, and their flourishing within a culture which is ambitious and accepting. I know that your time is precious so I recommend you start with the short film below which explains our ethos and aspirations for our pupils.

I hope this provides a useful launchpad for your exploration of our schools and helps you as you seek the best future for your child.

Richard Backhouse

Principal Berkhamsted Schools Group

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Awards

We are thrilled to announce that our Berkhamsted School is a finalist for four prestigious awards: the Independent School of the Year for Diversity, Equality, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ), the Prepared for Life Award in the Muddy Stilettos Best School Awards, the School House Mind & Mental Health Champion Award, and the School House Sustainability Champion Award. These recognitions highlight our unwavering commitment to excellence, inclusion, mental well-being, and sustainability, reinforcing our dedication to providing the best possible environment for every student.

 

School Journey

Day Nursery

The perfect environment for very young children to take their first steps into the wider world.

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Day Nursery

Age 0 – 3 Co-Ed
Pre-Prep

Each and every child is at the centre of everything we do.

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Pre-Prep

Age 3 – 7 Co-Ed
Prep

A supportive, family community which fosters a strong sense of belonging.

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Prep

Age 7 – 11 Co-Ed
Heatherton

Our role is to inspire, support and foster a love of learning.

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Heatherton

Age 2 – 4 Co-Ed Nursery
4 – 11 Girls
Boys

Exceptional single-sex classroom education with co-educational opportunities for boys.

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Boys

Age 11 – 16
Day & Boarding
Girls

Where girls flourish academically while allowing them to experience co-educational opportunities.

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Girls

Age 11 – 16
Day & Boarding
Sixth

A dynamic and diverse community that offers a stimulating and supportive environment.

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Sixth

Age 16 – 18 Co-Ed
Day & Boarding
Single sex or co-ed?

Can you really ‘have it all?’.  At Berkhamsted we offer families the opportunity to join our community from 5 months in our Day Nursery providing a through educational journey to Sixth Form at 18.  Often choices need to be made – but not at Berkhamsted – you can have it all!

Big or small?

Within our Group of Schools, we can offer all the facilities of a large School of 2,000 pupils – a Sports Centre with 25m pool and astro, an Outdoor centre with High Ropes, and a Theatre.  However, as each of our Schools are located on their own campus with the largest at 550 pupils, they are small enough to ensure that every individual pupil is known and can flourish within a secure, nurturing environment.  Our campuses also change to be suitable for each curriculum stage, meaning that a pupil who starts at our Nursery will feel like they have been through a changing school journey without feeling that they have ‘outgrown’ their environment by the time they reach our Sixth Form.

Day or boarding?

Berkhamsted has a small boarding community of pupils from the UK and abroad.  Many of our families enjoy the flexibility that our boarding facility provides for busy families, with the ability to offer early breakfast or supper or the possibility of emergency overnight care, if needed. Our boarding houses offer flexi opportunities from Year 7 with weekly and full boarding from Year 9.

Town or country?

The school is situated within the idyllic Chiltern Hills market town of Berkhamsted in Hertfordshire with a local community vibe similar to the ‘London village atmosphere’ that our London families enjoy; yet it is only 30minutes direct from London Euston and under 40minutes by car from both Heathrow and Luton airports – making it an easy commutable town.  Our location has the benefits of being in a bustling town, with easy access to the countryside.

 

Old or new?

Berkhamsted’s history dates back to 1541 when it was founded by John Incent, Dean of St Paul’s Cathedral, with our original Old Hall still at the heart of our community. But we are a forward-looking modern school. With a dual focus on teaching IT skills alongside an immersive use of IT to enhance learning experiences from Pre-Prep through to Prep, where from Year 5 pupils are issued with their own personal Microsoft Surface Device.  Our teaching staff have developed a curriculum that encourages pupils to understand how best to utilise technology as part of their learning.  In 2024 we will open a new Sixth Form, focused on providing an environment which bridges the move between school and university or the workplace.  Our classrooms will facilitate the ‘Harkness style’ of learning where the teacher will join the group at a boardroom table for a more discursive way of teaching, and the café will be a place where both staff and pupils can relax and develop working relationships as they would in any workplace.

 

All rounder or academic?

It is hard to tell when your child is young what type of young adult they will grow up to be.  The earliest years are where the foundations for future success are cemented, meaning our children are nurtured to become independent, confident leaders of their own learning. Leadership opportunities are plentiful from 3 years old with an emphasis on the personal and social development. As our children mature and move between our sites, Berkhamsted offers pupils the opportunity to become academically ambitious through various extension societies including leadership and debating. In addition, the school offers strong Oxbridge entry programmes.  Pupils may decide that they wish to develop their creative side through Drama opportunities from their first performance in Reception through to A Level or put their energy into Sport – for which Berkhamsted is currently ranked 3rd in the country.  The school also offers an established Duke of Edinburgh programme led by our own Outdoor Education team. These opportunities allow your child to have an all-round and ambitious education which we believe is what develops remarkable people.

 

Developing Remarkable People

John Smith

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Meet our Remarkable People
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Developing Remarkable People

Jane Smith

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New Sixth Form

A new Sixth Form Centre on Castle Campus will provide state-of the-art education facilities for generations of Berkhamsted students.  Opening in 2024.

Find out more

Please read more about our Anti-Modern Slavery policy in our 2024 statement:

Anti-Modern Slavery Statement 2024

News

We Will Remember Them 🕊️

Today, our School community gathered at Castle and Kings’ Quads to honour the memory of those who lost their lives in the World Wars and other conflicts.

🎺The Last Post echoed through the quads, performed by our pupils, followed by an exhortation and wreath-laying.

We stood together in a two-minute silence to remember the @oldberkhamstedians who gave their lives in the Great War.

#LestWeForget #RemembranceDay #ArmisticeDay

@berkhamstedccf

We Will Remember Them 🕊️

Today, our School community gathered at Castle and Kings’ Quads to honour the memory of those who lost their lives in the World Wars and other conflicts.

🎺The Last Post echoed through the quads, performed by our pupils, followed by an exhortation and wreath-laying.

We stood together in a two-minute silence to remember the @oldberkhamstedians who gave their lives in the Great War.

#LestWeForget #RemembranceDay #ArmisticeDay

@berkhamstedccf

🪔Wishing a very Happy Diwali to all those celebrating at Berkhamsted School.

Our pupils have been learning about this festival of lights and decorating rangoli lamps. 🎆

May this festival bring joy, prosperity, and the warmth of togetherness to you and your families. 🎉

Let’s spread light, hope, and kindness on this special occasion.

#HappyDiwali #BerkhamstedSchool

🪔Wishing a very Happy Diwali to all those celebrating at Berkhamsted School.

Our pupils have been learning about this festival of lights and decorating rangoli lamps. 🎆

May this festival bring joy, prosperity, and the warmth of togetherness to you and your families. 🎉

Let’s spread light, hope, and kindness on this special occasion.

#HappyDiwali #BerkhamstedSchool

🎼Berkhamsted's Music Award Holders shone at their concert before half-term, showcasing a wide range of talent, from Beethoven to 70s rock and musical theatre. It was a brilliant evening of collaboration, with pupils from Years 7 to 13 supporting and learning from one another. 

A special mention goes to Year 7’s Bertie A for his incredible debut performance of 'Sultans of Swing'. 🎸

The concert was a great opportunity for pupils of all year groups to come together and celebrate one another’s talent. Mr Noithip explains how concerts like these allow pupils from Year 7 to Year 13 to learn from each other and work together. A rousing performance of ‘Tico Tico’ was played by Year 9 George T on the trumpet and accompanied on the piano by Year 11 Lawrence F, showcasing a great sense of cross-year group collaboration. Accompaniment is a challenging skill for pianists to explore and one that Mr Noithip is keen to get more musicians involved in. 🎺🎹

Huge congratulations to all involved, and we’re excited for more musical events throughout the year, including the upcoming Young Musician of the Year Festival in November! 

#BerkhamstedMusic #MusicScholars #BerkhamstedSchool

Don't forget that the deadline to apply for Music Scholarships at Berkhamsted is 31 October. Apply via the link in our bio.

🎼Berkhamsted`s Music Award Holders shone at their concert before half-term, showcasing a wide range of talent, from Beethoven to 70s rock and musical theatre. It was a brilliant evening of collaboration, with pupils from Years 7 to 13 supporting and learning from one another.

A special mention goes to Year 7’s Bertie A for his incredible debut performance of `Sultans of Swing`. 🎸

The concert was a great opportunity for pupils of all year groups to come together and celebrate one another’s talent. Mr Noithip explains how concerts like these allow pupils from Year 7 to Year 13 to learn from each other and work together. A rousing performance of ‘Tico Tico’ was played by Year 9 George T on the trumpet and accompanied on the piano by Year 11 Lawrence F, showcasing a great sense of cross-year group collaboration. Accompaniment is a challenging skill for pianists to explore and one that Mr Noithip is keen to get more musicians involved in. 🎺🎹

Huge congratulations to all involved, and we’re excited for more musical events throughout the year, including the upcoming Young Musician of the Year Festival in November!

#BerkhamstedMusic #MusicScholars #BerkhamstedSchool

Don`t forget that the deadline to apply for Music Scholarships at Berkhamsted is 31 October. Apply via the link in our bio.

Today we celebrate Founder’s Day, which commemorates the opening of our school in 1541.

The first drawing is of Berkhamsted School Hall dating back to 1842. The print was found when the sunken cottages were demolished in 1966. The second photograph is of the Hall in 2016 when Her Majesty the Queen visited Berkhamsted for our 475th anniversary.

We mark this important occasion in the School’s history with our annual Founder’s Day service in @stpetersberkhamsted, shared virtually with all the pupils @berkhamstedgirls, @berkhamstedboys and @berkhamstedsixth this afternoon.

Guest speaker
Our guest speaker is @amyorrewing who is an international speaker and author who’s written the books ‘Mary’s Voice’ and ‘Lead like the real you’. She will be exploring the theme ‘Finding your voice’ which will contribute to this year’s focus on ‘Oracy’. 
 
Retiring Collection 
The retiring collection after the service will be for @communitygrocery of which Dr Orr-Ewing is a trustee. It is an award winning charity working in partnership with local churches to support those who don’t know where their next meal is coming from. There will be collection baskets and card-readers at St Peter’s for those in the church service who would like to donate.

For more information about the Berkhamsted School’s history, click the link in our bio.

Today we celebrate Founder’s Day, which commemorates the opening of our school in 1541.

The first drawing is of Berkhamsted School Hall dating back to 1842. The print was found when the sunken cottages were demolished in 1966. The second photograph is of the Hall in 2016 when Her Majesty the Queen visited Berkhamsted for our 475th anniversary.

We mark this important occasion in the School’s history with our annual Founder’s Day service in @stpetersberkhamsted, shared virtually with all the pupils @berkhamstedgirls, @berkhamstedboys and @berkhamstedsixth this afternoon.

Guest speaker
Our guest speaker is @amyorrewing who is an international speaker and author who’s written the books ‘Mary’s Voice’ and ‘Lead like the real you’. She will be exploring the theme ‘Finding your voice’ which will contribute to this year’s focus on ‘Oracy’.

Retiring Collection
The retiring collection after the service will be for @communitygrocery of which Dr Orr-Ewing is a trustee. It is an award winning charity working in partnership with local churches to support those who don’t know where their next meal is coming from. There will be collection baskets and card-readers at St Peter’s for those in the church service who would like to donate.

For more information about the Berkhamsted School’s history, click the link in our bio.

Why is Berkhamsted the best choice for your child's future?

#TeamBerko #BerkhamstedSchool

Why is Berkhamsted the best choice for your child`s future?

#TeamBerko #BerkhamstedSchool

Mind Games & Magic with Professor Richard Wiseman @instawiseman ✨

Our students were treated to an incredible lecture by Professor Richard Wiseman, Professor in the Public Understanding of Psychology from the University of Hertfordshire, as part of our Monday lecture series last week! 🎩

🧠 Through mind-bending illusions and magic tricks, he revealed the fascinating psychology behind how our minds perceive reality. 

🔮 ‘Illusions tell us something profound about the way the human mind works, you can’t possibly be seeing everything, but you think you are,’ says Professor Wiseman.

Professor Wiseman’s engaging presentation is part of the year-long programme of lectures from internal and external speakers, designed to stimulate intellectual curiosity and debate among our students. As universities and employers are increasingly looking for more than simply good grades in applicants, we encourage students to be open and inspired to discover material beyond the syllabus.

🙌We extend our thanks to Professor Wiseman for a thought-provoking presentation.

 #BerkhamstedSchool #MindGames #Psychology #Illusions

Mind Games & Magic with Professor Richard Wiseman @instawiseman ✨

Our students were treated to an incredible lecture by Professor Richard Wiseman, Professor in the Public Understanding of Psychology from the University of Hertfordshire, as part of our Monday lecture series last week! 🎩

🧠 Through mind-bending illusions and magic tricks, he revealed the fascinating psychology behind how our minds perceive reality.

🔮 ‘Illusions tell us something profound about the way the human mind works, you can’t possibly be seeing everything, but you think you are,’ says Professor Wiseman.

Professor Wiseman’s engaging presentation is part of the year-long programme of lectures from internal and external speakers, designed to stimulate intellectual curiosity and debate among our students. As universities and employers are increasingly looking for more than simply good grades in applicants, we encourage students to be open and inspired to discover material beyond the syllabus.

🙌We extend our thanks to Professor Wiseman for a thought-provoking presentation.

#BerkhamstedSchool #MindGames #Psychology #Illusions

We’ve won the @TatlerSchools Eco Warrior Award! 🏆🌱

We’re really proud to have been recognised for our sustainability programme. 

Here are some of the initiatives we have implemented over the last two years.

⚡️Reduced the school’s carbon emissions by 10.6% in 2022/2023.

💚Green Flag Eco awards given to @heathertonschool and @berkopreprep 

🚍Home-to-school coach service transporting up to 580 pupils every day, with each coach journey on average saving 31 parent car trips and 3.47 g/km of CO2. 

🚲Inclusion of electric vans and bikes in school fleet to help reduce carbon emissions. 
	
🏫Our new sustainable @berkhamstedsixth Form Centre is set to open in 2024, featuring a design focused on low carbon emissions, energy and resource efficiency, and a circular economy approach. The building will utilise air source heat pumps, mechanical ventilation, and narrow roof lights, with a green/blue roof to reduce water run-off.

💡Environmentally focussed campaigns across the school, including the low energy day which was held at @berkhamstedgirls 

♻️The adoption of a zero waste-to-landfill policy, supported by a partnership with Grundon Waste Management Ltd. This ensures that most waste is recycled, and that the remainder is incinerated in a way that generates electricity and provides heat to local homes.

🦋A partnership with the Wildlife Trust in 2022, to research the best ways to promote and increase biodiversity and flora on the School grounds.

#Sustainability #EcoWarrior #TatlerSchoolsAwards #BerkhamstedSchool #TeamBerko

We’ve won the @TatlerSchools Eco Warrior Award! 🏆🌱

We’re really proud to have been recognised for our sustainability programme.

Here are some of the initiatives we have implemented over the last two years.

⚡️Reduced the school’s carbon emissions by 10.6% in 2022/2023.

💚Green Flag Eco awards given to @heathertonschool and @berkopreprep

🚍Home-to-school coach service transporting up to 580 pupils every day, with each coach journey on average saving 31 parent car trips and 3.47 g/km of CO2.

🚲Inclusion of electric vans and bikes in school fleet to help reduce carbon emissions.

🏫Our new sustainable @berkhamstedsixth Form Centre is set to open in 2024, featuring a design focused on low carbon emissions, energy and resource efficiency, and a circular economy approach. The building will utilise air source heat pumps, mechanical ventilation, and narrow roof lights, with a green/blue roof to reduce water run-off.

💡Environmentally focussed campaigns across the school, including the low energy day which was held at @berkhamstedgirls

♻️The adoption of a zero waste-to-landfill policy, supported by a partnership with Grundon Waste Management Ltd. This ensures that most waste is recycled, and that the remainder is incinerated in a way that generates electricity and provides heat to local homes.

🦋A partnership with the Wildlife Trust in 2022, to research the best ways to promote and increase biodiversity and flora on the School grounds.

#Sustainability #EcoWarrior #TatlerSchoolsAwards #BerkhamstedSchool #TeamBerko

🎙️ New podcast episode out now!

This week on ‘In the Berkhamsted Spotlight’, Nick Cale, Head of Sixth, gives us a glimpse into Sixth Form life at Berkhamsted and how we’re preparing students for their future. 💡

We have exciting times ahead with the opening of our brand-new Sixth Form Centre, designed to foster a modern, collaborative learning environment. 🙌

📅 Don’t miss our ‘Life at Sixth’ event on Friday, 27 September! Come and discover our plans for the future.

🎧 Tune in on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, or your go-to podcast platform. 

🔗 Comment ‘podcast’ below and we’ll send you a link.

#BerkhamstedPodcast #InTheBerkhamstedSpotlightPodcast #BerkhamstedSixth #BerkhamstedSchool #TeamBerko

🎙️ New podcast episode out now!

This week on ‘In the Berkhamsted Spotlight’, Nick Cale, Head of Sixth, gives us a glimpse into Sixth Form life at Berkhamsted and how we’re preparing students for their future. 💡

We have exciting times ahead with the opening of our brand-new Sixth Form Centre, designed to foster a modern, collaborative learning environment. 🙌

📅 Don’t miss our ‘Life at Sixth’ event on Friday, 27 September! Come and discover our plans for the future.

🎧 Tune in on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, or your go-to podcast platform.

🔗 Comment ‘podcast’ below and we’ll send you a link.

#BerkhamstedPodcast #InTheBerkhamstedSpotlightPodcast #BerkhamstedSixth #BerkhamstedSchool #TeamBerko

✨ In honour of #InternationalDayOfPeace, we’re inviting pupils to light a candle on the dove at Castle and King’s Chapel this Monday. It’s a moment for them to reflect and pray for peace in the world. 🌍🕊️

#peaceday

✨ In honour of #InternationalDayOfPeace, we’re inviting pupils to light a candle on the dove at Castle and King’s Chapel this Monday. It’s a moment for them to reflect and pray for peace in the world. 🌍🕊️

#peaceday

🌱 We’re thrilled to announce that Berkhamsted has been nominated for the prestigious “Eco Warrior” award at the Tatler Schools Awards 2025! 🌍

This recognition highlights our dedication to sustainability and our ongoing efforts to integrate environmentally-friendly practices across our entire school community. 🌿

A huge thank you to @tatlerschools for shortlisting us — we eagerly await the results and are honoured to be in such inspiring company! ✨

#Sustainability #EcoWarrior #TatlerSchoolsAwards #BerkhamstedSchool
#TeamBerko

🌱 We’re thrilled to announce that Berkhamsted has been nominated for the prestigious “Eco Warrior” award at the Tatler Schools Awards 2025! 🌍

This recognition highlights our dedication to sustainability and our ongoing efforts to integrate environmentally-friendly practices across our entire school community. 🌿

A huge thank you to @tatlerschools for shortlisting us — we eagerly await the results and are honoured to be in such inspiring company! ✨

#Sustainability #EcoWarrior #TatlerSchoolsAwards #BerkhamstedSchool
#TeamBerko