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.
Watch Martin answer real pupil questions
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.
Martin Walker
Principal Berkhamsted Schools Group
Read moreSchool Journey
The perfect environment for very young children to take their first steps into the wider world.
Read moreDay Nursery
Age 0 – 3 Co-Ed
A supportive, family community which fosters a strong sense of belonging.
Read morePrep
Age 7 – 11 Co-Ed
Our role is to inspire, support and foster a love of learning.
Read moreHeatherton
Age 2 – 4 Co-Ed Nursery4 – 11 Girls
Exceptional single-sex classroom education with co-educational opportunities for boys.
Read moreBoys
Age 11 – 16Day & Boarding
Where girls flourish academically while allowing them to experience co-educational opportunities.
Read moreGirls
Age 11 – 16Day & Boarding
A dynamic and diverse community that offers a stimulating and supportive environment.
Read moreSixth
Age 16 – 18 Co-EdDay & 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. A dual focus on teaching IT skills alongside an immersive use of IT to enhances 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 2025 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 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 7th 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.
New Sixth Form
Our newly opened Sixth Form Centre offers state-of the-art education facilities for generations of Berkhamsted students.
Find out morePlease read more about our Anti-Modern Slavery policy in our 2025 statement:
News
Berkhamsted Group | 11.05.2026
Charlotte House Preparatory School to Join Berkhamsted Schools Group
Read
Berkhamsted Group, Boys, Girls, Sixth Form | 06.05.2026
Dr. Kenefick’s top study tips for public examinations
Read
Berkhamsted Group, Boys, Girls, Heatherton, Prep, Sixth Form | 05.05.2026
Young Singer of the Year
Read
Berkhamsted Group, Sixth Form | 23.04.2026
Zaha Hadid Sixth Form Building wins Environment Award
Read
Berkhamsted Group, Boys, Day Nursery, Girls, Heatherton, Pre-Prep, Prep, Sixth Form | 17.04.2026
Martin Walker begins role as Principal of Berkhamsted Schools Group
Read
Dr. Kenefick’s top 7 study tips for exams 🎓
Exam season is fast approaching, and nerves are naturally beginning to ripple through the Berkhamsted community.
While a little pressure can sharpen focus, it should never come at the cost of wellbeing or lead to overwhelm.
That’s why School Psychologist Dr Emily Kenefick has shared a set of practical, uplifting strategies to help pupils prepare with confidence, maintain balance, and ultimately approach their exams with a positive mindset.
1. Study Smart
Plan ahead: break revision into smaller chunks with frequent brain breaks. 💡
2. Reduce Distractions
Put your phone away and avoid social media overload, especially before bed. 📳
3. Manage mindset
Focus on what you can control, and challenge negative thoughts. 🤯
4. You’re not alone!
Reach out to teachers, tutors, family, friends and counsellors for support. 👥
5. Take care of yourself
Eat well, sleep regular hours and keep getting fresh air. 😴
6. Come exam day…
Read questions carefully, and start with what you know.
Breathe and stay calm.
Don’t compare yourself to others, and avoid post-exam debriefs! 🧐
6. Keep perspective and believe in yourself!
Exams are important, but they don’t define you. Be proud of yourself and how far you’ve come! ⛰️
Good luck to all pupils who are preparing for end of term examinations, and in particular, our GCSE and A Level pupils who are about to embark on their public examinations. We know you’ll do everyone proud. 😊
On Monday night, Bishop Jane of Hertford came to confirm four of our pupils in our School Chapel. It was a joy to welcome her back to Berkhamsted this year and she encouraged each pupil that they are known, loved and called by God.
These pupils have been attending confirmation classes with Rev Taylor over the past few months, asking questions and exploring the Christian faith as they prepare for confirmation.
During the service, as the pupils and congregation received Holy Communion, they listened to a beautiful duet of Te Deum Laudamus. The Bishop was assisted by a Junior Chaplaincy Prefect, who served as Bishop`s Chaplain for the evening.
@stalbansdio
@berkhamstedprep
@berkhamstedboys
@berkhamstedsixth
Young Voice of the Year 🎶
And finally, a look at our youngest performers in the Berkhamsted Voice of the Year category from @berkhamstedprep and @heathertonschool ✨
A delightful mix of confidence, character and musicality from our rising stars:
Bea W — Good Girl Winnie Foster (Miller & Tysen)
Amelia K — Scarborough Fair (Traditional)
Ted G — O Holy Night (Adolphe Adam)
Jemima B — Quiet (Tim Minchin)
Alys W — Fly Me to the Moon (Bart Howard)
A wonderful celebration of young voices, we can’t wait to see how they continue to grow 🌟
Young Vocalist of the Year
Here is a glimpse into the incredible talent from our Berkhamsted Young Vocalist of the Year category 🎤
From classical to contemporary, our pupils delivered truly memorable performances:
Hannah K — Voi Che Sapete (Mozart)
Toby K — Little People (Schönberg)
Alicia W — If I Ain’t Got You (Alicia Keys)
Shlok M — For Good (Stephen Schwartz)
Each performance showcased not only vocal skill, but real artistry and expression. Well done to all involved 👏
Congratulations to all our pupils who took part in this year’s Berkhamsted Young Singer of the Year 🎤
With over 100 pupils taking part, the competition showcased an incredible range of talent, from musical theatre and opera to soulful R&B and rock. 🎶
We were delighted to welcome adjudicator @benjamin.hulett, internationally renowned operatic tenor, whose expert feedback and encouragement left every performer feeling proud and inspired. His guidance on technique and interpretation will be of immense value in their development as a vocalist.
Enjoy highlights from the Senior Young Singer category, featuring our winner and some of our adjudicator award recipients.
Earth Day 2026 🌍
At Berkhamsted, we are committed to sustainability and our approach is firmly student focused.
From Eco Clubs at @berkopreprep, @berkhamstedprep and @heathertonschool, to Environmental Ambassadors and committees at @berkhamstedgirls, @berkhamstedboys and @berkhamstedsixth, our students are driving real change, shaping a greener, more thoughtful future for our community.
Together, they create a powerful culture of leadership, collaboration and action.
Discover more about our green initiatives in our Grassroots newsletter via the link in bio or at berkhamsted.com/sustainability
@earthdaynetwork
#EarthDay #BerkhamstedSchool #GreenFlagAward #Sustainability
Our Year 10 Prefects took part in their second leadership training session yesterday.
They are building the skills they need to flourish as confident leaders both in and beyond school —focusing on coaching techniques and public speaking.
It’s been fantastic to see their enthusiasm and growth.
Well done to all involved, we’re proud of you! 👏
Last term, pupils from Years 10, 11 and @berkhamstedsixth came together for our student-led Academic Gala, a celebration of research, ideas and scholarly ambition across @berkhamstedschools. ✨
From HPQ presentations and a lively Year 11 debate, to talks on entrepreneurship and real-world business experience, our pupils spoke with insight, confidence and passion. 💡
The evening’s theme was “Entrepreneurship and Innovation,” linking character development gained through academic study to the experience of starting and running a business.
Our keynote speaker, Julia Yule (co-founder of the wellness brand @bloomandblossom), inspired pupils with three key messages: confidence grows after you start, stay disciplined, and always be kind.
A huge well done to our Sixth Form academic committee for organising such a dynamic and thought-provoking event and to every pupil who presented, debated and contributed.
📸 Photo credit: Alex L in Year 13
#BerkhamstedSchool #AcademicGala
@berkhamstedgirls @berkhamstedboys
Another exemplary display from our @berkhamstedccf cadets in our annual Yates Drill.
📸Photo credit: Alex L in Year 13 @berkhamstedsixth
What’s Mr Walker’s favourite school lunch? His favourite animal? And the one superpower he’d choose? 👀
Our Berkhamsted pupils put these big questions to our new Principal…
Watch the video to hear his answers 🎥
🎙️ New Podcast Episode
As Martin Walker steps into his new role as Principal at the Berkhamsted Schools Group, we explore his journey into leadership, his passion for community, and his vision for the future of education.
From his early days as Head of Sixth to leading the School today, Martin reflects on the experiences that have shaped his approach to leadership, the importance of empowering others, and how innovation and tradition can work hand in hand.
Listen now via the link in our bio to hear Martin’s insights on inspiring students and staff, and what lies ahead for Berkhamsted.
#Berkhamsted #SchoolLeadership #EducationPodcast #BerkhamstedSchool
Did you know that Berkhamsted School offers an extensive coach service? 🚌
We cover the areas of Beaconsfield, Gerrards Cross, Amersham, Hemel Hempstead, St Albans, Harpenden and the Chalfonts. 📍
New routes are being added from Eastcote, Farnham Common, Northwood Hills, Pinner, Ruislip, Radlett and Stoke Poges. 🚍
We offer chaperoned routes for younger pupils from Amersham and St Albans and a late coach service, so pupils don`t miss out on after-school clubs. 👩👦
Contact our Admissions team on 01442 358001 to find out more. 📞
