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
Read moreAwards
School 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
A new Sixth Form Centre on Castle Campus will provide state-of the-art education facilities for generations of Berkhamsted students. Opening in Spring 2025.
Find out morePlease read more about our Anti-Modern Slavery policy in our 2024 statement:
News
Berkhamsted Group, Boys, Girls, Sixth Form | 28.03.2025
Berkhamsted celebrates opening of new Sixth Form building
Read
Berkhamsted Group, Boys, Girls, Sixth Form | 27.03.2025
ISI report finds “significant strength” in use of ICT
Read
Berkhamsted Group, Girls | 26.03.2025
Who was Marjory Stephenson? A closer look at the Berkhamsted Girls alumna
Read
Berkhamsted Group, Heatherton | 24.03.2025
Amersham named in The Sunday Times Best Places to Live 2025
Read
Berkhamsted Group, Boys, Girls, Pre-Prep, Prep, Sixth Form | 24.03.2025
Berkhamsted named in The Sunday Times Best Places to Live 2025
Read
Trailblazer in STEM | Marjory Stephenson 🌟
@theroyalsociety is honouring @oldberkhamstedians Marjory Stephenson with a new documentary, marking 80 years since she became one of the first women elected to its Fellowship in 1945.
Stephenson’s journey began at @berkhamstedgirls , where she was encouraged to study science, rare for girls at the time. Despite being barred from university libraries and laboratories at Cambridge, she became a pioneer of bacterial biochemistry, isolating the first enzyme from bacterial cells and authoring the influential book Bacterial Metabolism.
Her impact was enormous:
🔬 Over 20 scientific papers
📖 A textbook still used today
👩🔬 First female president of the Society for General Microbiology
🏛 Cambridge’s first Reader in Chemical Microbiology
She broke barriers and paved the way for generations of women in STEM.
In her honour, we created Stephenson House at Berkhamsted Girls in 2017, inspiring today’s pupils to carry forward her legacy of innovation, strength and resilience. 💫
🎥 Watch the Royal Society’s documentary celebrating Stephenson and fellow trailblazer Kathleen Lonsdale — true icons of science and equality.
Trailblazer in STEM | Marjory Stephenson 🌟
@theroyalsociety is honouring @oldberkhamstedians Marjory Stephenson with a new documentary, marking 80 years since she became one of the first women elected to its Fellowship in 1945.
Stephenson’s journey began at @berkhamstedgirls , where she was encouraged to study science, rare for girls at the time. Despite being barred from university libraries and laboratories at Cambridge, she became a pioneer of bacterial biochemistry, isolating the first enzyme from bacterial cells and authoring the influential book Bacterial Metabolism.
Her impact was enormous:
🔬 Over 20 scientific papers
📖 A textbook still used today
👩🔬 First female president of the Society for General Microbiology
🏛 Cambridge’s first Reader in Chemical Microbiology
She broke barriers and paved the way for generations of women in STEM.
In her honour, we created Stephenson House at Berkhamsted Girls in 2017, inspiring today’s pupils to carry forward her legacy of innovation, strength and resilience. 💫
🎥 Watch the Royal Society’s documentary celebrating Stephenson and fellow trailblazer Kathleen Lonsdale — true icons of science and equality.
Why Berkhamsted?
Is it because we partner with specialist sports coaches?
We had a very special visit this term from the Oxford University Rugby Club @ourfc_blues ! 🏉
Oxford University’s Head of Women’s Rugby, Scott Hall, led fun and fast-paced sessions with our Prep pupils – putting their coordination, teamwork, and smiles to the test! ☀️ It was brilliant to see so many getting stuck in on our sunny 3G Astro.
Meanwhile, our Senior Boys and Girls squads got some elite-level coaching too, with one of Oxford’s Rugby Blues helping prep our U18s for the Rosslyn Park 7s.
Huge thanks to the Oxford Uni coaching team for inspiring our players. It was a fantastic chance to learn how to balance top-tier sport and academic study.
Why Berkhamsted?
Is it because we partner with specialist sports coaches?
We had a very special visit this term from the Oxford University Rugby Club @ourfc_blues ! 🏉
Oxford University’s Head of Women’s Rugby, Scott Hall, led fun and fast-paced sessions with our Prep pupils – putting their coordination, teamwork, and smiles to the test! ☀️ It was brilliant to see so many getting stuck in on our sunny 3G Astro.
Meanwhile, our Senior Boys and Girls squads got some elite-level coaching too, with one of Oxford’s Rugby Blues helping prep our U18s for the Rosslyn Park 7s.
Huge thanks to the Oxford Uni coaching team for inspiring our players. It was a fantastic chance to learn how to balance top-tier sport and academic study.
Berkhamsted Sporting Success🏆
This term, Berkhamsted pupils have achieved remarkable success across a wide range of sports.
From rugby to lacrosse, netball to skiing, our pupils are achieving incredible things on and off the pitch. Here are just a few recent highlights from last term:
🏉 Rugby – Tournament wins from U12s to U18s, including historic victories and @englandrugby camp call-ups
🏑 Lacrosse – National champions across multiple age groups, with pupils selected for @englandlacrosse and @southafricawomenslacrosse
🏐 Netball – National finalists and regional champions, plus players in elite squads
⚽️ Football – League winners & academy signings with @cpfc and @oufcofficial
🎿 Skiing – Teams in the National Ski racing finals and top 10 finishes for Ellie representing Team GB
🏏 Cricket, Squash, Fives, Golf & Cross Country – County titles, national finals.
But it’s not just about the trophies. At Berkhamsted, sport is for everyone – building confidence, teamwork and a lifelong love of sport and exercise. With amazing facilities and endless opportunities, we help every pupil find their game. 💪
Want to see it for yourself?
🎟️ Join us at our Boys and Girls Open Events on Friday 25 April or our Sports Open Event on Thursday 4 September – book via the link in bio or drop a comment saying ‘event’ and we’ll send you the link!
Berkhamsted Sporting Success🏆
This term, Berkhamsted pupils have achieved remarkable success across a wide range of sports.
From rugby to lacrosse, netball to skiing, our pupils are achieving incredible things on and off the pitch. Here are just a few recent highlights from last term:
🏉 Rugby – Tournament wins from U12s to U18s, including historic victories and @englandrugby camp call-ups
🏑 Lacrosse – National champions across multiple age groups, with pupils selected for @englandlacrosse and @southafricawomenslacrosse
🏐 Netball – National finalists and regional champions, plus players in elite squads
⚽️ Football – League winners & academy signings with @cpfc and @oufcofficial
🎿 Skiing – Teams in the National Ski racing finals and top 10 finishes for Ellie representing Team GB
🏏 Cricket, Squash, Fives, Golf & Cross Country – County titles, national finals.
But it’s not just about the trophies. At Berkhamsted, sport is for everyone – building confidence, teamwork and a lifelong love of sport and exercise. With amazing facilities and endless opportunities, we help every pupil find their game. 💪
Want to see it for yourself?
🎟️ Join us at our Boys and Girls Open Events on Friday 25 April or our Sports Open Event on Thursday 4 September – book via the link in bio or drop a comment saying ‘event’ and we’ll send you the link!
Talking Teens Workshop
Monday, 28 April 2025 19:00 to 21.30
£28 per person
Castle Campus, Berkhamsted School
Talking Teens is a popular, two-and-a-half-hour workshop run by @supportinglinks who provide parenting support through workshops, courses and 1:1 mentoring.
A Supporting Links workshop is not a lecture. It is an engaging session for parents and carers of children from Year 7 upwards in the Berkhamsted Schools group.
Learn why young people behave as they do, and how you can improve communication and encourage positive behaviour.
Book your place via the link in our bio.
Talking Teens Workshop
Monday, 28 April 2025 19:00 to 21.30
£28 per person
Castle Campus, Berkhamsted School
Talking Teens is a popular, two-and-a-half-hour workshop run by @supportinglinks who provide parenting support through workshops, courses and 1:1 mentoring.
A Supporting Links workshop is not a lecture. It is an engaging session for parents and carers of children from Year 7 upwards in the Berkhamsted Schools group.
Learn why young people behave as they do, and how you can improve communication and encourage positive behaviour.
Book your place via the link in our bio.
Berkhamsted recognised for a “significant strength” in the use of ICT for teaching and learning 👏
We’re delighted that our @berkhamstedboys, @berkhamstedgirls and @berkhamstedsixth schools have been recognised by the Independent Schools Inspectorate, for a “significant strength” in the use of ICT for teaching and learning 💻
This is our third major recognition across the Schools Group – highlighting:
✨ Innovation in digital learning
🗣️ Vocabulary development at Heatherton
🔬 Research-led teaching at Prep & Pre-Prep
We’re proud to be leading the way in education, character development and pupil development. 🌟
🔗 Read the full report via the link in our bio
Berkhamsted recognised for a “significant strength” in the use of ICT for teaching and learning 👏
We’re delighted that our @berkhamstedboys, @berkhamstedgirls and @berkhamstedsixth schools have been recognised by the Independent Schools Inspectorate, for a “significant strength” in the use of ICT for teaching and learning 💻
This is our third major recognition across the Schools Group – highlighting:
✨ Innovation in digital learning
🗣️ Vocabulary development at Heatherton
🔬 Research-led teaching at Prep & Pre-Prep
We’re proud to be leading the way in education, character development and pupil development. 🌟
🔗 Read the full report via the link in our bio
Why Berkhamsted?
Is it for our co-curricular opportunities?
We offer extensive co-curricular opportunities ranging from the performing arts to sport and outdoor education. Our outstanding facilities include a 500-seat professional standard theatre, 25m swimming pool, 4G AstoTurf and a dedicated outdoor education site.
Recognised programmes such as Duke of Edinburgh and Combined Cadet Force are available for pupils to challenge themselves and take on new skills. Pupils are encouraged to participate in a range of opportunities throughout their time at Berkhamsted to build character and develop into well-rounded, remarkable people.
Come and see for yourself at our Open Event on Friday 25 April.
Book your place via the link in our bio or comment ‘event’ below and we’ll send you a link.
Why Berkhamsted?
Is it for our co-curricular opportunities?
We offer extensive co-curricular opportunities ranging from the performing arts to sport and outdoor education. Our outstanding facilities include a 500-seat professional standard theatre, 25m swimming pool, 4G AstoTurf and a dedicated outdoor education site.
Recognised programmes such as Duke of Edinburgh and Combined Cadet Force are available for pupils to challenge themselves and take on new skills. Pupils are encouraged to participate in a range of opportunities throughout their time at Berkhamsted to build character and develop into well-rounded, remarkable people.
Come and see for yourself at our Open Event on Friday 25 April.
Book your place via the link in our bio or comment ‘event’ below and we’ll send you a link.
We’re not launching BerkoRush at Berkhamsted (did you spot the April Fool? 😉)… but we are excited to show you the incredible breadth of sports we offer at our Sports Open Event on Thursday 4 September.
From rugby, football and lacrosse to swimming, netball and cricket, sport is a big part of life at Berkhamsted.
Our students develop resilience, teamwork and a love of being active—whether they’re competing regionally, in our House events or just enjoying the game.
Our facilities include:
🏊♂️ 25m swimming pool
⚽ 4G AstroTurf & extensive playing fields
🏋️♀️ Refurbished gym & indoor cricket nets
🌿 Dedicated outdoor education site
Want to come and see it all for yourself?
📲 Tap the link in our bio or comment ‘event’ and we’ll send you the booking link.
#AprilFools #BerkhamstedSport #TeamBerko
We’re not launching BerkoRush at Berkhamsted (did you spot the April Fool? 😉)… but we are excited to show you the incredible breadth of sports we offer at our Sports Open Event on Thursday 4 September.
From rugby, football and lacrosse to swimming, netball and cricket, sport is a big part of life at Berkhamsted.
Our students develop resilience, teamwork and a love of being active—whether they’re competing regionally, in our House events or just enjoying the game.
Our facilities include:
🏊♂️ 25m swimming pool
⚽ 4G AstroTurf & extensive playing fields
🏋️♀️ Refurbished gym & indoor cricket nets
🌿 Dedicated outdoor education site
Want to come and see it all for yourself?
📲 Tap the link in our bio or comment ‘event’ and we’ll send you the booking link.
#AprilFools #BerkhamstedSport #TeamBerko
BIG NEWS! 🎉
We’re thrilled to announce BerkoRush – the high-speed, rose-chasing game coming to Berkhamsted this September! 🌹
The goal? Simple: catch the flying rose. (Yes, it actually flies. Or at least… we think it will.)
Open to the entire community – goggles optional, fun guaranteed. 😄
What do you think the rules should be? Drop your suggestions below. 👇
BIG NEWS! 🎉
We’re thrilled to announce BerkoRush – the high-speed, rose-chasing game coming to Berkhamsted this September! 🌹
The goal? Simple: catch the flying rose. (Yes, it actually flies. Or at least… we think it will.)
Open to the entire community – goggles optional, fun guaranteed. 😄
What do you think the rules should be? Drop your suggestions below. 👇
It`s #TECHOGNITION day 🧪
Today we`re celebrating school and college technicians.
Here are some of our Science technicians at Berkhamsted setting up some experiments.
Photo 1: Biology setting up their clinostats.
Photo 2: Chemistry technician doing a titration.
Photo 3: Physics setting up our Pasco data logging for a momentum practical.
It`s #TECHOGNITION day 🧪
Today we`re celebrating school and college technicians.
Here are some of our Science technicians at Berkhamsted setting up some experiments.
Photo 1: Biology setting up their clinostats.
Photo 2: Chemistry technician doing a titration.
Photo 3: Physics setting up our Pasco data logging for a momentum practical.
Why Berkhamsted? Is it for our stunning location – the only Hertfordshire town to be listed in The Sunday Times Best Places to Live?
☕️We are thrilled to see Berkhamsted identified by The Sunday Times’ team of experts as one of the top places to live in the UK. “Small enough to feel safe but busy enough that you won’t get bored”, Berkhamsted boasts a plethora of pubs, cafes, sports clubs, and a vibrant cultural scene.
📵Berkhamsted School is listed in the guide to Berkhamsted’s ‘Best Schools’. It also appears in The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide and was highlighted for being “phone free” due to our Yondr Pouch policy.
🛤️The judges have all personally visited the locations and assessed factors from schools to transport, access to green spaces and the health of the high street.
👬Join us at our upcoming Open Events on 25 April and 14 June to explore this “beautiful town” and see for yourself how Berkhamsted School contributes to this wonderful community.
🔗Book now via the link in our bio.
Why Berkhamsted? Is it for our stunning location – the only Hertfordshire town to be listed in The Sunday Times Best Places to Live?
☕️We are thrilled to see Berkhamsted identified by The Sunday Times’ team of experts as one of the top places to live in the UK. “Small enough to feel safe but busy enough that you won’t get bored”, Berkhamsted boasts a plethora of pubs, cafes, sports clubs, and a vibrant cultural scene.
📵Berkhamsted School is listed in the guide to Berkhamsted’s ‘Best Schools’. It also appears in The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide and was highlighted for being “phone free” due to our Yondr Pouch policy.
🛤️The judges have all personally visited the locations and assessed factors from schools to transport, access to green spaces and the health of the high street.
👬Join us at our upcoming Open Events on 25 April and 14 June to explore this “beautiful town” and see for yourself how Berkhamsted School contributes to this wonderful community.
🔗Book now via the link in our bio.
🎙️ New Podcast Episode!
Join us as @oldberkhamstedians Ben Garman shares his journey from Berkhamsted to the University of Bristol, including a transformative gap year experience working with a non-profit law firm in America on death row cases.
Ben reflects on how this eye-opening experience shaped his views on the death penalty, the importance of understanding different perspectives, and his personal growth along the way.
🎧 Listen now via the link in our bio or comment ‘podcast’ below.
🎙️ New Podcast Episode!
Join us as @oldberkhamstedians Ben Garman shares his journey from Berkhamsted to the University of Bristol, including a transformative gap year experience working with a non-profit law firm in America on death row cases.
Ben reflects on how this eye-opening experience shaped his views on the death penalty, the importance of understanding different perspectives, and his personal growth along the way.
🎧 Listen now via the link in our bio or comment ‘podcast’ below.
Why Berkhamsted Sixth? Is it for our Careers Support?
We support all our students’ career aspirations, from traditional university routes to apprenticeships and entrepreneurial endeavours. Regular industry events, networking opportunities and university fairs expose students to a range of future options and allow them to speak to experts in their chosen field.
Students receive one-to-one career guidance and are supported by a dedicated internal careers team as well as a variety of external providers. Our longstanding connection with the @OldBerkhamstedians ensures pupils benefit from a wide-reaching network of industry professionals who regularly attend events and host specialist talks.
Visit our new state-of-the-art Sixth Form Centre at our Open Event on Friday 21 March.
Book your place via the link in our bio or comment ‘event’ below and we’ll send you a link.
Why Berkhamsted Sixth? Is it for our Careers Support?
We support all our students’ career aspirations, from traditional university routes to apprenticeships and entrepreneurial endeavours. Regular industry events, networking opportunities and university fairs expose students to a range of future options and allow them to speak to experts in their chosen field.
Students receive one-to-one career guidance and are supported by a dedicated internal careers team as well as a variety of external providers. Our longstanding connection with the @OldBerkhamstedians ensures pupils benefit from a wide-reaching network of industry professionals who regularly attend events and host specialist talks.
Visit our new state-of-the-art Sixth Form Centre at our Open Event on Friday 21 March.
Book your place via the link in our bio or comment ‘event’ below and we’ll send you a link.
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