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 more
Watch film

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.

Read more

Day Nursery

Age 0 – 3 Co-Ed
Pre-Prep

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

Read more

Pre-Prep

Age 3 – 7 Co-Ed
Prep

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

Read more

Prep

Age 7 – 11 Co-Ed
Heatherton

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

Read more

Heatherton

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

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

Read more

Boys

Age 11 – 16
Day & Boarding
Girls

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

Read more

Girls

Age 11 – 16
Day & Boarding
Sixth

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

Read more

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

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna aliquam erat volutpat. Ut wisi enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exerci tation.

Meet our Remarkable People
  • Previous slide
  • Next slide
  • Today
  • Yesterday

Developing Remarkable People

Jane Smith

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna aliquam erat volutpat. Ut wisi enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exerci tation.

Meet our Remarkable People
  • Previous slide
  • Next slide
  • Today
  • Yesterday

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

Year 12s learn to lead with Humanutopia

Year 12s learn to lead with Humanutopia

Read
‘Don’t be an island’: Getting Berkhamsted talking about men’s health 

‘Don’t be an island’: Getting Berkhamsted talking about men’s health 

Read
The Cricketer Schools Guide 2025 reveals UK’s best schools for cricket

The Cricketer Schools Guide 2025 reveals UK’s best schools for cricket

Read
Celebrating music at Young Musician of the Year Festival

Celebrating music at Young Musician of the Year Festival

Read
Berkhamsted community celebrates Diwali 

Berkhamsted community celebrates Diwali 

Read
  • Next slide
  • Previous slide
  • Are you ready to step into Christmas? Get ready like Mr Sutton and Mr Gillman! 

The countdown to the Christmas Holidays at Berkhamsted has begun! Stay tuned for festive fun and school Christmas cheer every day until the last day of term. 

11 Days to Go!🎄
 
Get involved and tell us about your favourite Christmas traditions? Use the hashtag #BerkoCountdown and tag in @berkhamstedschools

    Are you ready to step into Christmas? Get ready like Mr Sutton and Mr Gillman! 

    The countdown to the Christmas Holidays at Berkhamsted has begun! Stay tuned for festive fun and school Christmas cheer every day until the last day of term. 

    11 Days to Go!🎄
     
    Get involved and tell us about your favourite Christmas traditions? Use the hashtag #BerkoCountdown and tag in @berkhamstedschools

    🎙️ Podcast Spotlight: Promoting Nutrition Education in Schools: A Nutritionist’s Perspective

In our latest podcast episode, Grace Rawlings, the Nutritionist for Chartwells Independent, Berkhamsted’s Catering provider, dives into the vital role of teaching nutrition in schools and its impact on encouraging healthy eating habits in children. 🌱

She shares insights on:
🍎 The importance of nutrition education in shaping lifelong habits.
🥗 The challenges of balancing taste and health when working with less-than-healthy products.
📉 How fad diets can mislead, and why variety is key to a balanced diet.
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The powerful influence parents have in setting a positive example.

Listen now and take away practical tips for fostering healthy eating habits at home and beyond! 🎧✨

#BerkhamstedPodcast #HealthyEating #BerkhamstedSchool #CharterwellsIndependent

    🎙️ Podcast Spotlight: Promoting Nutrition Education in Schools: A Nutritionist’s Perspective

    In our latest podcast episode, Grace Rawlings, the Nutritionist for Chartwells Independent, Berkhamsted’s Catering provider, dives into the vital role of teaching nutrition in schools and its impact on encouraging healthy eating habits in children. 🌱

    She shares insights on:
    🍎 The importance of nutrition education in shaping lifelong habits.
    🥗 The challenges of balancing taste and health when working with less-than-healthy products.
    📉 How fad diets can mislead, and why variety is key to a balanced diet.
    👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The powerful influence parents have in setting a positive example.

    Listen now and take away practical tips for fostering healthy eating habits at home and beyond! 🎧✨

    #BerkhamstedPodcast #HealthyEating #BerkhamstedSchool #CharterwellsIndependent

    🎶 Last night, our talented young musicians took to the stage in the competitive rounds of the annual Berkhamsted Young Musician of the Year! 

With Woodwind & Brass, Strings, and Piano categories, each performer delivered a stunning solo for an audience of proud parents and our expert adjudicators. 

Congratulations to the winners moving on to the finals this Friday! 👏
 
🌟 Woodwind & Brass: James C and Emma B 
🎻 Strings: Bea M and Chelsie L
🎹 Piano: Miles F and Alexandra G

Good luck to all our finalists—we can’t wait to hear you play! 🎼 

#BerkhamstedMusic #YoungMusicianOfTheYear

    🎶 Last night, our talented young musicians took to the stage in the competitive rounds of the annual Berkhamsted Young Musician of the Year!

    With Woodwind & Brass, Strings, and Piano categories, each performer delivered a stunning solo for an audience of proud parents and our expert adjudicators.

    Congratulations to the winners moving on to the finals this Friday! 👏

    🌟 Woodwind & Brass: James C and Emma B
    🎻 Strings: Bea M and Chelsie L
    🎹 Piano: Miles F and Alexandra G

    Good luck to all our finalists—we can’t wait to hear you play! 🎼

    #BerkhamstedMusic #YoungMusicianOfTheYear

    Celebrating Diwali at Berkhamsted ✨

@berkhamstedsixth student Jashan J led a beautiful assembly for @BerkhamstedPrep, sharing the story of Diwali and the journey of Rama and Sita. Jashan reminded us all that, with courage and support from friends, we can overcome any challenge. 

Diwali, the "festival of lights," symbolises the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. Pupils learned about the values of kindness, family, and new beginnings, sparking meaningful discussions about stories passed down through generations.

Pupils’ curiosity shone as they asked questions like "How many countries celebrate Diwali?" and "Why do people decorate their doors during Diwali?" 💡 They also shared their own experiences – from spending time with family to enjoying sweets and sparklers! 🎇

Year 13 pupil Kashvi D added to the celebration by creating stunning rangoli sand art around the School, a vibrant tradition believed to bring good luck and prosperity. 🎨

For many, Diwali is a time of giving, unity, and sharing with others –A poignant message and a fantastic chance to share the history and values of Diwali with younger pupils.

🕯️ #Diwali #FestivalOfLights #BerkhamstedSchool

    Celebrating Diwali at Berkhamsted ✨

    @berkhamstedsixth student Jashan J led a beautiful assembly for @BerkhamstedPrep, sharing the story of Diwali and the journey of Rama and Sita. Jashan reminded us all that, with courage and support from friends, we can overcome any challenge.

    Diwali, the "festival of lights," symbolises the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. Pupils learned about the values of kindness, family, and new beginnings, sparking meaningful discussions about stories passed down through generations.

    Pupils’ curiosity shone as they asked questions like "How many countries celebrate Diwali?" and "Why do people decorate their doors during Diwali?" 💡 They also shared their own experiences – from spending time with family to enjoying sweets and sparklers! 🎇

    Year 13 pupil Kashvi D added to the celebration by creating stunning rangoli sand art around the School, a vibrant tradition believed to bring good luck and prosperity. 🎨

    For many, Diwali is a time of giving, unity, and sharing with others –A poignant message and a fantastic chance to share the history and values of Diwali with younger pupils.

    🕯️ #Diwali #FestivalOfLights #BerkhamstedSchool

    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.