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 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. 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.

 

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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Meet our Remarkable People
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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 Spring 2025.

Find out more

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

Anti-Modern Slavery Statement 2024

News

History behind the headlines

History behind the headlines

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Boarding at Berkhamsted: A pupil perspective 

Boarding at Berkhamsted: A pupil perspective 

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Pupils join Prince William in environmental sampling

Pupils join Prince William in environmental sampling

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Young Actor of the Year showcases acting talent

Young Actor of the Year showcases acting talent

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Oracy Mentoring: Empowering young voices

Oracy Mentoring: Empowering young voices

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Year 10 pupil signed by Crystal Palace Academy

Year 10 pupil signed by Crystal Palace Academy

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Old Berkhamstedian inspires young actors

Old Berkhamstedian inspires young actors

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  • 🎙️ New Podcast Alert: The movement to a Smartphone-Free School

This Safer Internet Day, we sat down with Jo Hughes, Group Director of Ed Tech, and Ronan McNicoll, Head of Digital Learning, to discuss how Berkhamsted is leading the way in managing smartphone use and promoting digital wellbeing.

They discuss:

📱 The push towards smartphone-free schools 
💭 The impact of social media on mental health 
👨‍👩‍👧 Practical tips for parents navigating tech challenges at home 

Hear how Berkhamsted is shaping healthy tech habits for pupils and supporting families in this digital age. 

🔗 Listen now via the link in our bio or comment ‘podcast’ below for the link! 🎧

@uk_sic

    🎙️ New Podcast Alert: The movement to a Smartphone-Free School

    This Safer Internet Day, we sat down with Jo Hughes, Group Director of Ed Tech, and Ronan McNicoll, Head of Digital Learning, to discuss how Berkhamsted is leading the way in managing smartphone use and promoting digital wellbeing.

    They discuss:

    📱 The push towards smartphone-free schools
    💭 The impact of social media on mental health
    👨‍👩‍👧 Practical tips for parents navigating tech challenges at home

    Hear how Berkhamsted is shaping healthy tech habits for pupils and supporting families in this digital age.

    🔗 Listen now via the link in our bio or comment ‘podcast’ below for the link! 🎧

    @uk_sic

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    Year 8 pupils studying Chinese from @berkhamstedboys and @berkhamstedgirls stepped into the role of teachers for @berkopreprep’s exciting China Day! 🇨🇳✨ 

Discover what they got up to and hear their reflections on the day. 🎥 

Gong Xi Fa Cai! Wishing a Happy Lunar New Year to everyone celebrating today! 🧧🎊

    Year 8 pupils studying Chinese from @berkhamstedboys and @berkhamstedgirls stepped into the role of teachers for @berkopreprep’s exciting China Day! 🇨🇳✨

    Discover what they got up to and hear their reflections on the day. 🎥

    Gong Xi Fa Cai! Wishing a Happy Lunar New Year to everyone celebrating today! 🧧🎊

    87 1
    🎬Last Friday, our talented Year 10 pupils hosted a special screening of Madagascar for over 180 @berkhamstedprep pupils, all as part of their social entrepreneurs project! 💡

Breaking records, they raised an incredible £1,367 for the charity @weseehope. 🙌

The Centenary Theatre was buzzing with energy as everyone joined in for a lively rendition of “I Like to Move It, Move It”, and Alex the Lion’s guest appearance was the highlight of the night! 🦁

Smiles were everywhere – from our Year 10 stretch class to the teacher support team. What an unforgettable evening! 💫👏

    🎬Last Friday, our talented Year 10 pupils hosted a special screening of Madagascar for over 180 @berkhamstedprep pupils, all as part of their social entrepreneurs project! 💡

    Breaking records, they raised an incredible £1,367 for the charity @weseehope. 🙌

    The Centenary Theatre was buzzing with energy as everyone joined in for a lively rendition of “I Like to Move It, Move It”, and Alex the Lion’s guest appearance was the highlight of the night! 🦁

    Smiles were everywhere – from our Year 10 stretch class to the teacher support team. What an unforgettable evening! 💫👏

    114 1
    🎙️’Research has shown that if you are physically capable, you’re more likely to have success in the classroom.’

In this podcast episode, Kathryn Blurton and Louise McCallum, sports teachers at Berkhamsted Pre-Prep and Prep, discuss the importance of physical education in schools, focusing on the Motor Movers programme designed to enhance children’s physical development. 

They explore the core philosophy of physical education at Berkhamsted, emphasising enjoyment, participation, and performance.

Listen to the full episode via the ‘In The Berkhamsted Spotlight podcast’, available on all podcast platforms.

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

    🎙️’Research has shown that if you are physically capable, you’re more likely to have success in the classroom.’

    In this podcast episode, Kathryn Blurton and Louise McCallum, sports teachers at Berkhamsted Pre-Prep and Prep, discuss the importance of physical education in schools, focusing on the Motor Movers programme designed to enhance children’s physical development.

    They explore the core philosophy of physical education at Berkhamsted, emphasising enjoyment, participation, and performance.

    Listen to the full episode via the ‘In The Berkhamsted Spotlight podcast’, available on all podcast platforms.

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

    59 6
    Welcome Back to Berkhamsted School 🎒

We’re so excited to welcome our pupils, parents, and staff back for an action-packed term ahead. 

There’s so much to look forward to – here’s just a taste of what’s coming up:

🎭 Creative Arts Week at Pre-Prep
📚 World Book Day celebrations
🥞 Annual Pancake Race
⚽ Football Tour to Madrid
🎿 Ski Trip to Italy
📖 Year 11 and Year 13 Mock Exams
🎾🏐🏉 Tennis, Netball, Lacrosse, Rugby, Football, Swimming & Fives Fixtures
🐉 Chinese New Year Celebrations
💼 Young Enterprise Trade Event
🎖️ CCF Camp to Brunswick
🎓 University Fair
🔬 STEAM Week at Pre-Prep and Prep
🎭 Year 9 Drama Performance – ‘Brainstorm’
🎻 Orchestral & Concerto Rehearsals/Concert

Stay tuned for updates, highlights, and behind-the-scenes moments from these exciting events!

    Welcome Back to Berkhamsted School 🎒

    We’re so excited to welcome our pupils, parents, and staff back for an action-packed term ahead.

    There’s so much to look forward to – here’s just a taste of what’s coming up:

    🎭 Creative Arts Week at Pre-Prep
    📚 World Book Day celebrations
    🥞 Annual Pancake Race
    ⚽ Football Tour to Madrid
    🎿 Ski Trip to Italy
    📖 Year 11 and Year 13 Mock Exams
    🎾🏐🏉 Tennis, Netball, Lacrosse, Rugby, Football, Swimming & Fives Fixtures
    🐉 Chinese New Year Celebrations
    💼 Young Enterprise Trade Event
    🎖️ CCF Camp to Brunswick
    🎓 University Fair
    🔬 STEAM Week at Pre-Prep and Prep
    🎭 Year 9 Drama Performance – ‘Brainstorm’
    🎻 Orchestral & Concerto Rehearsals/Concert

    Stay tuned for updates, highlights, and behind-the-scenes moments from these exciting events!

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    Why Berkhamsted?

Book your visit to find out why so many families choose us.

Event bookings now live.

    Why Berkhamsted?

    Book your visit to find out why so many families choose us.

    Event bookings now live.

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    What a year 2024 has been at Berkhamsted School 🎉

Here are some of our highlights, but what were yours? 🤩

Let us know below 👇

Wishing everyone in our school community a very Happy New Year 🥳 

See you in 2025.

    What a year 2024 has been at Berkhamsted School 🎉

    Here are some of our highlights, but what were yours? 🤩

    Let us know below 👇

    Wishing everyone in our school community a very Happy New Year 🥳

    See you in 2025.

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    Wishing everyone in the Berkhamsted community a very Merry Christmas 🎄

    Wishing everyone in the Berkhamsted community a very Merry Christmas 🎄

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