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 10th 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 | 10.12.2024
A different approach: Sports psychologist Michael Caulfield visits Berkhamsted
Read
Berkhamsted Group, Pre-Prep | 29.11.2024
Snow, Santa and Swans! Stepping Stones enjoy the Stick Man trail
Read
Berkhamsted Group, Boys, Girls, Heatherton, Prep, Sixth Form | 28.11.2024
Year 12s learn to lead with Humanutopia
Read
Berkhamsted Group, Boys, Girls, Sixth Form | 27.11.2024
‘Don’t be an island’: Getting Berkhamsted talking about men’s health
Read
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!
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.
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.
Wishing everyone in the Berkhamsted community a very Merry Christmas 🎄
Sport Participation at Berkhamsted 🏆
This Michaelmas term, our Senior School saw incredible participation and performance in sport!
1022 pupils took part in fixtures across 100+ teams – that’s 71% of Senior and Sixth pupils showcasing their talent and teamwork.
🏉 In our winter-focus sports – Rugby, Football, Lacrosse, and Netball – we achieved an impressive 61.8% win rate across all teams.
A huge well done to all our athletes! 💪👏
Notable successes
🏉 Rugby
• 1XV 4th in Daily Mail Trophy (Clifton, Cranleigh, Millfield, Berkhamsted)
• 1XV reached the plate final of the St Joseph’s College National Festival in October
• 2XV Rugby won 100% of their games
• U16B Rugby won 100% of their games
• 9 1XV players selected in the Saracens PDG U18 group (Rugby)
• Charlie H – selected for England U17 Rugby Training Group
🏐 Netball
• 2VII Netball won 100% of their games
• 1VII Regional Finals for U19 Netball
• U15A Netball won 100% of their games
• U13A Netball won 100% of their games
• Evie L – selected for the England Netball Roses Academy for the 24/25 season
🥍 Lacrosse
• U18A Lacrosse won 100% of their games, becoming County Champions
• U18A Lacrosse were South School Champions 2024
• U18C Lacrosse are County Champions
• Year 10 Lacrosse won 94% of their games
• U15A Lacrosse won 100% of their games and are County Champions
• U14 and U16 Rugby Teams in the last 32 of the National Independent School Trophy
• U13A Lacrosse won 100% of their games
• U12B Lacrosse won 100% of their games
• 6 Lacrosse England National Academy Players in the 1X
⚽️ Football
• 1XI Girls Football continue to be in the U18 Football ISFA Cup competition
• 1XI Boys Football reached the last 32 of the ISFA Cup competition
• U13 Football Team qualified for the Quarter Finals of the Cup and Trophy ISFA competitions
• U12B and U12D Football XIs won or drew 100% of their games
• Hugo B – selected for Crystal Palace Academy
🧤Fives
• U18 Fives won 100% of their games
• U15 Fives won 100% of their games
Sport Participation at Berkhamsted 🏆
This Michaelmas term, our Senior School saw incredible participation and performance in sport!
1022 pupils took part in fixtures across 100+ teams – that’s 71% of Senior and Sixth pupils showcasing their talent and teamwork.
🏉 In our winter-focus sports – Rugby, Football, Lacrosse, and Netball – we achieved an impressive 61.8% win rate across all teams.
A huge well done to all our athletes! 💪👏
Notable successes
🏉 Rugby
• 1XV 4th in Daily Mail Trophy (Clifton, Cranleigh, Millfield, Berkhamsted)
• 1XV reached the plate final of the St Joseph’s College National Festival in October
• 2XV Rugby won 100% of their games
• U16B Rugby won 100% of their games
• 9 1XV players selected in the Saracens PDG U18 group (Rugby)
• Charlie H – selected for England U17 Rugby Training Group
🏐 Netball
• 2VII Netball won 100% of their games
• 1VII Regional Finals for U19 Netball
• U15A Netball won 100% of their games
• U13A Netball won 100% of their games
• Evie L – selected for the England Netball Roses Academy for the 24/25 season
🥍 Lacrosse
• U18A Lacrosse won 100% of their games, becoming County Champions
• U18A Lacrosse were South School Champions 2024
• U18C Lacrosse are County Champions
• Year 10 Lacrosse won 94% of their games
• U15A Lacrosse won 100% of their games and are County Champions
• U14 and U16 Rugby Teams in the last 32 of the National Independent School Trophy
• U13A Lacrosse won 100% of their games
• U12B Lacrosse won 100% of their games
• 6 Lacrosse England National Academy Players in the 1X
⚽️ Football
• 1XI Girls Football continue to be in the U18 Football ISFA Cup competition
• 1XI Boys Football reached the last 32 of the ISFA Cup competition
• U13 Football Team qualified for the Quarter Finals of the Cup and Trophy ISFA competitions
• U12B and U12D Football XIs won or drew 100% of their games
• Hugo B – selected for Crystal Palace Academy
🧤Fives
• U18 Fives won 100% of their games
• U15 Fives won 100% of their games
Spreading Joy, Serving Others 🎁
This Christmas, our Berkhamsted School community came together to support @toyhubcharity, donating gift bags filled with toys, books, games, and essentials for children aged 0-18.
From carefully packed bags to thoughtful gifts for teens – one of ToyHub’s greatest needs this year – your generosity has truly made a difference.
As ToyHub shared, “We just wanted to say a huge thank you from all of the team at ToyHub for everything you have done for us. We were utterly overwhelmed by the quantity of donations you had collected in such a short space of time and how you managed to get them all into the minibus!
Thank you too from all those parents and carers who now will have gifts they are proud to give their children and from the all the children who now won’t feel forgotten on Christmas Day.”
Spreading Joy, Serving Others 🎁
This Christmas, our Berkhamsted School community came together to support @toyhubcharity, donating gift bags filled with toys, books, games, and essentials for children aged 0-18.
From carefully packed bags to thoughtful gifts for teens – one of ToyHub’s greatest needs this year – your generosity has truly made a difference.
As ToyHub shared, “We just wanted to say a huge thank you from all of the team at ToyHub for everything you have done for us. We were utterly overwhelmed by the quantity of donations you had collected in such a short space of time and how you managed to get them all into the minibus!
Thank you too from all those parents and carers who now will have gifts they are proud to give their children and from the all the children who now won’t feel forgotten on Christmas Day.”
🎉 Last Day of Term!
It’s the final day of term, and our Christmas countdown ends here!
Wishing everyone a joyful and restful Christmas break.
Merry Christmas, Berkhamsted!
#SeeYouIn2025 #BerkoCountdown #SnowPlaceLikeBerko
🎉 Last Day of Term!
It’s the final day of term, and our Christmas countdown ends here!
Wishing everyone a joyful and restful Christmas break.
Merry Christmas, Berkhamsted!
#SeeYouIn2025 #BerkoCountdown #SnowPlaceLikeBerko
1 Day to Go!🎄
This week, our pupils celebrated Christmas Jumper Day in style, serving others and raising money for the @hosfonlinehub. Alongside their festive knits, they enjoyed a delicious Christmas lunch and got creative with crafts, baking, and plenty of Christmassy fun!
🎅 We want to see your festive outfits. Tag us in your Christmas jumper photos and use #BerkoCountdown. We’ll share our favourites on Stories! ✨
1 Day to Go!🎄
This week, our pupils celebrated Christmas Jumper Day in style, serving others and raising money for the @hosfonlinehub. Alongside their festive knits, they enjoyed a delicious Christmas lunch and got creative with crafts, baking, and plenty of Christmassy fun!
🎅 We want to see your festive outfits. Tag us in your Christmas jumper photos and use #BerkoCountdown. We’ll share our favourites on Stories! ✨
2 Days to Go!
Last Sunday, Berkhamsted’s Chapel was filled with the joyous sound of carols at our Christmas Carol Service. 🎶
Thank you to everyone who joined us to celebrate the season with beautiful music, singing and festive readings🌟
It was a truly wonderful evening that brought our community together to reflect, rejoice, and share the warmth of Christmas. ❤️
#berkocountdown #berkhamstedschool
2 Days to Go!
Last Sunday, Berkhamsted’s Chapel was filled with the joyous sound of carols at our Christmas Carol Service. 🎶
Thank you to everyone who joined us to celebrate the season with beautiful music, singing and festive readings🌟
It was a truly wonderful evening that brought our community together to reflect, rejoice, and share the warmth of Christmas. ❤️
#berkocountdown #berkhamstedschool
3 Days to Go!
🎄 It’s that time of year again—the annual Christmas Tree Decorating Competition at @berkhamstedboys! 🌟
We’ve seen some incredibly creative entries, with standout designs from Adders, Bartrum, Bees, Cox’s, Fry’s, Loxwood and Tilman. But Greenes and Swifts… well, let’s just say their entries are interesting! 👀
Who’s your pick for the ultimate winner? 🤔
Find out at assembly this Friday! 🏆✨
#BerkoCountdown
3 Days to Go!
🎄 It’s that time of year again—the annual Christmas Tree Decorating Competition at @berkhamstedboys! 🌟
We’ve seen some incredibly creative entries, with standout designs from Adders, Bartrum, Bees, Cox’s, Fry’s, Loxwood and Tilman. But Greenes and Swifts… well, let’s just say their entries are interesting! 👀
Who’s your pick for the ultimate winner? 🤔
Find out at assembly this Friday! 🏆✨
#BerkoCountdown
4 Days to Go! 🍪🏠
Sweet treats and festive fun! Our pupils got creative (and a little messy!) during the New Stede and Holme House Gingerbread House Making Social.
From sweet roofs to icing windows, the Christmas spirit is in every detail. 🍬
#BerkoCountdown
4 Days to Go! 🍪🏠
Sweet treats and festive fun! Our pupils got creative (and a little messy!) during the New Stede and Holme House Gingerbread House Making Social.
From sweet roofs to icing windows, the Christmas spirit is in every detail. 🍬
#BerkoCountdown
5 Days to Go! ☃️
From snowy scenes to cosy moments, we’re bringing the joy of Christmas every day! Here’s a throwback to the #SnowPlaceLikeBerko video from 2022.
#BerkoCountdown
5 Days to Go! ☃️
From snowy scenes to cosy moments, we’re bringing the joy of Christmas every day! Here’s a throwback to the #SnowPlaceLikeBerko video from 2022.
#BerkoCountdown
