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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Martin Walker appointed as next Principal of Berkhamsted Schools Group
We are delighted to announce that Martin Walker has been appointed as the next Principal of Berkhamsted Schools Group from April 2026. Martin will take over from Richard Backhouse, who has done an outstanding job as Principal over the last ten years.
Read more
Awards
We are thrilled to announce that Berkhamsted School has been shortlisted for the Tes Schools Awards 2025 under the category of Best use of technology. The category focuses on the thoughtful and considered implementation of technology that has had a positive impact on the educational outcomes of students. This achievement comes after our use of ICT in teaching and learning was highlighted as an “area of significant strength” in our ISI report.
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
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 2024 statement:
News
Berkhamsted Group | 25.06.2025
Martin Walker appointed as next Principal of Berkhamsted Schools Group
Read
Berkhamsted Group, Sustainability | 23.06.2025
Berkhamsted announced as Finalist in two Muddy Stilettos Awards
Read
Berkhamsted Group, Boys, Girls, Sixth Form | 18.06.2025
Berkhamsted staff take to the stage with ‘Berkmythsted’
Read
Berkhamsted Group, Pre-Prep, Sustainability | 16.06.2025
Celebrating our planet: Pre-Prep highlights from the Great Big Green Week
Read
🎤 TED-Ed Student Talks Showcase 2025 🌟
On Monday, our second annual Year 10 TED-Ed Student Talks Showcase took centre stage — and what a day it was! 🎉
👏 17 incredible student speakers took to the spotlight, delivering thought-provoking talks on topics ranging from NHS funding to the future role of battleships. The diversity of ideas was matched only by the depth of insight.
💪 Our students truly embodied the VIA character strengths of bravery and a love of learning, while our brilliant audience showed outstanding empathy and curiosity in support.
🎓 This inspiring event marked the culmination of the Year 10 STRETCH programme, where students have been developing both their oracy skills and character strengths throughout the year.
We couldn’t be prouder!
🌟 #TED-EdSTudentTalks #BerkhamstedSchool #independentschoolhertfordshire
The Great Berkhamsted Bake Off took over our food tech rooms this week! 🍫
Pupils from every House across the Boys’ and Girls’ Schools went head-to-head in a technical challenge: bake six identical chocolate mini rolls. And yes — uniformity mattered! 👩🍳
Our very own Paul Hollywood (Mr Hockedy) and Prue Leith (Ms Watson) judged the bakes on icing, taste, and presentation. The criteria were: light sponge, perfect buttercream swirl, glossy chocolate coating, and piping precision! 🎂
Many congratulations to our talented bakers who were all awarded house points, but the coveted silver plate went to…
🏆 Cox’s at Castle
🏆 St David’s at Kings
The final standings were:
Castle
1st – Cox’s
2nd – Tilman
3rd – Greenes
Kings
1st – St David’s
2nd – Old Stede
3rd – Russell
#GreatBerkhamstedBakeOff #BerkhamstedSchool #BerkhamstedBoys #BerkhamstedGirls
🌈 This Pride Month, our new @BerkhamstedSixth prefect team shared the values they will champion to shape our Sixth Form culture — a culture grounded in accountability, courage, and inclusion.
✨ “Don’t let fear decide for you” — a powerful reminder that aiming high should feel supportive, not scary.
💪 Risk-taking is encouraged, and courage is celebrated.
🤝 As allies, we must hold ourselves accountable for creating a safe, respectful, and welcoming community.
🌟 Diversity is our strength — through Prism, we continue to celebrate inclusivity and authentic self-expression.
Let’s lead with values that shape how we act, connect, and support one another every day. 🌈💬
@hmc_org
@JustLikeUsUK
#SchoolDiversityWeek #PrideMonth #BerkhamstedSixth
📣 We’re delighted to announce that Martin Walker has been appointed as the next Principal of Berkhamsted Schools Group, starting April 2026.
Martin is well known within our community, having served as Head of Berkhamsted Sixth (2017–2024) and currently as Vice Principal. A passionate educator with a pupil-centred vision, Martin has led transformational initiatives including:
📚 Reshaping Sixth Form pastoral care
📵 Leading the move to a smartphone-free school
🎓 Launching the Oxbridge Universities Consultation
🧠 Appointing a School Psychologist
Following a rigorous selection process, governors were unanimous—Martin’s values and commitment to holistic education make him the ideal choice to lead the Berkhamsted Schools Group forward.
He will succeed Richard Backhouse, whose exceptional leadership over the last decade has left a lasting legacy.
Please join us in congratulating Martin on this exciting new chapter! 👏
#BerkhamstedSchool
✨ Berko Boarding Week = 7️⃣ days of Berko magic! ✨
🏓🎨 Mon: table-tennis battles & garden painting
🔥🍔 Tue: Big Boarding BBQ + Quiz of the Year (shout-out to our superstar prefects!)
🧗♀️🚐 Wed: high-ropes thrills and the iconic Blue Van, capped by staff-written pantomime Berkmythsted 😂
🌳🎲 Thu: chilled garden games with Head of Boarding, Mr Sutton
🏏☀️ Fri: sunshine trip to Berkhamsted Bowls Club – new sport unlocked!
🍰🏐 Weekend: second BBQ, cake-making, volleyball & all-you-can-create ice-cream 🍦
From epic adventures to cosy hangouts, our boarding family showed exactly why Berko feels like home — supportive, spirited and seriously fun.
Huge thanks to everyone who made #BerkoBoardingWeek unforgettable! 💙
#iloveboarding @bsaboarding #NationalBoardingWeek
🏆We are delighted to announce that Berkhamsted has been selected as a Finalist in two categories of the @muddystilettosschools Awards! 🏆
• Berkhamsted Pre-Prep – Finalist for Best Creative Learning Through Play
• Berkhamsted Senior School – Finalist for Giving Something Back
• Berkhamsted Schools Group – Highly Commended for Sustainability
• Heatherton – Highly Commended for The Debrett`s Education Award for Outstanding Pastoral Care
To be recognised across these three categories highlights our core values – Aiming High with Integrity in everything we do, encouraging our pupils to Be Adventurous through play, and a commitment to Serve Others in our sustainability and social change initiatives.
A huge congratulations to all staff and pupils involved in each of these schemes for representing the School so well!
🎙️ What’s the role of a chaplain in a modern school?
In this episode, Rev. Becky Taylor shares her journey to becoming chaplain at Berkhamsted — from unexpected beginnings to deep conversations with pupils about life, purpose, and faith.
💬 She reflects on:
✨ Supporting students of all beliefs
✨ The power of asking big questions
✨ The Chaplaincy’s role in well-being
✨ Why school traditions and celebrations matter
👣 A journey of faith, community and connection.
🎧Listen now via the link in our bio or on your favourite podcast channel.
It’s National #ThankaTeacherDay!
Thank you so much to all the amazing support staff and teachers working in the Berkhamsted Schools Group.
You are amazing!
Here are some of the kind messages of thanks from your pupils.
Comment below a teacher who has inspired you.
@thankateacheruk
🌍 New Podcast episode: The Great Big Green Week 🌱
In this special episode for #GreatBigGreenWeek, Laura Thompson from Berkhamsted Pre-Prep and Sarah Blackmore from Heatherton talk about how schools and families can take the lead in promoting sustainability.
They explore:
🔹 The power of Eco Councils in driving real change
🔹 Fun, hands-on activities like walking, gardening & waste reduction
🔹 How parents and communities can work together to nurture eco-friendly habits from an early age
💡 Small actions lead to big impacts — tune in to learn how your school or family can help shape a greener future!
🎧 Listen now and get inspired to #LetsSwapTogetherForGood 💚
#GreatBigGreenWeek
@theclimatecoalition
🕯️A joyful evening celebrating the confirmations of nine members of our Berkhamsted school community – pupils, staff and family.
✝️ They have been attending confirmation classes with Rev. Taylor over the past few months exploring the Christian faith.
⛪️ Bishop Jane of Hertford came to our Chapel to confirm the candidates and shared a message of hope they can have in Christ as they go through the ups and downs of life.
🎶 The choir sang beautifully, the candidates and congregation received Holy Communion, and our students courageously shared their journey of faith.
Why Berkhamsted? Because we find the balance 🌿
Last week, our Year 7 pupils took part in a Digital Retreat Day where they had the chance to pause, reflect, and rethink how we use tech and social media.
📵 The morning began with a device-free nature walk led by our Chaplaincy team, encouraging pupils to “lift up their eyes” and reconnect with the outdoors. From ball games at break to outdoor clubs and forest walks, we celebrated the power of the natural world to ground and inspire.
💡 In the afternoon, our focus turned to online algorithms, echo chambers, and the dangers of overexposure to tech. Pupils explored how to think critically, fact-check, and challenge their digital habits, to become responsible technology users.
📅 From September 2025, Year 7 pupils will not be allowed to bring a mobile phone onto the school site. This is part of our commitment to keeping school a space for safe, focused, and balanced learning.
We were delighted to welcome the CEO of @royalspringboard to view our new Sixth Form Centre and meet our SpringBoard students last week.
The Royal National Children’s SpringBoard Foundation (RNCSF) is a leading social mobility charity dedicated to improving educational outcomes for children from disadvantaged and vulnerable backgrounds. RNCSF secures fully funded bursary places at independent day and boarding schools for children who would benefit most from a transformative educational opportunity. These placements are life-changing, offering not only academic enrichment but also stability, safety, and trusted adult relationships.
We are proud of our ongoing partnership with RNCSF which enables Sixth Form SpringBoarders to thrive at Berkhamsted. With our outstanding facilities and pastoral care, we offer opportunities for young people to benefit from a Berkhamsted education, while enriching our own community and upholding our core value of serving others.
