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 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.

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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 Henry VIII, 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, focussed 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

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Meet our Remarkable People
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Developing Remarkable People

Jane Smith

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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 2024.

Find out more

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

Anti-Modern Slavery Statement 2024

News

FutureSmart Careers visit Year 11

FutureSmart Careers visit Year 11

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Year 1 transported to the Victorian seaside

Year 1 transported to the Victorian seaside

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Mind games and magic with Professor Richard Wiseman

Mind games and magic with Professor Richard Wiseman

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Year 13 student selected for England Netball Roses Academy

Year 13 student selected for England Netball Roses Academy

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  • Why is Berkhamsted the best choice for your child's future?

#TeamBerko #BerkhamstedSchool

    Why is Berkhamsted the best choice for your child`s future?

    #TeamBerko #BerkhamstedSchool

    Mind Games & Magic with Professor Richard Wiseman @instawiseman ✨

Our students were treated to an incredible lecture by Professor Richard Wiseman, Professor in the Public Understanding of Psychology from the University of Hertfordshire, as part of our Monday lecture series last week! 🎩

🧠 Through mind-bending illusions and magic tricks, he revealed the fascinating psychology behind how our minds perceive reality. 

🔮 ‘Illusions tell us something profound about the way the human mind works, you can’t possibly be seeing everything, but you think you are,’ says Professor Wiseman.

Professor Wiseman’s engaging presentation is part of the year-long programme of lectures from internal and external speakers, designed to stimulate intellectual curiosity and debate among our students. As universities and employers are increasingly looking for more than simply good grades in applicants, we encourage students to be open and inspired to discover material beyond the syllabus.

🙌We extend our thanks to Professor Wiseman for a thought-provoking presentation.

 #BerkhamstedSchool #MindGames #Psychology #Illusions

    Mind Games & Magic with Professor Richard Wiseman @instawiseman ✨

    Our students were treated to an incredible lecture by Professor Richard Wiseman, Professor in the Public Understanding of Psychology from the University of Hertfordshire, as part of our Monday lecture series last week! 🎩

    🧠 Through mind-bending illusions and magic tricks, he revealed the fascinating psychology behind how our minds perceive reality.

    🔮 ‘Illusions tell us something profound about the way the human mind works, you can’t possibly be seeing everything, but you think you are,’ says Professor Wiseman.

    Professor Wiseman’s engaging presentation is part of the year-long programme of lectures from internal and external speakers, designed to stimulate intellectual curiosity and debate among our students. As universities and employers are increasingly looking for more than simply good grades in applicants, we encourage students to be open and inspired to discover material beyond the syllabus.

    🙌We extend our thanks to Professor Wiseman for a thought-provoking presentation.

    #BerkhamstedSchool #MindGames #Psychology #Illusions

    We’ve won the @TatlerSchools Eco Warrior Award! 🏆🌱

We’re really proud to have been recognised for our sustainability programme. 

Here are some of the initiatives we have implemented over the last two years.

⚡️Reduced the school’s carbon emissions by 10.6% in 2022/2023.

💚Green Flag Eco awards given to @heathertonschool and @berkopreprep 

🚍Home-to-school coach service transporting up to 580 pupils every day, with each coach journey on average saving 31 parent car trips and 3.47 g/km of CO2. 

🚲Inclusion of electric vans and bikes in school fleet to help reduce carbon emissions. 
	
🏫Our new sustainable @berkhamstedsixth Form Centre is set to open in 2024, featuring a design focused on low carbon emissions, energy and resource efficiency, and a circular economy approach. The building will utilise air source heat pumps, mechanical ventilation, and narrow roof lights, with a green/blue roof to reduce water run-off.

💡Environmentally focussed campaigns across the school, including the low energy day which was held at @berkhamstedgirls 

♻️The adoption of a zero waste-to-landfill policy, supported by a partnership with Grundon Waste Management Ltd. This ensures that most waste is recycled, and that the remainder is incinerated in a way that generates electricity and provides heat to local homes.

🦋A partnership with the Wildlife Trust in 2022, to research the best ways to promote and increase biodiversity and flora on the School grounds.

#Sustainability #EcoWarrior #TatlerSchoolsAwards #BerkhamstedSchool #TeamBerko

    We’ve won the @TatlerSchools Eco Warrior Award! 🏆🌱

    We’re really proud to have been recognised for our sustainability programme.

    Here are some of the initiatives we have implemented over the last two years.

    ⚡️Reduced the school’s carbon emissions by 10.6% in 2022/2023.

    💚Green Flag Eco awards given to @heathertonschool and @berkopreprep

    🚍Home-to-school coach service transporting up to 580 pupils every day, with each coach journey on average saving 31 parent car trips and 3.47 g/km of CO2.

    🚲Inclusion of electric vans and bikes in school fleet to help reduce carbon emissions.

    🏫Our new sustainable @berkhamstedsixth Form Centre is set to open in 2024, featuring a design focused on low carbon emissions, energy and resource efficiency, and a circular economy approach. The building will utilise air source heat pumps, mechanical ventilation, and narrow roof lights, with a green/blue roof to reduce water run-off.

    💡Environmentally focussed campaigns across the school, including the low energy day which was held at @berkhamstedgirls

    ♻️The adoption of a zero waste-to-landfill policy, supported by a partnership with Grundon Waste Management Ltd. This ensures that most waste is recycled, and that the remainder is incinerated in a way that generates electricity and provides heat to local homes.

    🦋A partnership with the Wildlife Trust in 2022, to research the best ways to promote and increase biodiversity and flora on the School grounds.

    #Sustainability #EcoWarrior #TatlerSchoolsAwards #BerkhamstedSchool #TeamBerko

    🎙️ New podcast episode out now!

This week on ‘In the Berkhamsted Spotlight’, Nick Cale, Head of Sixth, gives us a glimpse into Sixth Form life at Berkhamsted and how we’re preparing students for their future. 💡

We have exciting times ahead with the opening of our brand-new Sixth Form Centre, designed to foster a modern, collaborative learning environment. 🙌

📅 Don’t miss our ‘Life at Sixth’ event on Friday, 27 September! Come and discover our plans for the future.

🎧 Tune in on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, or your go-to podcast platform. 

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

#BerkhamstedPodcast #InTheBerkhamstedSpotlightPodcast #BerkhamstedSixth #BerkhamstedSchool #TeamBerko

    🎙️ New podcast episode out now!

    This week on ‘In the Berkhamsted Spotlight’, Nick Cale, Head of Sixth, gives us a glimpse into Sixth Form life at Berkhamsted and how we’re preparing students for their future. 💡

    We have exciting times ahead with the opening of our brand-new Sixth Form Centre, designed to foster a modern, collaborative learning environment. 🙌

    📅 Don’t miss our ‘Life at Sixth’ event on Friday, 27 September! Come and discover our plans for the future.

    🎧 Tune in on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, or your go-to podcast platform.

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

    #BerkhamstedPodcast #InTheBerkhamstedSpotlightPodcast #BerkhamstedSixth #BerkhamstedSchool #TeamBerko

    ✨ In honour of #InternationalDayOfPeace, we’re inviting pupils to light a candle on the dove at Castle and King’s Chapel this Monday. It’s a moment for them to reflect and pray for peace in the world. 🌍🕊️

#peaceday

    ✨ In honour of #InternationalDayOfPeace, we’re inviting pupils to light a candle on the dove at Castle and King’s Chapel this Monday. It’s a moment for them to reflect and pray for peace in the world. 🌍🕊️

    #peaceday

    🌱 We’re thrilled to announce that Berkhamsted has been nominated for the prestigious “Eco Warrior” award at the Tatler Schools Awards 2025! 🌍

This recognition highlights our dedication to sustainability and our ongoing efforts to integrate environmentally-friendly practices across our entire school community. 🌿

A huge thank you to @tatlerschools for shortlisting us — we eagerly await the results and are honoured to be in such inspiring company! ✨

#Sustainability #EcoWarrior #TatlerSchoolsAwards #BerkhamstedSchool
#TeamBerko

    🌱 We’re thrilled to announce that Berkhamsted has been nominated for the prestigious “Eco Warrior” award at the Tatler Schools Awards 2025! 🌍

    This recognition highlights our dedication to sustainability and our ongoing efforts to integrate environmentally-friendly practices across our entire school community. 🌿

    A huge thank you to @tatlerschools for shortlisting us — we eagerly await the results and are honoured to be in such inspiring company! ✨

    #Sustainability #EcoWarrior #TatlerSchoolsAwards #BerkhamstedSchool
    #TeamBerko

    We’re taking part in the ShoeDrive in aid of @shoeaiduk 

Donate your old shoes at the collection points around School until the end of September.

    We’re taking part in the ShoeDrive in aid of @shoeaiduk

    Donate your old shoes at the collection points around School until the end of September.

    Talking Exam Stress Workshop ✨

Join us for an interactive online workshop designed for parents and carers at Berkhamsted School. 🎓

📝 What you'll learn:
• How to help your teen manage their stress.
• Ways to respond to stress during exams.
• Tips to support your child post-exam.
• Techniques to prevent and reduce stress symptoms.

🗓️ Date: Thursday, 10 October 2024
⏰ Time: 19:00 - 21:00 (via Zoom)
🎟️ £24 per person

Secure your spot now! 👉 Link in bio 
In partnership with @supportinglinks 

#ExamStress #ParentingTips #MentalHealth #SupportingTeens #BerkhamstedSchool

    Talking Exam Stress Workshop ✨

    Join us for an interactive online workshop designed for parents and carers at Berkhamsted School. 🎓

    📝 What you`ll learn:
    • How to help your teen manage their stress.
    • Ways to respond to stress during exams.
    • Tips to support your child post-exam.
    • Techniques to prevent and reduce stress symptoms.

    🗓️ Date: Thursday, 10 October 2024
    ⏰ Time: 19:00 – 21:00 (via Zoom)
    🎟️ £24 per person

    Secure your spot now! 👉 Link in bio
    In partnership with @supportinglinks

    #ExamStress #ParentingTips #MentalHealth #SupportingTeens #BerkhamstedSchool

    🏆The results from the nominations are in! We are incredibly proud to announce that Berkhamsted School has been selected as a Finalist for the Independent School of the Year Award for Diversity, Equality, Inclusion and Justice.🏆

Berkhamsted is an inclusive school that recognises our pupils’ different cultural backgrounds and metacognitive needs. Our commitment to DEIJ runs throughout our entire community, from staff and pupil training to departmental content. We are also proud of our partnership with local charities in our endeavour to Serve Others. 🤝

The knowledge we equip our pupils with ensures they leave our schools as allies and advocates who stand up for justice. 💪

🎉Congratulations to all Finalists! The winners of each category will be announced at an awards ceremony on Tuesday 8 October.🎉

@isotyawards #IndependentSchooloftheYearAward #TeamBerko #BerkhamstedSchool

    🏆The results from the nominations are in! We are incredibly proud to announce that Berkhamsted School has been selected as a Finalist for the Independent School of the Year Award for Diversity, Equality, Inclusion and Justice.🏆

    Berkhamsted is an inclusive school that recognises our pupils’ different cultural backgrounds and metacognitive needs. Our commitment to DEIJ runs throughout our entire community, from staff and pupil training to departmental content. We are also proud of our partnership with local charities in our endeavour to Serve Others. 🤝

    The knowledge we equip our pupils with ensures they leave our schools as allies and advocates who stand up for justice. 💪

    🎉Congratulations to all Finalists! The winners of each category will be announced at an awards ceremony on Tuesday 8 October.🎉

    @isotyawards #IndependentSchooloftheYearAward #TeamBerko #BerkhamstedSchool

    🎙️Get inspired by tuning into our most recent episode of 'In the Berkhamsted Spotlight' podcast! 

🏅Hear from Emma, Emily and Sofia as they discuss their journey from playing lacrosse at Berkhamsted School, to their recent victory playing for England at the European Championships. They discuss the importance of respect and support in sport - values that we nurture here at Berkhamsted. 

Berkhamsted has a very strong lacrosse programme and has produced several players who represent England.

Want to learn more? Come along to our Sports Open Event on Thursday 12 September. Book now via the link in our bio.

🎧Tune in on Apple, Spotify, Amazon or your favourite podcast platform to hear the full episode. 

#BerkhamstedPodcast
#TeamBerko
#BerkhamstedSchool

    🎙️Get inspired by tuning into our most recent episode of `In the Berkhamsted Spotlight` podcast!

    🏅Hear from Emma, Emily and Sofia as they discuss their journey from playing lacrosse at Berkhamsted School, to their recent victory playing for England at the European Championships. They discuss the importance of respect and support in sport – values that we nurture here at Berkhamsted.

    Berkhamsted has a very strong lacrosse programme and has produced several players who represent England.

    Want to learn more? Come along to our Sports Open Event on Thursday 12 September. Book now via the link in our bio.

    🎧Tune in on Apple, Spotify, Amazon or your favourite podcast platform to hear the full episode.

    #BerkhamstedPodcast
    #TeamBerko
    #BerkhamstedSchool

    🏆🏆We are delighted to announce that Berkhamsted School has been selected as a Finalist in two categories of the School House Awards 2024! 🏆🏆

Berkhamsted was presented with official rosettes in recognition of our positive work as both a Sustainability Champion and a Mind & Mental Health Champion.
Judges commented on the sustainable design of our new Sixth Form building, which is due to be completed this year. ♻️ 

We were also recognised for our commitment to pupil wellbeing: our Yondr Pouches restrict phone access for Years 7 to 11, allowing pupils to flourish both socially and academically without distractions. 🧠

A huge thank you to everyone who worked towards our sustainability and wellbeing goals, and congratulations to all the Finalists in the School House Awards!

#berkhamstedschool #berkhamstedgirls #berkhamstedboys @schoolhouse_magazine

    🏆🏆We are delighted to announce that Berkhamsted School has been selected as a Finalist in two categories of the School House Awards 2024! 🏆🏆

    Berkhamsted was presented with official rosettes in recognition of our positive work as both a Sustainability Champion and a Mind & Mental Health Champion.
    Judges commented on the sustainable design of our new Sixth Form building, which is due to be completed this year. ♻️

    We were also recognised for our commitment to pupil wellbeing: our Yondr Pouches restrict phone access for Years 7 to 11, allowing pupils to flourish both socially and academically without distractions. 🧠

    A huge thank you to everyone who worked towards our sustainability and wellbeing goals, and congratulations to all the Finalists in the School House Awards!

    #berkhamstedschool #berkhamstedgirls #berkhamstedboys @schoolhouse_magazine

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