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. 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.
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 morePlease read more about our Anti-Modern Slavery policy in our 2024 statement:
News
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
Berkhamsted Group, Boys, Girls, Sixth Form | 25.11.2024
The Cricketer Schools Guide 2025 reveals UK’s best schools for cricket
Read
Berkhamsted Group, Boys, Girls, Heatherton, Prep, Sixth Form | 20.11.2024
Celebrating music at Young Musician of the Year Festival
Read
Berkhamsted Group, Sixth Form | 19.11.2024
Berkhamsted Sixth offers Employability and Entrepreneurism Network Dinner
Read
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
Don’t be an island 🏝️
This November, Berkhamsted is proudly supporting @Movember to raise awareness about men’s mental health and wellbeing. 💙
Mr. S Simons, Assistant Head of Berkhamsted Sixth, has been championing Movember for 16 years. “For this cause, it’s just as important to raise awareness as it is to raise money,” he says. 🥸
Our Berko Mo Bros and Sistas team – made up of both staff and pupils – have been growing moustaches, running over 100km 🏃♂️, and delivering assemblies to highlight the importance of men’s health.
The Rugby 1st XV, led by James S-J and James B, aim to raise £1,000 this Movember. More than just fundraising, they’re spreading the word about how small steps—like checking in with friends, opening up, staying active, and conducting regular health checks—can make a huge difference.
“Don’t be an island,” says Mr. Simons. “It’s okay to not be okay. Talk your problems through.” At Berkhamsted, we prioritise mental health year-round, offering professional support through counsellors, psychologists, and a system that ensures everyone feels heard. 🐾 Even wellbeing dogs lend a paw!
Let’s support this important cause together. 💪 Donate by the end of November – click the link in our bio or Story to make a difference.
#Movember #BerkhamstedSchool #TeamBerko
Don’t be an island 🏝️
This November, Berkhamsted is proudly supporting @Movember to raise awareness about men’s mental health and wellbeing. 💙
Mr. S Simons, Assistant Head of Berkhamsted Sixth, has been championing Movember for 16 years. “For this cause, it’s just as important to raise awareness as it is to raise money,” he says. 🥸
Our Berko Mo Bros and Sistas team – made up of both staff and pupils – have been growing moustaches, running over 100km 🏃♂️, and delivering assemblies to highlight the importance of men’s health.
The Rugby 1st XV, led by James S-J and James B, aim to raise £1,000 this Movember. More than just fundraising, they’re spreading the word about how small steps—like checking in with friends, opening up, staying active, and conducting regular health checks—can make a huge difference.
“Don’t be an island,” says Mr. Simons. “It’s okay to not be okay. Talk your problems through.” At Berkhamsted, we prioritise mental health year-round, offering professional support through counsellors, psychologists, and a system that ensures everyone feels heard. 🐾 Even wellbeing dogs lend a paw!
Let’s support this important cause together. 💪 Donate by the end of November – click the link in our bio or Story to make a difference.
#Movember #BerkhamstedSchool #TeamBerko
🎙️ 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 Thursday, our pupils dove into the vibrant traditions of China during our China Exploration Day!
🥟 The day kicked off with a hands-on dumpling-making session, where pupils mastered the art of folding and filling traditional Jiao zi dumplings—a delicious introduction to Chinese culinary culture.
Next, a thrilling Kung Fu workshop had everyone moving! Pupils explored the discipline and philosophy of this ancient martial art, gaining insight into its cultural significance and physicality.
To wrap up, we welcomed special visitors who shared their personal experiences of life in China. Their stories gave our pupils a deeper look at daily life, traditions, and the cultural nuances of modern China.
China Exploration Day was a fantastic opportunity to connect with the language and culture, leaving our Mandarin pupils with lasting memories!
#BerkhamstedSchool #ChineseCultureDay
Last Thursday, our pupils dove into the vibrant traditions of China during our China Exploration Day!
🥟 The day kicked off with a hands-on dumpling-making session, where pupils mastered the art of folding and filling traditional Jiao zi dumplings—a delicious introduction to Chinese culinary culture.
Next, a thrilling Kung Fu workshop had everyone moving! Pupils explored the discipline and philosophy of this ancient martial art, gaining insight into its cultural significance and physicality.
To wrap up, we welcomed special visitors who shared their personal experiences of life in China. Their stories gave our pupils a deeper look at daily life, traditions, and the cultural nuances of modern China.
China Exploration Day was a fantastic opportunity to connect with the language and culture, leaving our Mandarin pupils with lasting memories!
#BerkhamstedSchool #ChineseCultureDay
Support our Christmas Charity Appeal! 🎁🎄
Now’s the time to sort through your old toys to make way for the new ones.
This year, we’re supporting @toyhubcharity a local charity that ensures children in Berkhamsted, Tring, and surrounding areas have a gift to open this Christmas. Last year, Toyhub gifted over 560 children, and with increased need, we hope to make an even greater impact together.
Please bring your donations in a ‘bag for life’ with the items mentioned below:
📅 Donate by 15 November
📍 Drop off at Castle and Kings reception
What to include:
✨ A new toy for younger children or self-care items for teens
📚 A book, game, or puzzle
🍫 Stocking fillers like chocolate coins
🪥 A toothbrush and toothpaste
🎁 Sellotape and wrapping paper
Let’s spread joy and make a difference for local children! Thank you for your generosity and support. 🎄
#teamberko
Support our Christmas Charity Appeal! 🎁🎄
Now’s the time to sort through your old toys to make way for the new ones.
This year, we’re supporting @toyhubcharity a local charity that ensures children in Berkhamsted, Tring, and surrounding areas have a gift to open this Christmas. Last year, Toyhub gifted over 560 children, and with increased need, we hope to make an even greater impact together.
Please bring your donations in a ‘bag for life’ with the items mentioned below:
📅 Donate by 15 November
📍 Drop off at Castle and Kings reception
What to include:
✨ A new toy for younger children or self-care items for teens
📚 A book, game, or puzzle
🍫 Stocking fillers like chocolate coins
🪥 A toothbrush and toothpaste
🎁 Sellotape and wrapping paper
Let’s spread joy and make a difference for local children! Thank you for your generosity and support. 🎄
#teamberko
🎶 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.
Black History Month Art Competition
Our Year 8 pupils are leading the way with our annual BHM Art Competition, open to pupils at @BerkhamstedPrep and @HeathertonSchool.
Choose from one of these exciting categories:
🎨 Draw a portrait of a historical figure
🖌️ Create a portrait of Amanda Gorman, the first US National Youth Poet Laureate
🖼️ Design a piece of art inspired by a black artist
This year’s theme is ‘Reclaiming Narratives’. Amanda Gorman, recognised globally for her performance at President Biden’s inauguration, embodies this theme perfectly with her poem ‘The Hill We Climb’.
Swipe to see last year’s incredible winners for some inspiration!
🗓️ Submit your entries by Friday 8 November for a chance to win a delicious treat! 🍪✨
#BlackHistoryMonth #ArtCompetition #AmandaGorman #ReclaimingNarratives #BerkhamstedPrep #HeathertonSchool #BHM2024
@bhm_uk
Black History Month Art Competition
Our Year 8 pupils are leading the way with our annual BHM Art Competition, open to pupils at @BerkhamstedPrep and @HeathertonSchool.
Choose from one of these exciting categories:
🎨 Draw a portrait of a historical figure
🖌️ Create a portrait of Amanda Gorman, the first US National Youth Poet Laureate
🖼️ Design a piece of art inspired by a black artist
This year’s theme is ‘Reclaiming Narratives’. Amanda Gorman, recognised globally for her performance at President Biden’s inauguration, embodies this theme perfectly with her poem ‘The Hill We Climb’.
Swipe to see last year’s incredible winners for some inspiration!
🗓️ Submit your entries by Friday 8 November for a chance to win a delicious treat! 🍪✨
#BlackHistoryMonth #ArtCompetition #AmandaGorman #ReclaimingNarratives #BerkhamstedPrep #HeathertonSchool #BHM2024
@bhm_uk
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.
