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 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
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 | 17.03.2025
Students set to “make a difference” at Academic Gala
Read
Berkhamsted Group, Boys, Girls | 14.03.2025
Berkhamsted success at Rotary Technology Tournament
Read
Berkhamsted Group, Boys, Girls, Sixth Form | 13.03.2025
Staff training session with Tamsin Greenway
Read
Berkhamsted Group, Heatherton | 11.03.2025
Heatherton listed in The Week’s Best of the Best Prep Schools
Read
Berkhamsted Group, Prep | 10.03.2025
The power of ideas: Intellectual property lawyer visits Berkhamsted Prep
Read
🎙️ New Podcast Episode!
Join us as @oldberkhamstedians Ben Garman shares his journey from Berkhamsted to the University of Bristol, including a transformative gap year experience working with a non-profit law firm in America on death row cases.
Ben reflects on how this eye-opening experience shaped his views on the death penalty, the importance of understanding different perspectives, and his personal growth along the way.
🎧 Listen now via the link in our bio or comment ‘podcast’ below.
🎙️ New Podcast Episode!
Join us as @oldberkhamstedians Ben Garman shares his journey from Berkhamsted to the University of Bristol, including a transformative gap year experience working with a non-profit law firm in America on death row cases.
Ben reflects on how this eye-opening experience shaped his views on the death penalty, the importance of understanding different perspectives, and his personal growth along the way.
🎧 Listen now via the link in our bio or comment ‘podcast’ below.
Why Berkhamsted Sixth? Is it for our Careers Support?
We support all our students’ career aspirations, from traditional university routes to apprenticeships and entrepreneurial endeavours. Regular industry events, networking opportunities and university fairs expose students to a range of future options and allow them to speak to experts in their chosen field.
Students receive one-to-one career guidance and are supported by a dedicated internal careers team as well as a variety of external providers. Our longstanding connection with the @OldBerkhamstedians ensures pupils benefit from a wide-reaching network of industry professionals who regularly attend events and host specialist talks.
Visit our new state-of-the-art Sixth Form Centre at our Open Event on Friday 21 March.
Book your place via the link in our bio or comment ‘event’ below and we’ll send you a link.
Why Berkhamsted Sixth? Is it for our Careers Support?
We support all our students’ career aspirations, from traditional university routes to apprenticeships and entrepreneurial endeavours. Regular industry events, networking opportunities and university fairs expose students to a range of future options and allow them to speak to experts in their chosen field.
Students receive one-to-one career guidance and are supported by a dedicated internal careers team as well as a variety of external providers. Our longstanding connection with the @OldBerkhamstedians ensures pupils benefit from a wide-reaching network of industry professionals who regularly attend events and host specialist talks.
Visit our new state-of-the-art Sixth Form Centre at our Open Event on Friday 21 March.
Book your place via the link in our bio or comment ‘event’ below and we’ll send you a link.
Why Berkhamsted?
Is it for our research-led learning or our new Sixth Form Centre?
Visit us at BBSW on 6-8 March to find out more.
Chris Sutton and Jennie Peachey will be on Stand 4 in the Commonwealth Suite.
@boardingschoolsnetwork
Why Berkhamsted?
Is it for our research-led learning or our new Sixth Form Centre?
Visit us at BBSW on 6-8 March to find out more.
Chris Sutton and Jennie Peachey will be on Stand 4 in the Commonwealth Suite.
@boardingschoolsnetwork
F1 in Schools Success! 🏎️
A huge congratulations to all our teams who competed in the @f1inschoolsuk competition!
🏁 Your hard work, dedication, and innovation truly stood out.
Special Mentions go to:
🔹 Vortex – Fastest car from Berkhamsted, securing 3rd place in the Professional Class!
🔹 Peregrine Racing – Judges’ nomination for Best Pit Display and an incredible 3rd place overall in the Professional Class, making history as the first Berkhamsted team to reach the podium! 🏆 This also means they have a shot at Nationals later this year! 🇬🇧
🔹 Carbon 6 – Judges’ nominations for Best Vocal Presentation & Judges’ Choice Award.
🔹 Sennematic Racing – Judges’ nomination for Best Sponsorship & Marketing.
This year, our teams have truly stepped up, and we couldn’t be prouder of their achievements. Your dedication, creativity, and teamwork continue to impress—well done, everyone!
F1 in Schools Success! 🏎️
A huge congratulations to all our teams who competed in the @f1inschoolsuk competition!
🏁 Your hard work, dedication, and innovation truly stood out.
Special Mentions go to:
🔹 Vortex – Fastest car from Berkhamsted, securing 3rd place in the Professional Class!
🔹 Peregrine Racing – Judges’ nomination for Best Pit Display and an incredible 3rd place overall in the Professional Class, making history as the first Berkhamsted team to reach the podium! 🏆 This also means they have a shot at Nationals later this year! 🇬🇧
🔹 Carbon 6 – Judges’ nominations for Best Vocal Presentation & Judges’ Choice Award.
🔹 Sennematic Racing – Judges’ nomination for Best Sponsorship & Marketing.
This year, our teams have truly stepped up, and we couldn’t be prouder of their achievements. Your dedication, creativity, and teamwork continue to impress—well done, everyone!
✨ Exploring Future Pathways ✨
Berkhamsted pupils had the opportunity to explore their next steps at our recent Universities Fair! 🎓💡
Deans’ Hall was buzzing with energy as students engaged with representatives from a wide range of universities, alongside our dedicated careers team.
A huge thank you to all our exhibitors for making this event such a success for both students and parents:
📍 @cardiffuni
📍 @durhamuniversity
📍 @lancasteruni
📍 @lborouniversity
📍 @newcastleuni
📍 @nottinghamtrentuni
📍 @oxfordbrookes
📍 @swanseauni
📍 @uniofwarwick
📍 @uniofbath
📍 @unibirmingham
📍 @uniofeastanglia
📍 @uniofexeter
📍 @uniofherts
📍 @universityofleeds
📍 @livuni
📍 @uniofnottingham
📍 @theuniversityofsheffield
📍 @uni_southampton
📍 @uniofsurrey
We’re also incredibly grateful to Simon Long (Head of Careers) and Jane Simons (Head of Universities/Healthcare Applications) for their invaluable guidance and support.
At Berkhamsted, we empower pupils to pursue their aspirations—whether that’s a UK or international university, a Degree Apprenticeship, a Sports Scholarship, or an Oxbridge application. 🚀🌍
✨ Exploring Future Pathways ✨
Berkhamsted pupils had the opportunity to explore their next steps at our recent Universities Fair! 🎓💡
Deans’ Hall was buzzing with energy as students engaged with representatives from a wide range of universities, alongside our dedicated careers team.
A huge thank you to all our exhibitors for making this event such a success for both students and parents:
📍 @cardiffuni
📍 @durhamuniversity
📍 @lancasteruni
📍 @lborouniversity
📍 @newcastleuni
📍 @nottinghamtrentuni
📍 @oxfordbrookes
📍 @swanseauni
📍 @uniofwarwick
📍 @uniofbath
📍 @unibirmingham
📍 @uniofeastanglia
📍 @uniofexeter
📍 @uniofherts
📍 @universityofleeds
📍 @livuni
📍 @uniofnottingham
📍 @theuniversityofsheffield
📍 @uni_southampton
📍 @uniofsurrey
We’re also incredibly grateful to Simon Long (Head of Careers) and Jane Simons (Head of Universities/Healthcare Applications) for their invaluable guidance and support.
At Berkhamsted, we empower pupils to pursue their aspirations—whether that’s a UK or international university, a Degree Apprenticeship, a Sports Scholarship, or an Oxbridge application. 🚀🌍
Lord Sugar’s Apprentice Winner Inspires Students in Shaping Their GCSE Choices and Future Careers
We were delighted to welcome @inventor_tom, winner of @TheApprentice 2011 and founding CEO of @stylpro_uk, to inspire our pupils with his journey in innovation and entrepreneurship! 🚀💡
His talk on D&T and choosing GCSE options sparked valuable conversations.
The key takeaway? Find what you love, are good at and what will pay in the long run! 💭
Lord Sugar’s Apprentice Winner Inspires Students in Shaping Their GCSE Choices and Future Careers
We were delighted to welcome @inventor_tom, winner of @TheApprentice 2011 and founding CEO of @stylpro_uk, to inspire our pupils with his journey in innovation and entrepreneurship! 🚀💡
His talk on D&T and choosing GCSE options sparked valuable conversations.
The key takeaway? Find what you love, are good at and what will pay in the long run! 💭
🎙️ 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
Should We Be Decentring Teachers?
The Oracy Commission has called for oracy to become the `fourth R` in education, alongside reading, writing, and arithmetic. The report campaigned for young people to be able to express themselves, ask questions and empower them to communicate effectively in our modern world.
At Berkhamsted, we embrace this mission wholeheartedly. Our Prep school, @heathertonschool, was recently commended for its "significant strength" in pupils` use of vocabulary, in a recent ISI inspection.
We recently invited speech coach @KateHempsall to train our Year 12s on the art of oracy, like mastering the ‘3 Ps’ (Pitch, Pace, Pause). Their next challenge was for them to run an oracy mentoring workshop for Year 6 pupils @berkhamstedprep
“Sometimes the best teaching is when we’re not involved,” says Mrs Chatwin, Deputy Head of Teaching, Learning, and Innovation. “The impact they will have on the Year 6s is arguably greater than that of teachers – they are influential figures in their school journey.”
From fast-paced games to sharing personal stories, this student-led workshop empowered Year 6 pupils to find their voices. In the near future, these Year 6s will speak at a @berkhamstedsixth assembly, showcasing their new skills and model strong oracy back to their mentors.
At Berkhamsted, we believe in learning together – where students inspire students.
Should We Be Decentring Teachers?
The Oracy Commission has called for oracy to become the `fourth R` in education, alongside reading, writing, and arithmetic. The report campaigned for young people to be able to express themselves, ask questions and empower them to communicate effectively in our modern world.
At Berkhamsted, we embrace this mission wholeheartedly. Our Prep school, @heathertonschool, was recently commended for its "significant strength" in pupils` use of vocabulary, in a recent ISI inspection.
We recently invited speech coach @KateHempsall to train our Year 12s on the art of oracy, like mastering the ‘3 Ps’ (Pitch, Pace, Pause). Their next challenge was for them to run an oracy mentoring workshop for Year 6 pupils @berkhamstedprep
“Sometimes the best teaching is when we’re not involved,” says Mrs Chatwin, Deputy Head of Teaching, Learning, and Innovation. “The impact they will have on the Year 6s is arguably greater than that of teachers – they are influential figures in their school journey.”
From fast-paced games to sharing personal stories, this student-led workshop empowered Year 6 pupils to find their voices. In the near future, these Year 6s will speak at a @berkhamstedsixth assembly, showcasing their new skills and model strong oracy back to their mentors.
At Berkhamsted, we believe in learning together – where students inspire students.
An unforgettable day for two Berkhamsted pupils! 🌿
Last week, Amari P. @berkhamstedprep and Jiya P. @berkhamstedgirls had the incredible opportunity to meet Prince William during his visit to @NatureMetrics, a finalist for the prestigious 2024 @EarthshotPrize. 🌍
The @EarthshotPrize, founded by Prince William in 2020, celebrates ground breaking innovations tackling the planet’s biggest environmental challenges.
@NatureMetrics is leading the way with revolutionary eDNA collection kits, making biodiversity monitoring faster, easier, and more accessible. 🧪
Amari and Jiya joined the Prince in collecting eDNA samples from a lake, playing their part in vital efforts to protect our planet’s biodiversity. 💧
What an amazing experience to witness innovation in action and contribute to a sustainable future! 💚
An unforgettable day for two Berkhamsted pupils! 🌿
Last week, Amari P. @berkhamstedprep and Jiya P. @berkhamstedgirls had the incredible opportunity to meet Prince William during his visit to @NatureMetrics, a finalist for the prestigious 2024 @EarthshotPrize. 🌍
The @EarthshotPrize, founded by Prince William in 2020, celebrates ground breaking innovations tackling the planet’s biggest environmental challenges.
@NatureMetrics is leading the way with revolutionary eDNA collection kits, making biodiversity monitoring faster, easier, and more accessible. 🧪
Amari and Jiya joined the Prince in collecting eDNA samples from a lake, playing their part in vital efforts to protect our planet’s biodiversity. 💧
What an amazing experience to witness innovation in action and contribute to a sustainable future! 💚
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! 🧧🎊
Year 8 pupils enjoyed a fun-filled half day of enriching activities on a Maths Puzzle Day last week, igniting their passion for learning and building key problem-solving skills! 🔍✨
Credit for photos 5,6 & 7 to Caleb, Year 13 student
Year 8 pupils enjoyed a fun-filled half day of enriching activities on a Maths Puzzle Day last week, igniting their passion for learning and building key problem-solving skills! 🔍✨
Credit for photos 5,6 & 7 to Caleb, Year 13 student
Check out these stunning shots from a recent Year 8 rugby match, captured by our talented Year 13 photographer, Caleb! 📸🏉
Check out these stunning shots from a recent Year 8 rugby match, captured by our talented Year 13 photographer, Caleb! 📸🏉
