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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Meet our Remarkable People
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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

Year 10 pupil plays for Romania FA

Year 10 pupil plays for Romania FA

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Heatherton Goes Green: Distinction Awarded in Eco-Schools Green Flag Award

Heatherton Goes Green: Distinction Awarded in Eco-Schools Green Flag Award

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Berkhamsted School selected as a Finalist for two School House Awards

Berkhamsted School selected as a Finalist for two School House Awards

Read
Heatherton welcomes back pupils for Michaelmas Term

Heatherton welcomes back pupils for Michaelmas Term

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New House rooms and more: New pupils attend induction day and seniors return

New House rooms and more: New pupils attend induction day and seniors return

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Proud of our 2024 GCSE cohort and their remarkable results

Proud of our 2024 GCSE cohort and their remarkable results

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  • 🏆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

    🚧 Our Estates Team has been hard at work this summer! We’re excited to share that the refurbishment projects are almost complete, just in time for the new term starting on Wednesday, 4 September. 🌟

✨ Refreshed spaces include:
- The Old Dining Room @berkhamstedgirls
- Redesigned Old Stede and Holme House rooms @berkhamstedgirls
- Revamped Bees and Swifts House rooms @berkhamstedboys
- A stunning new wall feature at Deans’ Hall

We can’t wait to welcome back our pupils and teachers to enjoy these fantastic new facilities! 

#BerkhamstedSchool #BackToSchool #RefurbishedSpaces

    🚧 Our Estates Team has been hard at work this summer! We’re excited to share that the refurbishment projects are almost complete, just in time for the new term starting on Wednesday, 4 September. 🌟

    ✨ Refreshed spaces include:
    – The Old Dining Room @berkhamstedgirls
    – Redesigned Old Stede and Holme House rooms @berkhamstedgirls
    – Revamped Bees and Swifts House rooms @berkhamstedboys
    – A stunning new wall feature at Deans’ Hall

    We can’t wait to welcome back our pupils and teachers to enjoy these fantastic new facilities!

    #BerkhamstedSchool #BackToSchool #RefurbishedSpaces

    On GCSE Results Day, Arthur reflects on his journey and growth at @berkhamstedboys. 

🌟 Congratulations to all our students! We’re excited to see many of you continue your success at @BerkhamstedSixth. 🎓

#GCSEResults
#BerkhamstedSchool
#BerkhamstedBoys

    On GCSE Results Day, Arthur reflects on his journey and growth at @berkhamstedboys.

    🌟 Congratulations to all our students! We’re excited to see many of you continue your success at @BerkhamstedSixth. 🎓

    #GCSEResults
    #BerkhamstedSchool
    #BerkhamstedBoys

    Reflecting on their journey at @berkhamstedgirls, Gaby and Orissa share their experiences on GCSE Results Day. 🏅 

Congratulations to all our students for their incredible achievements! 

We can’t wait to see many of you thrive at @berkhamstedsixth. 

#GCSEResults
#BerkhamstedSchool
#BerkhamstedGirls

    Reflecting on their journey at @berkhamstedgirls, Gaby and Orissa share their experiences on GCSE Results Day. 🏅

    Congratulations to all our students for their incredible achievements!

    We can’t wait to see many of you thrive at @berkhamstedsixth.

    #GCSEResults
    #BerkhamstedSchool
    #BerkhamstedGirls

    Congratulations 2024 GCSE Berkhamsted cohort, you smashed it!

You received the best ever 9-7 grades. 70.6% of grades were 9,8 or 7, 46.3% were graded 9 or 8 and 21.3% were awarded a 9, the top mark possible.

We hope to see you at School later to celebrate together.

Don’t forget our to book now for our @berkhamstedsixth Open Events on 27 September and 16 October.

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

#GCSEResults
#BerkhamstedSchool

    Congratulations 2024 GCSE Berkhamsted cohort, you smashed it!

    You received the best ever 9-7 grades. 70.6% of grades were 9,8 or 7, 46.3% were graded 9 or 8 and 21.3% were awarded a 9, the top mark possible.

    We hope to see you at School later to celebrate together.

    Don’t forget our to book now for our @berkhamstedsixth Open Events on 27 September and 16 October.

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

    #GCSEResults
    #BerkhamstedSchool

    🎓✨ Next steps, bright futures!

Our A Level students share where their journeys are taking them next. 

Watch to see where they’re heading! 🚀

#BerkhamstedSixth #ALevelResults #TeamBerko

    🎓✨ Next steps, bright futures!

    Our A Level students share where their journeys are taking them next.

    Watch to see where they’re heading! 🚀

    #BerkhamstedSixth #ALevelResults #TeamBerko

    “I was in tears, happy tears I have to admit!”🎉

Watch our students’ heart-warming reactions to receiving their A Level results. 🎓

100% pass rate
53% A*-A
82% A*-B

Many congratulations to our 2024 leavers on an outstanding set of A Level results and good luck for the future!

Considering joining Berkhamsted Sixth? Don’t miss out on our upcoming events!

Join us on Friday, 27 September for the “Life at Sixth” event and on Wednesday, 16 October for our “Subject Evening”.

Comment a 👍 below, and we’ll send you a link to book your place!

#BerkhamstedSixth #ALevelResults #TeamBerko

    “I was in tears, happy tears I have to admit!”🎉

    Watch our students’ heart-warming reactions to receiving their A Level results. 🎓

    100% pass rate
    53% A*-A
    82% A*-B

    Many congratulations to our 2024 leavers on an outstanding set of A Level results and good luck for the future!

    Considering joining Berkhamsted Sixth? Don’t miss out on our upcoming events!

    Join us on Friday, 27 September for the “Life at Sixth” event and on Wednesday, 16 October for our “Subject Evening”.

    Comment a 👍 below, and we’ll send you a link to book your place!

    #BerkhamstedSixth #ALevelResults #TeamBerko

    🎓 A Level Results Day is just around the corner! 🎉

We hope you’ve enjoyed a well-deserved break this summer. As A Level and GCSE results approach, it’s natural to feel a mix of excitement and nerves about what comes next. Remember, all your hard work has led to this moment, and we’re wishing you the very best with your results!

No matter the outcome, we’re here to support you as you take the next steps on your educational journey.

Our dedicated staff will be available on results day to offer guidance, discuss your future plans, and celebrate your achievements with you! 🙌

#BerkhamstedSchool #ALevelResults #GCSEResults #TeamBerko

Will you be coming into School to collect your results?

    🎓 A Level Results Day is just around the corner! 🎉

    We hope you’ve enjoyed a well-deserved break this summer. As A Level and GCSE results approach, it’s natural to feel a mix of excitement and nerves about what comes next. Remember, all your hard work has led to this moment, and we’re wishing you the very best with your results!

    No matter the outcome, we’re here to support you as you take the next steps on your educational journey.

    Our dedicated staff will be available on results day to offer guidance, discuss your future plans, and celebrate your achievements with you! 🙌

    #BerkhamstedSchool #ALevelResults #GCSEResults #TeamBerko

    Will you be coming into School to collect your results?

    🎉 Huge congratulations to @berkhamstedboys pupil Jack B on being awarded the prestigious @arkwrightscholarships for Engineering! 🏆✨

The Arkwright Engineering Scholarship is the UK's top award for aspiring engineers, encouraging students to pursue their dreams and change the world as an outstanding engineer in the future.

We chatted with Jack about his journey and future plans:

🔧 Why engineering?
"I've always loved understanding how things work. My hobby is repairing and modifying retro gaming consoles like the Nintendo DS and Gameboys. I even set up a workshop in my garage to work on them. I really enjoy being able to bring the consoles back to life and stop them being thrown away."

🚗 Work Experience:
"Last summer, I spent a week at @morganmotor working in different departments. It was an incredible experience and gave me real insight into engineering."

📚 The Application Process:
"It was challenging and time-consuming but also fascinating. It made me think deeply about my interests and future goals."

🏫 School Support:
"The School was very helpful. We had weekly sessions with Ms. Attfield to prepare for the application, exam, and interviews."

📖What do you hope to achieve from your Scholarship? 
"I want to explore engineering further and get support to make the right university choices. My goal is to maximize my career opportunities."

 🎓 Future Aspirations:
"I'm planning to study Design & Technology, Physics, Maths, and Further Maths for A level. I hope to study Structural and Architectural Engineering at university and eventually build houses in earthquake zones in Japan. I've been learning Japanese for two years to prepare!"

Well done, Jack! 🚀 Your passion and dedication are truly inspiring. Keep aiming high! 🌟

#Engineering #Scholarship #FutureEngineer #ArkwrightScholarship #STEM #BerkhamstedBoys

    🎉 Huge congratulations to @berkhamstedboys pupil Jack B on being awarded the prestigious @arkwrightscholarships for Engineering! 🏆✨

    The Arkwright Engineering Scholarship is the UK`s top award for aspiring engineers, encouraging students to pursue their dreams and change the world as an outstanding engineer in the future.

    We chatted with Jack about his journey and future plans:

    🔧 Why engineering?
    "I`ve always loved understanding how things work. My hobby is repairing and modifying retro gaming consoles like the Nintendo DS and Gameboys. I even set up a workshop in my garage to work on them. I really enjoy being able to bring the consoles back to life and stop them being thrown away."

    🚗 Work Experience:
    "Last summer, I spent a week at @morganmotor working in different departments. It was an incredible experience and gave me real insight into engineering."

    📚 The Application Process:
    "It was challenging and time-consuming but also fascinating. It made me think deeply about my interests and future goals."

    🏫 School Support:
    "The School was very helpful. We had weekly sessions with Ms. Attfield to prepare for the application, exam, and interviews."

    📖What do you hope to achieve from your Scholarship?
    "I want to explore engineering further and get support to make the right university choices. My goal is to maximize my career opportunities."

    🎓 Future Aspirations:
    "I`m planning to study Design & Technology, Physics, Maths, and Further Maths for A level. I hope to study Structural and Architectural Engineering at university and eventually build houses in earthquake zones in Japan. I`ve been learning Japanese for two years to prepare!"

    Well done, Jack! 🚀 Your passion and dedication are truly inspiring. Keep aiming high! 🌟

    #Engineering #Scholarship #FutureEngineer #ArkwrightScholarship #STEM #BerkhamstedBoys