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 moreSchool 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 3 – 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 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.
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 moreNews
Berkhamsted Group, Boys, Girls, Heatherton, Prep, Sixth Form | 29.11.2023
Young Musician of the Year Festival 2023
Read
Berkhamsted Group, Girls, Prep, Sixth Form | 28.11.2023
Getting our girls into STEM: Introducing the STEM Society
Read
Berkhamsted Group, Sixth Form | 08.11.2023
Introducing Dan and Ella, Berkhamsted’s new Head Boy and Head Girl
Read
Berkhamsted Group, Boys, Girls | 07.11.2023
A look back at Berkhamsted’s partnership with the ACE Programme Charity
Read
Berkhamsted Group, Girls | 07.11.2023
Boosting Participation and Building Confidence: Berkhamsted x Saracens Mavericks
Read
🎙️ In this episode of the `In the Berkhamsted Spotlight` podcast, we talk to Old Berkhamstedian Charlie Taylor who left the school in 1993, having gone through the school’s CCF programme and then joining the army.
Charlie talks about what life in the army was really like, what it’s like being in different parts of the world and what it’s like for those who are left behind.
But we also talk about how the school’s CCF programme prepared him and what he might say to someone considering it at school today.
🎧 Tune in on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, or click the link in our bio.
✔Don`t forget to like and subscribe for more episodes!
#BerkhamstedPodcast
#InTheBerkhamstedSpotlightPodcast
#BerkhamstedSchool
#TeamBerko
#CCF
@oldberkhamstedians
🎙️ In this episode of the `In the Berkhamsted Spotlight` podcast, we talk to Old Berkhamstedian Charlie Taylor who left the school in 1993, having gone through the school’s CCF programme and then joining the army.
Charlie talks about what life in the army was really like, what it’s like being in different parts of the world and what it’s like for those who are left behind.
But we also talk about how the school’s CCF programme prepared him and what he might say to someone considering it at school today.
🎧 Tune in on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, or click the link in our bio.
✔Don`t forget to like and subscribe for more episodes!
#BerkhamstedPodcast
#InTheBerkhamstedSpotlightPodcast
#BerkhamstedSchool
#TeamBerko
#CCF
@oldberkhamstedians
☃️Christmas is coming, and we couldn`t be more excited!
🎅🏼Join us as we celebrate the spirit of the season with a series of festive events. From heartwarming nativity plays to enchanting carol concerts, there`s something for everyone to enjoy.
🎄Don`t miss out on the fun! We`ll be hosting Christmas tree decorating competitions and House socials, where you can showcase your creativity and bond with your friends.
🎥Stay tuned for videos capturing all the magical moments.
☃️Christmas is coming, and we couldn`t be more excited!
🎅🏼Join us as we celebrate the spirit of the season with a series of festive events. From heartwarming nativity plays to enchanting carol concerts, there`s something for everyone to enjoy.
🎄Don`t miss out on the fun! We`ll be hosting Christmas tree decorating competitions and House socials, where you can showcase your creativity and bond with your friends.
🎥Stay tuned for videos capturing all the magical moments.
🌳 Happy #NationalTreeWeek! 🌳
🌿 At Berkhamsted, we believe in the power of nature and the positive impact it has on our pupils` learning experience. That`s why we`re committed to creating a beautiful, green environment with plenty of trees all around.
♻️ From our stunning outdoor spaces to our new Sixth Form Centre, we are committed to sustainability. We`re constantly working on increasing the number of trees and enhancing our natural landscaping to provide our pupils with an environment where they can thrive.
@thetreecouncil @heathertonschool
🌳 Happy #NationalTreeWeek! 🌳
🌿 At Berkhamsted, we believe in the power of nature and the positive impact it has on our pupils` learning experience. That`s why we`re committed to creating a beautiful, green environment with plenty of trees all around.
♻️ From our stunning outdoor spaces to our new Sixth Form Centre, we are committed to sustainability. We`re constantly working on increasing the number of trees and enhancing our natural landscaping to provide our pupils with an environment where they can thrive.
@thetreecouncil @heathertonschool
💪Smashing female stereotypes
Our Year 9 @berkhamstedgirls were recently lucky to hear from three inspiring women in tech.
At Berkhamsted, we`re breaking barriers and empowering our Year 9 girls to shatter stereotypes in the tech industry.
Recently, our pupils had the privilege of hearing from three remarkable women in tech: Bernadette Bird, Senior Technical Programme Manager at @marksandspencer ; Ameena Akhtar, an @oldberkhamstedians and Degree Apprentice Solution Engineer at @vmware ; and Selina Pavan, Technology Architect at @bankofamerica.
These inspiring women shared their experiences and insights, aiming to ignite a passion for technology careers among our girls.
At Berkhamsted, we offer a wide array of opportunities, including the Duke of Edinburgh Award, participation in theatre productions, and many more which will all contribute to a successful career.
In today`s evolving job market, technology skills are more crucial than ever and it is exciting that many jobs available to the girls when they leave school, may not have even been created yet!
#EmpowerGirls
#WomenInTech #BerkhamstedSchool
#TeamBerko
💪Smashing female stereotypes
Our Year 9 @berkhamstedgirls were recently lucky to hear from three inspiring women in tech.
At Berkhamsted, we`re breaking barriers and empowering our Year 9 girls to shatter stereotypes in the tech industry.
Recently, our pupils had the privilege of hearing from three remarkable women in tech: Bernadette Bird, Senior Technical Programme Manager at @marksandspencer ; Ameena Akhtar, an @oldberkhamstedians and Degree Apprentice Solution Engineer at @vmware ; and Selina Pavan, Technology Architect at @bankofamerica.
These inspiring women shared their experiences and insights, aiming to ignite a passion for technology careers among our girls.
At Berkhamsted, we offer a wide array of opportunities, including the Duke of Edinburgh Award, participation in theatre productions, and many more which will all contribute to a successful career.
In today`s evolving job market, technology skills are more crucial than ever and it is exciting that many jobs available to the girls when they leave school, may not have even been created yet!
#EmpowerGirls
#WomenInTech #BerkhamstedSchool
#TeamBerko
📣 New podcast alert!
🎙️ Meet Dan and Ella, our new Head Boy and Head Girl.
In this episode, they talk about what motivated them to apply for the positions, the process they went through, how they’ll balance their roles with their academic work and what they think they might be doing once they leave school.
🎧 Tune in on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, or your favourite podcast platform.
👍Don`t forget to like and subscribe for more episodes!
The deadline for our Sixth Form applications is this Thursday 16 November.
#BerkhamstedPodcast
#InTheBerkhamstedSpotlightPodcast
#BerkhamstedSchool
#TeamBerko
@berkhamstedsixth
📣 New podcast alert!
🎙️ Meet Dan and Ella, our new Head Boy and Head Girl.
In this episode, they talk about what motivated them to apply for the positions, the process they went through, how they’ll balance their roles with their academic work and what they think they might be doing once they leave school.
🎧 Tune in on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, or your favourite podcast platform.
👍Don`t forget to like and subscribe for more episodes!
The deadline for our Sixth Form applications is this Thursday 16 November.
#BerkhamstedPodcast
#InTheBerkhamstedSpotlightPodcast
#BerkhamstedSchool
#TeamBerko
@berkhamstedsixth
🌹 Honouring the Brave: Our CCF pupils stood tall and proud on Sunday as they paid homage to the heroes of yesteryears at the Remembrance Day service on Berkhamsted High Street.
Their unwavering commitment and respect for those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the war truly exemplified the spirit of remembrance and gratitude. It was a moving and poignant tribute that left an indelible mark on all who witnessed it.
Let us never forget the courage and sacrifice of the fallen. Lest we forget. 🌹 #RemembranceDay #lestweforget
🌹 Honouring the Brave: Our CCF pupils stood tall and proud on Sunday as they paid homage to the heroes of yesteryears at the Remembrance Day service on Berkhamsted High Street.
Their unwavering commitment and respect for those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the war truly exemplified the spirit of remembrance and gratitude. It was a moving and poignant tribute that left an indelible mark on all who witnessed it.
Let us never forget the courage and sacrifice of the fallen. Lest we forget. 🌹 #RemembranceDay #lestweforget
Why is the Head of Sixth Form high up above the construction site?
At Berkhamsted our values are not just for our pupils but are adhered to by the whole community. Recently our leadership team put two of our values to the test.
Ms Emma Watson (Head of Girls), Mr Richard Backhouse (Principal), Mr Tom Hadcroft (Head of Boys), and Mr Martin Walker (Head of Sixth) were all inspired to climb the crane and live by Berkhamsted’s values of ‘aim with integrity’ and ‘be adventurous’.
Watched in awe and admiration by our current prefects, they accepted the challenge and climbed to the top of the crane. Once at the top, they were amazed to see the foundations of the new Sixth Form emerging from the ground.
Mr Martin Walker, (Head of Sixth), said "we`re aiming to build a really inspirational space for our students to learn in and prepare them for the next step after school, by creating an environment much like a university or modern office space."
“The world outside schools is changing fast,” said Mr Backhouse, Principal of Berkhamsted Schools Group. “School leavers are entering a swift-moving world which places new and shifting demands upon them, and it is with this in mind that Berkhamsted is constructing a brand-new Sixth Form Centre for completion in 2024.”
Watch the full video on our YouTube channel.
Why is the Head of Sixth Form high up above the construction site?
At Berkhamsted our values are not just for our pupils but are adhered to by the whole community. Recently our leadership team put two of our values to the test.
Ms Emma Watson (Head of Girls), Mr Richard Backhouse (Principal), Mr Tom Hadcroft (Head of Boys), and Mr Martin Walker (Head of Sixth) were all inspired to climb the crane and live by Berkhamsted’s values of ‘aim with integrity’ and ‘be adventurous’.
Watched in awe and admiration by our current prefects, they accepted the challenge and climbed to the top of the crane. Once at the top, they were amazed to see the foundations of the new Sixth Form emerging from the ground.
Mr Martin Walker, (Head of Sixth), said "we`re aiming to build a really inspirational space for our students to learn in and prepare them for the next step after school, by creating an environment much like a university or modern office space."
“The world outside schools is changing fast,” said Mr Backhouse, Principal of Berkhamsted Schools Group. “School leavers are entering a swift-moving world which places new and shifting demands upon them, and it is with this in mind that Berkhamsted is constructing a brand-new Sixth Form Centre for completion in 2024.”
Watch the full video on our YouTube channel.
📚 Welcome back to school!
🌟 We hope you had a restful break and are raring to go for an action-packed half-term.
🎄It`s hard to believe but there are only 53 days until Christmas!
🗓️ However, every day in school counts and there are multiple opportunities for our pupils to look forward to this half-term including:
👩🎓Sixth Form Subject Evening
🏅Netball, Lacrosse, Rugby, Football, Swimming, Tennis, Squash Cross Country and Fives Fixtures
🥀Remembrance Week
🎻Berkhamsted Young Musician of the Year Competition
🛍 Michaelmas Fayre
👌Humanutopia events
🎹 LAMDA/ABRSM/Trinity examinations
📌Trips to the British Schools` Museum, St Albans Cathedral and Tate Modern
🎶Christmas Concert
🎭 Sixth Form Production
⛪ Christingle and Carol Services
#teamberko
#BerkhamstedSchool
@berkhamstedboys
@berkhamstedgirls
@berkhamstedprep
@berkopreprep
@berkhamstedsixth
📚 Welcome back to school!
🌟 We hope you had a restful break and are raring to go for an action-packed half-term.
🎄It`s hard to believe but there are only 53 days until Christmas!
🗓️ However, every day in school counts and there are multiple opportunities for our pupils to look forward to this half-term including:
👩🎓Sixth Form Subject Evening
🏅Netball, Lacrosse, Rugby, Football, Swimming, Tennis, Squash Cross Country and Fives Fixtures
🥀Remembrance Week
🎻Berkhamsted Young Musician of the Year Competition
🛍 Michaelmas Fayre
👌Humanutopia events
🎹 LAMDA/ABRSM/Trinity examinations
📌Trips to the British Schools` Museum, St Albans Cathedral and Tate Modern
🎶Christmas Concert
🎭 Sixth Form Production
⛪ Christingle and Carol Services
#teamberko
#BerkhamstedSchool
@berkhamstedboys
@berkhamstedgirls
@berkhamstedprep
@berkopreprep
@berkhamstedsixth
🎶 What a night! The Scholars’ Concert at Berkhamsted last week had us all in awe!
🙌🏼 From Bach’s uplifting Sonata No.4:Allegro to mesmerising organ solos, our talented musical scholars blew us away 🎹🎺
The variety of instruments, from the French horn to the trumpet, showcased the incredible range of talent our pupils possess.
A magnificent performance on the organ was performed by pupil Lawrence F. This was a particularly exciting part of the show as the school has struggled to feature the instrument in the scholar’s concert until now. In prior years, Berkhamsted’s only organ remained in our chapel, but we have recently acquired a portable organ we are hoping will encourage more pupils to take up the instrument.
There was even some premature festive spirit in the air as Georgina K sang O Holy Night, to which she justified her early Christmas choice by exclaiming, “you may be wondering why I am singing a Christmas song in October? The truth is it was on my syllabus, and I am just as much of a fiend for celebrating Christmas early as any supermarket”.
The evening ended as incredibly as it started with Bea M performing Willem Ten Have’s Allegro Brilliante on the violin.
A huge thank you to Mr Noithip, Mr Bond, and the whole Music Department for all your hard work in producing the concert, and congratulations to all scholars for your incredible performances!
🎵 ✨ #ScholarsConcert2023 #MusicalTalent #BerkhamstedSchool #TeamBerko
🎶 What a night! The Scholars’ Concert at Berkhamsted last week had us all in awe!
🙌🏼 From Bach’s uplifting Sonata No.4:Allegro to mesmerising organ solos, our talented musical scholars blew us away 🎹🎺
The variety of instruments, from the French horn to the trumpet, showcased the incredible range of talent our pupils possess.
A magnificent performance on the organ was performed by pupil Lawrence F. This was a particularly exciting part of the show as the school has struggled to feature the instrument in the scholar’s concert until now. In prior years, Berkhamsted’s only organ remained in our chapel, but we have recently acquired a portable organ we are hoping will encourage more pupils to take up the instrument.
There was even some premature festive spirit in the air as Georgina K sang O Holy Night, to which she justified her early Christmas choice by exclaiming, “you may be wondering why I am singing a Christmas song in October? The truth is it was on my syllabus, and I am just as much of a fiend for celebrating Christmas early as any supermarket”.
The evening ended as incredibly as it started with Bea M performing Willem Ten Have’s Allegro Brilliante on the violin.
A huge thank you to Mr Noithip, Mr Bond, and the whole Music Department for all your hard work in producing the concert, and congratulations to all scholars for your incredible performances!
🎵 ✨ #ScholarsConcert2023 #MusicalTalent #BerkhamstedSchool #TeamBerko
Developing remarkable people
Today we celebrate Founder’s Day, which commemorates the opening of our school in 1541.
Since then, the school has gone through many changes, including the merger of the boys’ and girls’ schools in 1996 and welcoming @heathertonschool to the Berkhamsted Schools Group in 2011.
We mark this important occasion in the School’s history with our annual Founder’s Day service, shared with all the pupils in our Senior Schools and Sixth Form this afternoon.
Our guest speaker this year is Peter Marsden, CEO of @concordisinternational International, who works in peacebuilding in conflict situations worldwide.
This is an important issue at any time, but perhaps even more so given the troubling and distressing events currently taking place in the Middle East. We hope that the service will provide an opportunity for the Senior and Sixth school communities to reflect upon those who are suffering, or are working for peace, in communities affected by conflicts around the world.
#FoundersDay
#BerkhamstedSchool
#RemarkablePeople
#DeanIncent
Today we celebrate Founder’s Day, which commemorates the opening of our school in 1541.
Since then, the school has gone through many changes, including the merger of the boys’ and girls’ schools in 1996 and welcoming @heathertonschool to the Berkhamsted Schools Group in 2011.
We mark this important occasion in the School’s history with our annual Founder’s Day service, shared with all the pupils in our Senior Schools and Sixth Form this afternoon.
Our guest speaker this year is Peter Marsden, CEO of @concordisinternational International, who works in peacebuilding in conflict situations worldwide.
This is an important issue at any time, but perhaps even more so given the troubling and distressing events currently taking place in the Middle East. We hope that the service will provide an opportunity for the Senior and Sixth school communities to reflect upon those who are suffering, or are working for peace, in communities affected by conflicts around the world.
#FoundersDay
#BerkhamstedSchool
#RemarkablePeople
#DeanIncent
🎭There’s only one day to go until our annual House Performing Arts competition!
We can’t wait to see what the Houses have in store for us when they perform at the Centenary Theatre tomorrow.
Here’s a look back on last year’s competition.
🏚Which House do you think will win this year?
@berkhamstedgirls
@berkhamstedboys
#BerkhamstedSchool
#BerkoDrama
#TeamBerko
🎭There’s only one day to go until our annual House Performing Arts competition!
We can’t wait to see what the Houses have in store for us when they perform at the Centenary Theatre tomorrow.
Here’s a look back on last year’s competition.
🏚Which House do you think will win this year?
@berkhamstedgirls
@berkhamstedboys
#BerkhamstedSchool
#BerkoDrama
#TeamBerko
