Boarding Admissions
Boarding at Berkhamsted offers the experience of being part of a friendly, close-knit school community at a traditional English independent day school, as well as access to outstanding facilities and resources.
Our boarding community is a mixture of full boarders (termly), weekly boarders (Sunday – Thursday nights) and local pupils who enjoy flexi-boarding, on one or two nights a week.
Berkhamsted Boys
Entry for flexi-boarding is from ages 11+ (Year 7 upwards), and for weekly and full boarding from ages 13+ and 14+ (from Year 9 and Year 10).
Berkhamsted Girls
Entry for flexi-boarding is from ages 11+ (Year 7 upwards), and for weekly and full boarding (subject to availability) from ages 13+ and 14+ (from Year 9 and Year 10).
Berkhamsted Sixth (co-educational)
Entry for flexi, weekly and full boarding is from age 16+ (Year 12 – into Sixth Form).
Get to know us at Berkhamsted
We highly encourage families to get to know us before applying. Please click here for information on our Open Days and Events.
We also attend Agent Fairs both in the UK and internationally and would be delighted to meet you at one. Please contact Jennie Peachey, our International Admissions Officer, for more details of our attendance at upcoming events.
In addition, our trusted registered agents are perfectly placed to introduce you to Berkhamsted School and guide you through our boarding admissions process if you are applying to Berkhamsted from overseas.
Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our Admissions Team should you have any questions about boarding while living in the UK.
Entry Requirements for International Boarding Admissions
Admissions for Berkhamsted Sixth
We welcome applications from international students who would like to join Berkhamsted Sixth (co-educational from age 16+) as a full boarder on our 2 Year A-Level programme. To apply, please email internationaladmissions@berkhamsted.com and provide a copy of the student’s latest school report and passport.
Once registered, applicants will be invited to take our entrance assessments. We have partnered with UKiset and all international applicants are required to complete a UKiset test, which forms part of our assessment along with an interview.
UKiset is an adaptive cognitive online entry test designed to assess the student’s academic ability and level of English. The test is taken at a UKiset-approved UK or International Test Centre, or it can be taken remotely with online invigilation, arranged by UKiset. For information, please visit the UKiset website.
The test fee is payable directly to UKiset and for applicants who are taking the test as part of their entrance assessments for Berkhamsted, the school registration fee is not required.
For all students in Berkhamsted Sixth, progression to Year 13 depends on satisfactory attainment, as determined by the student’s term grades and results across the course of Year 12 (Lower Sixth Year, ages 16-17), in addition to the end of year examinations. Work ethic, discipline record and contribution to the wider life of the school will also be taken into consideration.
Admissions for Berkhamsted Girls Senior School
Places for Weekly or Full Boarding in Year 9 and Year 10 are subject to availability. Please contact Jennie Peachey in International Admissions for the latest information.
We welcome applications from international students who would like to join Berkhamsted Girls as a full boarder in Year 9 (age 13+), or Year 10 (age 14+) for our 2 year GCSE programme.
If we have availability, after registration, our team will then request a copy of the student’s latest school report and passport.
Once registered, applicants will be invited to take our entrance assessments. We have partnered with UKiset and all international applicants are required to complete a UKiset test which forms part of our assessment along with an interview.
UKiset is an adaptive cognitive online entry test designed to assess the student’s academic ability and level of English. The test is taken at a UKiset-approved UK or International Test Centre, or it can be taken remotely with online invigilation, arranged by UKiset. For information please visit the UKiset website.
The test fee is payable directly to UKiset and for applicants who are taking the test as part of their entrance assessments for Berkhamsted, the school registration fee is not required.
Admissions for Berkhamsted Boys Senior School
We welcome applications from international students who would like to join Berkhamsted Boys as a full boarder in Year 9 (age 13+), or Year 10 (age 14+) for our 2 year GCSE programme.
To apply for Year 9 at Berkhamsted Boys, please refer to the current Year 9 Admissions Timeline and ensure registration is completed before the deadline, which runs two years ahead of academic entry.
We welcome applications from international students who would like to join Berkhamsted Boys Year 10 (14+) as a full boarder on our 2 Year GCSE programme. To apply, please email internationaladmissions@berkhamsted.com and provide a copy of the student’s latest school report and passport.
Once registered, applicants will be invited to take our entrance assessments. We have partnered with UKiset and all international applicants are required to complete a UKiset test which forms part of our assessment along with an interview.
UKiset is an adaptive cognitive online entry test designed to assess the student’s academic ability and level of English. The test is taken at a UKiset-approved UK or International Test Centre, or it can be taken remotely with online invigilation, arranged by UKiset. For information please visit the UKiset website.
The test fee is payable directly to UKiset and for applicants who are taking the test as part of their entrance assessments for Berkhamsted, the school registration fee is not required.
For more information and for any questions, please e-mail our International Admissions Officer, Jennie Peachey, on internationaladmissions@berkhamsted.com – or call 01442 358001.
Entry requirements for UK Boarding Admissions
Weekly and full boarding
Berkhamsted Sixth
In order to gain admission to Berkhamsted Sixth, students require 48 points (from Sept 2026) across their best 8 GCSE subjects with a minimum requirement of a Grade 6 in the subjects they wish to study. It will also be necessary for students to be able to qualify to study 3 A Level subjects.
All students who have taken GCSE/iGCSE will require a minimum of Grade 4 in GCSE Maths and English Language for entry to the school. In addition to the general entrance requirements outlined above, there are specific admission requirements relating to certain courses. Please note that some subjects have a higher entry requirement than a 6. Further details of these requirements can be found in our A Level Curriculum Guide.
Our assessment day is designed to assess a student’s character strengths and academic ability. We know that character is central to students’ wellbeing and outcomes and want to make sure that the students who are offered places will thrive at Berkhamsted Sixth. Therefore, the assessment is comprised of the following:
- A character-strengths-based interview
- A presentation followed by a small-group discussion
- A verbal, non-verbal, spatial and quantitative reasoning test
A reference from the prospective student’s current school is also required.
Progression to Year 13 depends on satisfactory attainment in Year 12, as determined by the student’s performance in the end of year examinations. Work ethic, discipline record and contribution to the wider life of the School are also taken into account.
Berkhamsted Girls
As Year 9 is not an official entry point for Berkhamsted Girls, places for weekly and full boarding places are subject to availability, but please do enquire for the latest information with our admissions team before completing a registration form or making the non-refundable registration payment on 01442 358001 or admissions@berkhamsted.com.
Berkhamsted Boys
We welcome applications from students who would like to join Berkhamsted Boys as a weekly or full boarder in Year 9 (age 13+), or Year 10 (age 14+) for our 2 year GCSE programme.
To apply for Year 9 at Berkhamsted Boys, please refer to the current Year 9 Admissions Timeline and ensure registration is completed and non-refundable registration fee paid before the deadline, which runs two years ahead of academic entry.
Places in Year 10 are subject to space availability, but please email admissions@berkhamsted.com and enquire before registering online and submitting along with the non-refundable registration fee.
Entry to our Senior Schools
Entry to each School is dependent upon satisfactory attainment at respective stages of the Curriculum as well as a good interview and a reference that reflects a sound disciplinary record and a commitment to the wider aspects of school life.
Progression from one section of the School to another can never be guaranteed, however, we endeavour to make decisions on entry with the expectation that pupils should be able to progress through the School.
For more information and for any questions, please e-mail our Admissions Team – admissions@berkhamsted.com – or call 01442 358001.
Flexi-boarding
We offer the option of flexi-boarding from Year 7 (age 11+) for both locally-based boys and girls. This is generally for one or two nights a week due to school commitments or family work commitments and is on a space available basis. For full information and to enquire about availability, please contact the Admissions Team – admissions@berkhamsted.com or call 01442 358001.
Admissions Timetables
Please follow the links below to discover more about the timelines for applications to each of the Schools.
DISCOVER MORE
Open Event
Please click here for information about Open Events for Y7 2026 / Y9 2027 and Sixth Form 2026
Studying at Berkhamsted was the turning point of my life. I love boarding life… we study together, have fun together and care about each other.
Choosing Berkhamsted was the best decision of my life.
I enjoy spending a night in St John’s every now and then – it’s like having a sleepover at a friend’s house!
Weekly boarding works well for us. I know he’s happy and we enjoy our weekends together knowing that the homework is done.
As our boarders are 🚕driving, 🚶♀️walking, ✈️flying and 🚅train-ing(?) home for Christmas, it is a good chance to reflect on an amazing term! We wish all in the boarding family and beyond a very Merry Christmas and we look forward to seeing everyone in 2025 🎄🎄🎄
As our boarders are 🚕driving, 🚶♀️walking, ✈️flying and 🚅train-ing(?) home for Christmas, it is a good chance to reflect on an amazing term! We wish all in the boarding family and beyond a very Merry Christmas and we look forward to seeing everyone in 2025 🎄🎄🎄
One of our highlights this week was watching Maisha present to Year 6 @berkhamstedprep about Islam. Thank you, Maisha, for sharing about your faith and for doing so so brilliantly!
One of our highlights this week was watching Maisha present to Year 6 @berkhamstedprep about Islam. Thank you, Maisha, for sharing about your faith and for doing so so brilliantly!
🎀 OMIGOD YOU GUYS 🎀
Just 10 days to go until ‘Legally Blonde’ opens on The Centenary Theatre stage!
Directed by the wonderful Miss Thackray. Do not miss Orissa and Bea’s outstanding performance in the show. With Rosie and Cindy working their magic backstage!
Get your tickets now by following the link in our bio ✨
https://berkhamsted.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/1173660164
🎀 OMIGOD YOU GUYS 🎀
Just 10 days to go until ‘Legally Blonde’ opens on The Centenary Theatre stage!
Directed by the wonderful Miss Thackray. Do not miss Orissa and Bea’s outstanding performance in the show. With Rosie and Cindy working their magic backstage!
Get your tickets now by following the link in our bio ✨
https://berkhamsted.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/1173660164
Our boarders are all settled back into the swing of things after the Half Term break. During their holiday, many of our students travelled and lived out our school value of Being Adventurous by joining school trips. William in Y10 had an amazing time diving in Egypt and taking his PADI course. In Y13, Julia, Amelia and Crosby joined a wonderful Geography trip to Iceland. They saw glaciers, geysers and volcanos! They also had amazing sightings of the Northern Lights. In the upcoming school holidays, some will be joining ski trips and others will be going on a football tour to Madrid and training at the Real Madrid training centre! All part of the rich and varied offering of life at Berkhamsted.
Our boarders are all settled back into the swing of things after the Half Term break. During their holiday, many of our students travelled and lived out our school value of Being Adventurous by joining school trips. William in Y10 had an amazing time diving in Egypt and taking his PADI course. In Y13, Julia, Amelia and Crosby joined a wonderful Geography trip to Iceland. They saw glaciers, geysers and volcanos! They also had amazing sightings of the Northern Lights. In the upcoming school holidays, some will be joining ski trips and others will be going on a football tour to Madrid and training at the Real Madrid training centre! All part of the rich and varied offering of life at Berkhamsted.
An educational day out at @sciencemuseum for the girls. Their mission was to seek out the @londonschoolofeconomics ‘Moniac’ – mission completed!
An educational day out at @sciencemuseum for the girls. Their mission was to seek out the @londonschoolofeconomics ‘Moniac’ – mission completed!
It’s Saturday night and the girls are enjoying a night of board games in St John’s! 🎲♟️🎯
Year 13s trip to McDonald’s! 🍔 🍟 ❤️
New Podcast Episode Alert 🎙️
In this episode we chat to students Bea, Orissa, Amelia, and house leaders Ada, Boya, and Emmy, discussing all things boarding at Berkhamsted School!
From delicious food options and joint activities with the boys’ house, to the incredible sense of community, support systems, and the welcoming family-like atmosphere of our boarding house 🏡
This episode dives into the social side of boarding, personal growth, and the support available from our wonderful counsellors and medical staff.
🎧 Tune in to learn more about the opportunities, fun, and friendships that make Berkhamsted boarding life so special!
🔗Link in our bio or find on your favourite podcast channel.
#BerkhamstedSchool #BoardingLife #PodcastEpisode
New Podcast Episode Alert 🎙️
In this episode we chat to students Bea, Orissa, Amelia, and house leaders Ada, Boya, and Emmy, discussing all things boarding at Berkhamsted School!
From delicious food options and joint activities with the boys’ house, to the incredible sense of community, support systems, and the welcoming family-like atmosphere of our boarding house 🏡
This episode dives into the social side of boarding, personal growth, and the support available from our wonderful counsellors and medical staff.
🎧 Tune in to learn more about the opportunities, fun, and friendships that make Berkhamsted boarding life so special!
🔗Link in our bio or find on your favourite podcast channel.
#BerkhamstedSchool #BoardingLife #PodcastEpisode
On Saturday, Incents House took a trip to @arsenalwfc to watch the @barclayswsl clash against Chelsea! With over 45,000 fans it was an amazing experience for the boys
On Saturday, Incents House took a trip to @arsenalwfc to watch the @barclayswsl clash against Chelsea! With over 45,000 fans it was an amazing experience for the boys
A big thank you to Zen and Emmy for making fantastic cinnamon buns this weekend. They were dough-lightful and went down a treat! 😊
A big thank you to Zen and Emmy for making fantastic cinnamon buns this weekend. They were dough-lightful and went down a treat! 😊
From dog walking 🦮, to pizza making 🍕 and rugby playing 🏉, our boys have had a very busy first 3 weeks of the year! As the House falls quiet(ish) for Sunday night and we prepare for another very busy week it’s good to pause and reflect on all the amazing things that have happened this term. We are already looking forward to many more adventures! Please do come and speak to us at Sixth Form Open Day on Friday to find out more about Boarding at Berkhamsted.
From dog walking 🦮, to pizza making 🍕 and rugby playing 🏉, our boys have had a very busy first 3 weeks of the year! As the House falls quiet(ish) for Sunday night and we prepare for another very busy week it’s good to pause and reflect on all the amazing things that have happened this term. We are already looking forward to many more adventures! Please do come and speak to us at Sixth Form Open Day on Friday to find out more about Boarding at Berkhamsted.
The heavens opened this afternoon, and poor Mr Ottaway found himself in a battle against nature, armed only with a broom. He waged war on rogue leaves to prevent clogged drains.
A fine example of serving others, well done Mr O.
🌧️🍂💧
#iloveboarding #bsaboarding #leafwarrior #floodprevention #OttawayVsNature
The heavens opened this afternoon, and poor Mr Ottaway found himself in a battle against nature, armed only with a broom. He waged war on rogue leaves to prevent clogged drains.
A fine example of serving others, well done Mr O.
🌧️🍂💧
#iloveboarding #bsaboarding #leafwarrior #floodprevention #OttawayVsNature
