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.

Click here to watch our Berkhamsted Boarding Life video

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. Our entry assessment consists of the following:   

  • a CAT4 online test (maximum 2 hours 15 minutes) – this multiple-choice test provides an overview of a student’s overall academic ability and their aptitude for each subject. It provides feedback on verbal, non-verbal, spatial and quantitative reasoning skills.  
  • an interview with our Director of Boarding (approximately 30 – 40 minutes) 

Please note that applications to study Art, Photography, Design and Technology, or Music will require further information to be submitted e.g. a portfolio of work. Further details about this will be provided at the time of application.

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. Our entry assessment consists of the following:   

  • a CAT4 online test (maximum 2 hours 15 minutes) – this multiple-choice test provides an overview of a student’s overall academic ability and their aptitude for each subject. It provides feedback on verbal, non-verbal, spatial and quantitative reasoning skills.  
  • an interview with our Director of Boarding (approximately 30 – 40 minutes) 

Please note that applications to study Art, Photography, Design and Technology, or Music will require further information to be submitted e.g. a portfolio of work. Further details about this will be provided at the time of application.

 

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. Our entry assessment consists of the following:   

  • a CAT4 online test (maximum 2 hours 15 minutes) – this multiple-choice test provides an overview of a student’s overall academic ability and their aptitude for each subject. It provides feedback on verbal, non-verbal, spatial and quantitative reasoning skills.  
  • an interview with our Director of Boarding (approximately 30 – 40 minutes) 

Please note that applications to study Art, Photography, Design and Technology, or Music will require further information to be submitted e.g. a portfolio of work. Further details about this will be provided at the time of application.

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 43 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 Events

Please click here for information about our Open Events

Berkhamsted Schools Group Open Events

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.

Incents Boarder from Hong Kong

Choosing Berkhamsted was the best decision of my life.

Year 13 St John’s Boarder from Ukraine

I enjoy spending a night in St John’s every now and then – it’s like having a sleepover at a friend’s house!

Year 8 St John’s Flexi Boarder

Weekly boarding works well for us. I know he’s happy and we enjoy our weekends together knowing that the homework is done.

Parent of a Year 10 Incents Weekly Boarder
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One month in, and what a month it’s been! 🎉 Last night, the St John’s girls took on the high ropes to celebrate a brilliant start to the year.

Plenty of teamwork, encouragement, and a little courage at height, followed by some well-earned pizza 🍕

Here’s to the friendships, memories, and adventures still to come!

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One month in, and what a month it’s been! 🎉 Last night, the St John’s girls took on the high ropes to celebrate a brilliant start to the year. Plenty of teamwork, encouragement, and a little courage at height, followed by some well-earned pizza 🍕 Here’s to the friendships, memories, and adventures still to come!

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Our Director of International Admissions, Chris Sutton will return to Hong Kong and Shanghai in three weeks!

He`s delighted to invite Old Berkhamstedians, current parents and former parents to join him for one of two informal Berkhamsted School drinks receptions during his visit to Asia.

📍 Hong Kong
📅 Friday 16 October
🕖 19:00
🍸 Lobster Bar, Island Shangri-La Hotel

📍 Shanghai
📅 Monday 19 October
🕖 19:00
🍸 InterContinental Hotel

These gatherings are a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with the Berkhamsted community, catch up on life at the School, and meet fellow alumni and families living in the region.

If you are in Hong Kong or Shanghai and would like to attend, please do get in touch for further details.

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Our Director of International Admissions, Chris Sutton will return to Hong Kong and Shanghai in three weeks! He's delighted to invite Old Berkhamstedians, current parents and former parents to join him for one of two informal Berkhamsted School drinks receptions during his visit to Asia. 📍 Hong Kong 📅 Friday 16 October 🕖 19:00 🍸 Lobster Bar, Island Shangri-La Hotel 📍 Shanghai 📅 Monday 19 October 🕖 19:00 🍸 InterContinental Hotel These gatherings are a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with the Berkhamsted community, catch up on life at the School, and meet fellow alumni and families living in the region. If you are in Hong Kong or Shanghai and would like to attend, please do get in touch for further details.

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Wishing one of our boarders a very special 18th birthday 🎂. We hope you have a great day! #iloveboarding #berkoboarding

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Wishing one of our boarders a very special 18th birthday 🎂. We hope you have a great day! #iloveboarding #berkoboarding

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A fantastic boarders’ trip to London! 🇬🇧✨

A great day exploring some of the capital’s most iconic attractions, including an unforgettable experience on the London Eye 🎡🏙️

A brilliant opportunity for our boarders to spend time together, explore London and make some great memories! 😊

#BerkoBoarding #BoardingLife #London #iloveboarding

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A fantastic boarders’ trip to London! 🇬🇧✨ A great day exploring some of the capital’s most iconic attractions, including an unforgettable experience on the London Eye 🎡🏙️ A brilliant opportunity for our boarders to spend time together, explore London and make some great memories! 😊 #BerkoBoarding #BoardingLife #London #iloveboarding

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Mr Ottaway and some of the St John’s boarders taking in the view from Arthur’s Seat during our Edinburgh Fringe drama trip.

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Mr Ottaway and some of the St John’s boarders taking in the view from Arthur’s Seat during our Edinburgh Fringe drama trip.

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Last night we came together for a pizza party to say a huge thank you to Miss Jarvis for four fantastic years as a Residential Tutor at St John’s. 🍕

Miss Jarvis has brought so much fun, personality, laughter, and unforgettable karaoke nights to the house, helping make it a place so many of us have loved calling home. It was only fitting that we celebrated everything she’s brought to our community over the past four years.

Thank you, Miss Jarvis… we will miss you and wish you all the very best for your next chapter! 🏡

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Last night we came together for a pizza party to say a huge thank you to Miss Jarvis for four fantastic years as a Residential Tutor at St John’s. 🍕 Miss Jarvis has brought so much fun, personality, laughter, and unforgettable karaoke nights to the house, helping make it a place so many of us have loved calling home. It was only fitting that we celebrated everything she’s brought to our community over the past four years. Thank you, Miss Jarvis… we will miss you and wish you all the very best for your next chapter! 🏡

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🎉 Last week we celebrated #BerkoBoardingWeek in style as part of #NationalBoardingWeek! 🏡✨

Our boarders enjoyed an incredible week packed with fun, friendship and unforgettable experiences, including:
🌲 High Ropes with @berkooutdoored
🍣 Sushi Making Masterclass
🔥 BBQs in the St John’s and Incents gardens
🖌️Brush & Bubbles in the sunshine
🎮 Mario Kart gaming sessions
❓ House Quiz hosted by our new House Officers
🍕 Trips to Papa Johns and the cinema to see @toystory 5🎬

A huge thank you to all the staff who helped organise such a fantastic programme of activities and made the week so special for our boarders. 💙

#BerkoBoarding #NationalBoardingWeek #ILoveBoarding @bsaboarding @berkhamstedschools

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🎉 Last week we celebrated #BerkoBoardingWeek in style as part of #NationalBoardingWeek! 🏡✨ Our boarders enjoyed an incredible week packed with fun, friendship and unforgettable experiences, including: 🌲 High Ropes with @berkooutdoored 🍣 Sushi Making Masterclass 🔥 BBQs in the St John’s and Incents gardens 🖌️Brush & Bubbles in the sunshine 🎮 Mario Kart gaming sessions ❓ House Quiz hosted by our new House Officers 🍕 Trips to Papa Johns and the cinema to see @toystory 5🎬 A huge thank you to all the staff who helped organise such a fantastic programme of activities and made the week so special for our boarders. 💙 #BerkoBoarding #NationalBoardingWeek #ILoveBoarding @bsaboarding @berkhamstedschools

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Day 7 of National Boarding Week at Berkhamsted… a quiz! Fantastically run by the new House Officers covering a range of topics. Best Boarding Week ever! #iloveboarding #nationalboardingweek

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Day 7 of National Boarding Week at Berkhamsted… a quiz! Fantastically run by the new House Officers covering a range of topics. Best Boarding Week ever! #iloveboarding #nationalboardingweek

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National Boarding Week, Day 6: Mario Kart fun 📍St John’s Boarding House 👾🎮🕹️ The staff and the students were having a great time. 🎉#nationalboardingweek #iloveboarding

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National Boarding Week, Day 6: Mario Kart fun 📍St John’s Boarding House 👾🎮🕹️ The staff and the students were having a great time. 🎉#nationalboardingweek #iloveboarding

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Boarding at Berkhamsted
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