Berkhamsted 2023-24 Highlights

With the publication of the 2023-24 Berkhamstedian just around the corner, we look back at some of the most remarkable achievements from the past year. As ever, Berkhamsted pupils continue to Aim High with Integrity, Be Adventurous and Serve Others, both as individuals and as part of the whole School community.

Year 11 and Year 13 pupils excelled in their summer exams, achieving the best GCSE results for grades 9-7 on Berkhamsted’s record, and accomplishing an impressive 13.8% rise in A*-A grades since 2023. Over 80% of students went to their first-choice university, where we are sure they will continue to flourish.

Berkhamsted pupils Aimed High with Integrity in a wide range of sports, both in individual endeavours and team participation. Berkhamsted played a total of 1226 competitive fixtures across 212 teams from Prep to Senior School, demonstrating commendable commitment and team spirit without which these fixtures could not go ahead. This year saw an incredible 12 national titles won by Berkhamsted pupils and teams: U19 Netball (x2), U14 and 4X Lacrosse, U13 Gymnastics, U18, U16, U15 Boys Fives and U13 Girls Fives all clinched the title! Individual pupils were selected for national squads in athletics, basketball, lacrosse, football, rugby, gymnastics, tennis, netball and waterskiing. We are so proud of our pupils for continuing to Aim High with Integrity and develop as ambitious and resilient sportspeople.

The endless variety of trips and visits available last year provided opportunities for pupils to Be Adventurous in both academic curiosity and personal development. Pupils studying modern languages immersed themselves in culture and practiced their speaking skills on trips to Malaga, Normandy, Burgundy and Cantabria. GCSE and A Level art students were able to experience the breathtaking beauty of Venice as they explored the art, culture and architecture of this enchanting city. Year 13 Physicists visited CERN in Geneva to discover the particle accelerator and learn more about the quantum world at the leading research centre for particle physics, while Sixth Form politics students grew their knowledge of sociopolitical history on their trip to Washington.

Outdoor adventures were plentiful as Year 8 pupils tested their limits on a trip to Edale, enjoying five days of activities including abseiling over the River Wye! Pupils discovered the extent of their own resilience and resourcefulness on DofE expeditions, and a ski trip in the Italian Dolomites was an opportunity for both challenge and fun. The Combined Cadet Force embarked on an adventure training course in Snowdonia, forging team bonds and learning mindfulness, and cadets put their skills to practice at Camp Pirbright and RAF Waddington.

This year’s Berkhamstedian also celebrates the selflessness and commitment to Serving Others demonstrated by pupils throughout the School. House charity events raised staggering amounts of money for both local and global charities as pupils committed to creative and challenging fundraising endeavours. To name a few, Adders raised a stunning £2085 for Great Ormond Street Hospital, Bartrum raised £1200 for Smile Train, and Cox’s raised £2147 for Dementia UK. Individual pupils also took the initiative to raise further funds for charities with commendable acts such as the ‘Great Tommy Sleepout’ (raising £1415) and climbing Snowdon (raising £1100)!

Elsewhere, House initiatives extended their support to our community. Swifts lent a hand to Rectory Lane Cemetery and Bees helped with gardening at Sunnyside Rural Trust. New Stede raised money for Watford Women’s Centre throughout the year, and Holme and Wolstenholme teamed up to support literacy in Berkhamsted Pre-Prep. St David’s also created Valentine’s Day hampers for NHS staff at Stoke Mandeville Hospital, for which staff sent their thanks. These are just a few examples of the extent to which every pupil has demonstrated care and thoughtfulness towards others.

It is impossible to sum up every accomplishment or act of service that occur multiple times throughout the school day, every day. The 2023-24 Berkhamstedian reflects only a small portion of what makes pupils here remarkable, but we hope that, by reading it, pupils and staff alike can celebrate one another and take away a sense of the shared values that bring together our school community.

If you are a member of the Berkhamsted community, please see the Berkhamsted Hub, Berkhamsted Connections or SchoolPost for your copy.