Joining Our Schools – Your Journey Starts Here
We are delighted that you are considering joining the Berkhamsted Schools Group. Choosing the right school for your child is an exciting milestone, and we are here to make the process as smooth and clear as possible.
Find Your Entry Points
Not sure which school or year group your child can join?
Enter your child’s details into our Admissions Calculator to see all possible entry points across the Berkhamsted Schools Group. You’ll instantly find out which schools, year groups, and intakes are available to your family.
could join Berkhamsted Schools Group at
Registering your interest
We would advise registering your interest as early as possible due to the limited number of places available. To register your interest for Berkhamsted Day Nursery you will need to contact the Admissions Office on 01442 358001 or by email at admissions@berkhamsted.com
Registration
We will advise families to register for the Day Nursery when there is availability and a place can be offered.
Open Event
October {two_years_prior}
Open Events offer the chance for families to visit the Nursery and the wider Pre-Prep school site for what is likely the first time, with an introduction from the Head followed by a tour of the Nursery lead by our Nursery Practitioners. You will also have the opportunity to meet other families and to ask any questions of our team.
Offers
When space is available
Offers will be made as and when there is availability. These will be communicated to families on the continued interest list by the Nursery Manager before a formal offer is sent.
Acceptance deadline
Throughout the year
Acceptance of a place is typically two to three weeks after an offer has been made.
Admission date
Throughout the year – When the prospective pupil is 5 months +
A start date is agreed when an offer is made.
Registration
From birth – When the prospective pupil is from birth
You can register your child for a place at Berkhamsted anytime from birth. Click the button below to register your child.
Virtual Events
June {two_years_prior} – When the prospective pupil is around 18 months of age
This is typically the first school event that families attend, and an opportunity to hear from the Headteacher and to get an insight into life at the Pre-Prep, from the comfort of your own home!
Open Event
October {two_years_prior} – When the prospective pupil is around 2 years of age
Open Events offer the chance for families to visit the school site for what is likely the first time, with an introduction from the Head followed by a tour of the school from the teaching staff. There will also be the opportunity to meet other families and to ask any questions of our team.
Open Events – a second Open Event date is available in February to visit the school
Registration deadline
September {previous_year} – When the prospective pupil is around 2 years of age
We suggest registration as soon as possible after your visit, but applications will be considered on an ad-hoc basis, depending on availability.
Assessments and interviews
October {previous_year}
The first round of assessments will be held at Berkhamsted Pre-Prep in October {previous_year}. The second round in early November {previous_year} with additional assessments in January and March {entry_year} subject to availability.
Offers
December {previous_year}
Offers are sent out in early December
Acceptance deadline
January {entry_year}
Acceptance of a place is typically 3 weeks after an offer is made.
Admission date
September {entry_year} – When the prospective pupil is 3+
The new school term begins in the first week of September {entry_year}
Virtual Events
June {two_years_prior} – When the prospective pupil is in Year 1
This is typically the first school event that families attend, to meet the Heads and get an insight into the ethos and values of the school, from the comfort of your own home!
Registration Opens
Spring {two_years_prior} – When the prospective pupil is in Year 1
We suggest registration by September {previous_year}. Click the button below to register your child.
Open Event
October {two_years_prior} – When the prospective pupil is in Year 2
Open Events offer the chance for families to visit the school site for what is likely the first time, with an introduction from the Head followed by a tour of the school lead by our pupils. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions of our teaching staff and Admissions team.
A second Open Event date is available in February
School Life Tours
May {previous_year} – When the prospective pupil is in Year 2
An opportunity for a group tour of the school during a typical school day
Registration deadline
September {previous_year} – When the prospective pupil is in Year 2
We suggest registration by September {previous_year}, but applications will be considered on an ad-hoc basis after assessments, depending on availability. Click the button below to register your child.
Assessment and Interviews
November {previous_year} – When the prospective pupil is in Year 2
To be confirmed upon application. Assessments will be held at Berkhamsted Prep in November {previous_year} with additional assessments in March {entry_year}. Interviews will be held at Berkhamsted Prep at the same time as the Entrance Assessment
Offers
December {previous_year} – When the prospective pupil is in Year 2
Offer letters are sent out by email in early-December
Acceptance deadline
March {entry_year} – When the prospective pupil is in Year 2
Acceptance of a place is typically 3 weeks after an offer is made.
Admission date
September {entry_year} – When the prospective pupil is in Year 3
The new school term begins in the first week of September {entry_year}
Registration Opens
From birth – When the prospective pupil is in From birth
Prospective pupils can be registered for admission any time after birth, depending on availability. Please contact the Admissions Assistant at Heatherton, before submitting an application. Tel: 01491 726 433 or by email at admissions@heatherton.com
Stay and Play
October {three_years_prior} – When the prospective pupil is in Around 12 months of age
Our Stay and Play sessions offer families the chance to visit the school with their children and take part in a range of seasonal activities including crafts. Parents are invited to chat with staff over coffee, to start to get a feel for the school.
An additonal Stay and Play date allowing families to visit the school is held in the Spring
Virtual Events
June {two_years_prior} – When the prospective pupil is in Around 18 months of age
This is typically the first more-formal school event that families attend. Our virtual events provide an opportunity to meet the Headteacher and get an insight into the ethos and values of the school, from the comfort of your own home!
Open Event
October {two_years_prior} – When the prospective pupil is in Around 2 years of age
Open Events offer families the chance to visit the school site for what is likely the first time, with an introduction from the Head followed by a tour of the school, lead by our pupils. Open Events are held in February {previous_year} and October {previous_year}. If places are available after these events, then it may be possible to join an Open Event in February {entry_year} for admission that year.
An additonal Open Day date for families to visit the school in person.
Registration deadline
September {previous_year} – When the prospective pupil is in Around 2 years of age
Registrations should ideally be received at least a full calendar year preceding the desired date of admission. Please contact the Admissions Assistant at Heatherton, before submitting an application. Tel: 01491 726 433 or by email at admissions@heatherton.com
Assessment meeting
November {previous_year} – When the prospective pupil is in Around 2 years of age
We invite prospective Nursery pupils for an informal pre-offer visit with their parents to assess that we are able to meet a child’s needs. We also request a copy of the child’s most recent report from their current school, nursery or play group.
Offers and acceptance
Throughout the year preceding admission – When the prospective pupil is in Around 2 years of age
Offers are made throughout the year preceding entry, subject to availability. Acceptance of a place is typically 3 weeks after offer is made.
Admission date
In September, January and April each year. – When the prospective pupil is in From the term that the child will turn 3 years of age
Entry into the Nursery takes place three times a year, in September, January and April. Places are limited for ‘rising three’ entrants, so early registration is advised.
Virtual Events
June {two_years_prior} – When the prospective pupil is in Year 4
This is typically the first school event that families attend, to meet the Heads and get an insight into the ethos and values of the school, from the comfort of your own home!
Open Event
September {two_years_prior} – When the prospective pupil is in Year 5
Open Events offer the chance for families to visit the school site for what is likely the first time, with an introduction from the Head followed by a pupil lead tour of the school campus. We also hold Sports Open Days to show fixtures in action.
School Life Event
March {previous_year} – When the prospective pupil is in Year 5
Families are invited for a pupil-lead group tour of the school during a normal working day
Registration Opens
May {previous_year} – When the prospective pupil is in Year 5
You can register your child for a place at Berkhamsted from May {previous_year}. Please click the button below to register your child.
Experience Days
June {previous_year} – When the prospective pupil is in Year 5
Experience Days are for prospective pupils, giving them the opportunity to take part in subject specific workshops in Sport, Music, Drama, Academia and Art & DT and to get a feel for the school
Registration deadline
September {previous_year} – When the prospective pupil is in Year 6
REGISTRATION DEADLINE! Please click the button below to register your child.
Assessment and Interviews
October {previous_year} – When the prospective pupil is in Year 6
Assessments will be held, usually at a pupils current school, in mid-October {previous_year}. Interviews will be held at Berkhamsted from mid-October to end of November {previous_year}
Scholarships
November {previous_year} – When the prospective pupil is in Year 6
Scholarship assessments take place at the school
Offers
December {previous_year} – When the prospective pupil is in Year 6
Offer letters are sent out by email in mid-December
Acceptance deadline
March {entry_year} – When the prospective pupil is in Year 6
Acceptance of a place is required by mid March
Induction
September {entry_year} – When the prospective pupil is in Year 7
The new school term begins in the first week of September {entry_year}
Admission date
September {entry_year} – When the prospective pupil is in Year 7
The new school term begins in the first week of September {entry_year}
Virtual Events
June {two_years_prior} – When the prospective pupil is in Year 4
This is typically the first school event that families attend, to meet the Heads and get an insight into the ethos and values of the school, from the comfort of your own home!
Open Event
September {two_years_prior} – When the prospective pupil is in Year 5
Open Events offer the chance for families to visit the school site for what is likely the first time, with an introduction from the Head followed by a pupil lead tour of the school campus. We also hold Sports Open Days to show fixtures in action.
School Life Event
March {previous_year} – When the prospective pupil is in Year 5
Families are invited for a pupil-lead group tour of the school during a normal working day
Registration Opens
May {previous_year} – When the prospective pupil is in Year 5
You can register your child for a place at Berkhamsted from May {previous_year}. Please click the button below to register your child.
Experience Days
June {previous_year} – When the prospective pupil is in Year 5
Experience Days are for prospective pupils, giving them the opportunity to take part in subject specific workshops in Sport, Music, Drama, Academia and Art & DT and to get a feel for the school
Registration deadline
September {previous_year} – When the prospective pupil is in Year 6
REGISTRATION DEADLINE! Please click the button below to register your child.
Assessment and Interviews
October {previous_year} – When the prospective pupil is in Year 6
Assessments will be held, usually at a pupils current school, in mid-October {previous_year}. Interviews will be held at Berkhamsted from mid-October to end of November {previous_year}
Scholarships
November {previous_year} – When the prospective pupil is in Year 6
Scholarship assessments take place at the school
Offers
December {previous_year} – When the prospective pupil is in Year 6
Offer letters are sent out by email in mid-December
Acceptance deadline
March {entry_year} – When the prospective pupil is in Year 6
Acceptance of a place is required by mid March
Induction
September {entry_year} – When the prospective pupil is in Year 7
New pupils join the school one day ahead of the beginning of the school term, to familiarise themselves with the campus and school routine
Admission date
September {entry_year} – When the prospective pupil is in Year 7
The new school term begins in the first week of September {entry_year}
Registration
You can register your child for a place at Berkhamsted anytime before the registration deadline. Please click the button below to register your child.
Virtual Open Events
June {two_years_prior} – When the prospective pupil is in Year 10
Virtual Open Events are typically the first school event that families attend, to meet the Heads and get an insight into the ethos and values of the school, from the comfort of your own home!
Open Event
September {two_years_prior} – When the prospective pupil is in Year 11
Open Events offer the chance for families to visit the school site for what is likely the first time, with an introduction from the Head followed by a pupil lead tour of the school campus. We also hold Sports Open Days to show fixtures in action.
Subject Preview Evening
November {previous_year} – When the prospective pupil is in Year 11
The Sixth Form hosts a Subject Preview Evening in November {previous_year}, giving students an insight into the A Level subject offering.
Registration deadline
November {previous_year} – When the prospective pupil is in Year 11
REGISTRATION DEADLINE! Please click the button below to register your child.
Applications may be considered after this date, subject to availability. Please contact the Admissions Office.
Assessment and Interviews
November {previous_year} – When the prospective pupil is in Year 11
Assessments and interviews will be held at Berkhamsted School in November {previous_year} for Day students. Assessments and interviews are usually held remotely throughout the year for overseas full boarders from September {previous_year}.
Scholarships
November {previous_year} – When the prospective pupil is in Year 11
Scholarships are available in Music, Drama, Sport, Art and Academia. The application deadline is in November {previous_year}. Scholarship assessments take place at the school in November and December
Offers
December {previous_year} – When the prospective pupil is in Year 11
Offer letters are sent out by email in early December. Subject to availability late applications may be considered.
Acceptance deadline
January {entry_year} – When the prospective pupil is in Year 11
Acceptance of a place is required by January {entry_year}. Typically three weeks after an offer is made.
Induction
September {entry_year} – When the prospective pupil is in Year 12
New pupils join the school one day ahead of the beginning of the school term, to familiarise themselves with the campus and school routine
Admission date
September {entry_year} – When the prospective pupil is in Year 12
The new school term begins in the first week of September {entry_year}
Entry Requirements for Each School
Every child’s journey into Berkhamsted Schools is unique, and we want to make the process as clear and supportive as possible. Below, you’ll find an overview of the entry requirements for each of our schools, showing the typical ages and stages where children can join.
Entry to Berkhamsted Pre-Prep is usually into our School Nursery year, Stepping Stones (3+). It is expected that children will have the necessary social and developmental skills to be able to access the Early Years curriculum. This will be assessed during a meeting with the Headteacher (including those from Berkhamsted Day Nursery).
For those seeking admission within Key Stage One at Berkhamsted Pre-Prep (Reception to Year 1), we would expect children to have the necessary social and developmental skills to be able to access the curriculum provision for EYFS and early Key Stage One. Informal age appropriate assessments will be arranged if spaces are available. Reference will be made to previous assessments and school reports for children seeking entrance at 5+ (Year 1).
For those seeking admission at 6+ (Year 2), children will be invited to attend an informal assessment day at the Pre-Prep. The assessment day will be made up as follows:
Tests in English and Mathematics which are designed to be appropriate for children working within the National Curriculum programmes of study for Key Stage 1.
A progress report from your child’s current school will be requested before places are formally allocated.
We will invite all children seeking admission to Berkhamsted Prep from 7+ (Year 3) to attend appropriate entry assessments (excluding those children currently attending Berkhamsted Pre-Prep). The entrance assessment at 7+ to 10+ for entry to Berkhamsted Prep is made up as follows:
A morning of tests in English and Mathematics which take place in mid October
A group interview with the Head and/or Deputy Head
The tests are age-standardised and are appropriate for children working through the National Curriculum programmes of study in Key Stage 2.
A progress report from your child’s current school will be requested before places are formally allocated.
Entry into Heatherton’s Co-educational Nursery takes place three times per year in January, April and September, and the earliest opportunity to join is the term in which the child turns three years’ old. We invite prospective Nursery and Reception pupils for an informal pre-offer visit with their parents to assess that we are able to meet a child’s needs. We also request a copy of the child’s most recent report from their current school, nursery or play group.
Children from Year 1 upwards are invited to spend an assessment / taster day at the School. They will complete a variety of assessments in English and Maths to help us identify particular strengths or weaknesses. Recent reports, a reference and any test scores are also requested from the previous school. Following the relevant assessments, the Headteacher then meets with parents to discuss their daughter’s taster session prior to an offer being made.
Candidates seeking 11+ entry to Berkhamsted Boys will be required to take the Independent Schools Examinations Board (ISEB) Common Pre-Test ideally at the pupil’s current school.
Entry Assessment
We will invite those whose scores indicate that they will be able to cope with our curriculum to a Holistic Assessment Day.
The Holistic Assessment Day will be like a day in the life of a Senior School pupil and will include:
- an interview
- a practical leadership exercise
- an academic discussion
- a problem-solving exercise
- a sporting activity
- drama
- a creative writing opportunity
Every element of the day will be observed and assessed, and we will use the observations and assessments to seek to offer places to pupils who will benefit most from our ambitious, adventurous and busy curriculum.
Candidates seeking 11+ entry to Berkhamsted Boys will be required to take the Independent Schools Examinations Board (ISEB) Common Pre-Test ideally at the pupil’s current school.
Entry Assessment
We will invite those whose scores indicate that they will be able to cope with our curriculum to a Holistic Assessment Day.
The Holistic Assessment Day will be like a day in the life of a Senior School pupil and will include:
- an interview
- a practical leadership exercise
- an academic discussion
- a problem-solving exercise
- a sporting activity
- drama
- a creative writing opportunity
Every element of the day will be observed and assessed, and we will use the observations and assessments to seek to offer places to pupils who will benefit most from our ambitious, adventurous and busy curriculum.
Year 9 Entry Requirements
We set entry examinations for all children wishing to enter our Senior Schools to ascertain whether they can reach the academic standards we set. All registered children will be invited to sit the Berkhamsted Entrance Assessment (an online English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning test).
A reference from the pupil’s current school is also required.
Entry Assessment
We will invite all registered applicants to a Holistic Assessment Day.
The Holistic Assessment Day will be like a day in the life of a Senior School pupil and will include:
- an interview
- a practical leadership exercise
- an academic discussion
- a problem-solving exercise
- a sporting activity
- drama
Every element of the day will be observed and assessed, and we will use the observations and assessments to seek to offer places to pupils who will benefit most from our ambitious, adventurous and busy curriculum.
The threshold for general entry to Berkhamsted Sixth in September 2026 will be 43 points based on the student’s best 8 subject scores, with a minimum requirement of a Grade 6 in the subjects you wish to study. 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. It will also be necessary for students to be able to qualify to study 3 A Level subjects. Where a child began Year 10 studying 8 GCSEs and is taking the Learning Support Option, the entry criteria will be 38 points from 7 GCSEs.
In addition to the general entrance requirements outlined above, there are specific admission requirements relating to certain courses. Further details of these requirements can be found in our A Level Curriculum Guide.
Explore the Admissions Process for Each School
Below, you will find the admissions process for each of our schools. Simply choose the school you are interested in to see the step-by-step process, from application to induction.
Berkhamsted Day Nursery
Berkhamsted Day Nursery for children aged 5 months plus. Providing the perfect environment for young children to take their first steps into the wider world.
Berkhamsted Pre-Prep
Co-educational independent day school for pupils aged 3-7. Every child is at the centre of everything we do. Wellbeing is our first priority, and providing a high level of nurture and care is our primary focus
Berkhamsted Prep
Our Prep School in Hertfordshire. Co-educational independent day school for pupils aged 7-11. A supportive, family community which fosters a strong sense of belonging.
Heatherton
Girls’ independent prep school in Amersham, Buckinghamshire with co-educational nursery for pupils aged 2-11. Our role is to inspire, support and foster a love of learning.
Berkhamsted Girls
Girls’ independent day and boarding school for pupils aged 11-16. Enabling girls to flourish academically in a single-sex classroom environment while allowing them to experience numerous co-educational activities, events and trips.
Berkhamsted Boys
Boys’ independent senior school for pupils aged 11-16. We offer single-sex classroom education with co-educational opportunities. Set in the leafy market town of Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire.
Berkhamsted Sixth
Co-educational independent day and boarding sixth form for students aged 16+. A dynamic and diverse community that offers a stimulating and supportive transition between school and university.
Need Any Further Help?
Our Admissions Team is always happy to answer any questions you may have about joining the Berkhamsted Schools Group. Whether you’d like to clarify entry requirements, discuss deadlines, or arrange a visit, we’re here to help.
Admissions Email: admissions@berkhamsted.com
International Admissions Email: internationaladmissions@berkhamsted.com
Telephone: 01442 358001
