Berkhamsted School Overview
Berkhamsted School, a prestigious independent day and boarding school based in Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire, offers high-quality education for boys and girls from 5 months to 18 years. The school prides itself on delivering excellent education and care, focusing on nurturing each child to thrive and flourish through a progressive curriculum. The school’s diamond structure includes co-educational prep, single-sex senior schools, and a co-educational sixth form, ensuring that the educational experience is tailored to meet the needs of students at different stages of their development.
Early Years Education (5 months to Reception)
The Early Years curriculum is an evolving and developmental programme that highlights key milestones in a child’s growth from birth to five years old. This curriculum adheres to the Early Years Foundation Stage framework, emphasising seven areas of learning: Personal, Social, and Emotional Development; Physical Development; Communication and Language; Literacy; Mathematics; Understanding the World; and Expressive Arts and Design. The goal is to establish a solid foundation for lifelong learning and well-being. The move to Pre-Prep is carefully handled to ensure a smooth transition and preparedness for the next phase of education.
Pre-Prep
The Pre-Prep is a co-educational independent day school for pupils aged 3 to 7. The curriculum follows the National Curriculum but is enriched by specialist instruction in Art, Drama, French, Music, and PE. The school actively encourages pupils in Years 1 and 2 to develop personal responsibility and serve as role models for younger children. Their personal, social, and emotional education continues to prioritise the well-being of the pupils, helping them reflect on the qualities needed to be part of a community and further developing their self-esteem and resilience. Pupils in Years 1 and 2 take on positions of responsibility, such as serving on the School Council and as House Captains, to cultivate their early leadership skills.
Prep School
Junior school education at Berkhamsted is crafted to nurture and develop each child’s potential. The curriculum emphasises opportunities for pupils to cultivate life skills, critical thinking abilities, and fluency in technology, media, and the creative arts. Simplified neuroscientific concepts and metacognitive strategies are integrated into the curriculum to foster self-aware learners who take active control of their education. These skills ensure that pupils grow into remarkable individuals, well-prepared for their transition to Senior School and laying the groundwork for life beyond Berkhamsted.
Senior School
Senior School education at Berkhamsted is single-sex (one school for boys and one for girls) for pupils aged 11 to 16.
Berkhamsted Girls
At Berkhamsted Girls Senior School, the focus is on academic excellence, personal development, and extracurricular involvement. The GCSE programme includes core subjects and offers additional options such as the Learning Pathway Programme and the HPQ project. The school aims to foster a supportive environment where girls can excel both academically and personally. The curriculum emphasises life skills, critical thinking, and fluency in technology, media, and the creative arts. Incorporating simplified neuroscientific concepts and metacognitive strategies, the curriculum helps develop self-aware learners who take charge of their education. These skills ensure that pupils grow into outstanding individuals, well-prepared for the transition to further education and laying a strong foundation for life beyond Berkhamsted.
Berkhamsted Boys
Berkhamsted Boys Senior School focuses on holistic development and nurturing lifelong learners. The GCSE programme comprises core subjects and a range of optional subjects, with a special focus on languages, humanities, and creative disciplines. The school provides a supportive environment that encourages boys to reach their full potential both academically and personally.
From September 2021, Berkhamsted introduced innovative changes to the Key Stage 4 curriculum. Pupils now take three core GCSE subjects (English Literature, English Language, and Maths) and can choose six additional subjects, one of which must be a Science. To ensure a broad academic portfolio, pupils are encouraged to select at least one language, one humanities subject, and one creative subject among their options. Alongside their GCSE subjects, pupils participate in the Learning Pathway Programme, an in-house curriculum designed to develop key skills for A-level study and beyond. Some pupils are also invited to complete an HPQ project, equivalent to half a GCSE.
Latest Results
In 2023, 65 per cent achieved grades 9-7 at GCSE, and 40 per cent attained A*/A at A level (74 per cent at A*-B). In 2019 (the last pre-pandemic results), 65 per cent achieved grades 9-7 at GCSE, and 47 per cent attained A*/A at A level (79 per cent at A*-B). All results are combined with those of the girls’ school.
UKiset Entrance Examination for Berkhamsted School
As a UKiset partner school, Berkhamsted School requires UKiset results as part of its entrance examination process. UKiset (UK Independent Schools’ Entry Test) is an adaptive online assessment designed for international students who are looking to enter the UK education system. It evaluates a student’s academic abilities and English language proficiency.
Why UKiset?
- In-person and Online Invigilation: UKiset can be taken in approved test centres worldwide, making it accessible to students from many different countries.
- Comprehensive Evaluation: The test covers a wide range of skills, providing a holistic view of a student’s academic abilities.
- Streamlined Admissions: Using UKiset scores can simplify the admissions process for international students, as they only need to take one standardised test.
In conclusion, the entrance examination for Berkhamsted School is a comprehensive process designed to identify students who will thrive in their academic environment. For international applicants, UKiset provides a valuable and standardised assessment tool that helps streamline the admissions process while ensuring candidates meet the high standards expected at Berkhamsted.
Sixth Form at Berkhamsted
The Sixth Form at Berkhamsted School is now co-educational. It offers thorough preparation for university and life beyond. Combining academic rigour with personal development opportunities, the school ensures that students are well-equipped for their future careers and personal lives. Berkhamsted students are encouraged to set ambitious goals, reflect on their strengths and weaknesses, and work with teachers and pastoral staff to monitor their progress and achieve their potential. The school promotes high academic performance, offering a choice of 27 A-Level subjects and the option of an EPQ. It takes pride in the consistently high academic achievements of Sixth Form students each year, with the majority studying three core linear A-Levels. Approximately 15 per cent of students leave post-GCSEs for various reasons, including a desire for change, interest in more vocational subjects like criminology, financial considerations, or not meeting academic requirements. Most Sixth Formers proceed to university, with around half attending Russell Group institutions. Popular choices currently include Exeter, Nottingham, Bristol, Leeds, and Nottingham Trent. Berkhamsted boasts a dynamic and diverse community that provides a stimulating and supportive transition between school and university.
Boarding
Berkhamsted School provides a flexible boarding experience for both UK and international students, offering options for full-term boarding, weekly boarding from Year 9 (Sunday to Thursday nights), flexi-boarding from Year 7, and short-term boarding. The boarding facilities are designed for comfort and community, featuring spacious rooms accommodating 2-3 students. Sixth Formers have access to single or double rooms, some with en-suites. The school has two boarding houses: St John’s for girls and Incents for boys, both located on Chesham Road, within a short walk of the Senior and Sixth Form campuses and the town centre. Each house has a common room and kitchen facilities, and the large gardens are shared by both houses. Dining facilities allow boys and girls to meet, and joint house outings are regularly organised. Boarders also enjoy free private membership at the Knox-Johnston Sports Centre, which includes a fitness suite, sports hall, and 25m swimming pool. Boarders can participate in a variety of evening and weekend classes, from aqua aerobics to pilates. The school places a strong emphasis on community life, fostering lifelong friendships and a supportive network for students. Meals are nutritious and cater to diverse dietary needs, ensuring all students feel welcome and included.
The Arts and Extracurricular
Berkhamsted School offers a diverse range of extracurricular activities alongside its rigorous academic programmes. The arts and music departments are particularly strong at the school. Students can engage in private lessons, orchestras, choirs, and joint productions. The comprehensive curricular and extracurricular options include LAMDA classes and exhibitions showcasing various techniques such as watercolours, acrylics, textiles, ceramics, digital media, and photography.
The outdoor education programme is equally robust, featuring activities like high ropes courses, bushcraft, climbing trips, and international skiing expeditions. This diverse range of offerings ensures students have ample opportunities to explore their interests and develop new skills beyond the classroom.
The school is also known for its outstanding sports performance in rugby, football, cricket, and netball, supported by tailored training programmes for aspiring athletes.
Final Thoughts
Berkhamsted School offers a nurturing environment where ambitious, eager learners are bound to flourish. It is particularly well-suited for families seeking a consistent, all-through education with a sense of familiarity throughout the years. The school caters to those progressing from Berkhamsted Pre-Prep, providing continuity in their educational journey. Parents who appreciate extensive facilities and a convenient town centre location will find it appealing. Berkhamsted is ideal for go-getters who strive to distinguish themselves and maximise their educational opportunities, offering a wealth of experiences that help pupils stand out from the crowd.
