Berkhamsted School Review: Fees, Rankings, And More
Berkhamsted School is a prestigious independent day school in Hertfordshire, England, with a rich history dating back to 1541. Since its inception, the school has evolved into a leading educational institution known for its unique diamond structure, combining co-educational and single-gender teaching. With a strong emphasis on academic excellence, pastoral care, and a vast co-curricular programme, Berkhamsted offers students a well-rounded education from ages 3 to 18.
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Berkhamsted School Summary
- Age range: 3-18
- Type: Co-educational and Single-sex (diamond structure)
- Pupils: 1,417; sixth formers: 411
- Boarders: 10% are full boarders
- Fees: Day £9,938 per term; Full Boarding £16,391 per term (inclusive of VAT)
- 2024 GCSE Results: 54.5% 9-7
- 2024 A Level Results: 71% A*-A
Berkhamsted School Overview
Berkhamsted School is situated in the historic market town of Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire. Founded in 1541 by John Incent, Dean of St Paul’s Cathedral, it has a long tradition of academic excellence and character development. Guided by its motto—Virtus laudata crescit (“Greatness increases with praise”)—the school fosters leadership, resilience, and a strong sense of community.
The school is known for its structured house system, co-curricular opportunities, and dedicated pastoral care. This supportive environment has contributed to student success, with 83% securing their first-choice university, while others have upgraded due to outstanding results.
Diamond Structure
Berkhamsted School follows a diamond structure, a unique educational model that combines the benefits of both co-educational and single-gender teaching.
Early Years and Prep School (Ages 3-11): Boys and girls learn together in a co-educational setting, developing strong foundational skills in a collaborative environment.
Senior Years (Ages 11-16): At this stage, students are taught in single-gender classes while still sharing the same facilities and participating in extracurricular activities together. This approach allows boys and girls to focus on their academic progress in a learning environment tailored to their needs while benefiting from social interactions beyond the classroom.
Sixth Form (Ages 16-18): Students reunite in a fully co-educational setting, preparing them for university and professional life by fostering teamwork, independence, and confidence in a mixed-gender environment.
This structure combines the social benefits of co-education with the academic advantages of single-gender teaching, helping students develop both academically and personally.
Berkhamsted School Courses And Programmes
Berkhamsted School offers a comprehensive curriculum and progressive learning experience for students aged 3 to 18.
Pre-Prep (Ages 3-7):
In the Early Years Foundation Stage, the curriculum focuses on seven key areas: Personal, Social, and Emotional Development; Communication and Language; Physical Development; Literacy; Mathematics; Understanding the World; and Expressive Arts and Design. Specialist instruction in Drama, French, Music, and Physical Development enriches the learning experience.
As students progress to Key Stage One (Years 1 and 2), the curriculum aligns with the National Curriculum, further enhanced by specialist teaching in Art, Drama, French, Music, and Physical Education.
Prep (Ages 7-11):
The Prep School curriculum blends core academic content with activities that promote social, emotional, and physical development. It prioritises life skills, critical thinking, and fluency in technology, media, and the creative arts. Simplified neuroscientific concepts and metacognitive strategies are integrated to cultivate self-aware learners who take active control of their education.
Senior School (Ages 11-16):
At the Senior School level, Berkhamsted operates a “diamond structure,” teaching boys and girls separately between the ages of 11 and 16, while offering co-educational opportunities in the Pre-Prep, Prep, and Sixth Form stages. The curriculum includes core subjects such as English Language, English Literature, and Mathematics. Students select six additional GCSE subjects, with at least one science mandatory.
To ensure a balanced academic portfolio, pupils are encouraged to choose at least one language, one humanities subject, and one creative subject. Opportunities also exist for students to undertake all three sciences or pursue advanced mathematics.
Sixth Form (Ages 16-18):
In the Sixth Form, students typically study three A-Level subjects, with the option to pursue a fourth in certain circumstances. The school offers a diverse range of 26 A-Level subjects, including Art, Biology, Business, Chemistry, Computer Science, Drama and Theatre Studies, Economics, English Literature, French, Geography, History, Mathematics, Music, Physical Education, Physics, Politics, Psychology, Religious Studies – Philosophy & Ethics, Sociology, and Spanish.
EPQ
Additionally, students have the opportunity to undertake an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), equivalent to half an A-Level, to explore a subject of personal interest in depth.
Berkhamsted School Fees
As of January 1, 2025, Berkhamsted School’s tuition and boarding fees, inclusive of VAT, are structured as follows:
Senior Boys (Years 9–11):
- Day Tuition and Full Boarding: £16,391 per term
- Day Tuition and Weekly Boarding: £13,715 per term
Senior Girls (Years 9–11):
- Day Tuition and Full Boarding: £16,391 per term
- Day Tuition and Weekly Boarding: £13,715 per term
Sixth Form (Years 12–13):
- Day Tuition and Full Boarding: £16,391 per term
- Day Tuition and Weekly Boarding: £13,715 per term
These fees cover tuition, boarding accommodations, most textbooks, lunches, and personal accident insurance. Additional costs may include public examination entry fees, Microsoft Surface devices, trips, wrap-around care, and certain after-school activities.
Berkhamsted School Results
Berkhamsted School’s 2024 examination results highlight the institution’s commitment to academic excellence:
- A-Level Success: 54.5% of all A-Level entries were awarded A*-A grades, showcasing high academic achievement across a range of subjects.
- University Destinations: 83% of students secured a place at their first-choice university, with others upgrading due to outstanding results.
- GCSE Performance: 71% of GCSE pupils achieved top grades (7-9), marking a record-breaking performance for the school.
Berkhamsted School Boarding Experience
Boarding at Berkhamsted is more than just accommodation—it’s a vibrant and inclusive community where students form lifelong friendships and enjoy a well-balanced school life.
For boys, boarding is an extension of their daily school experience, offering a home away from home while staying closely connected with day pupils. Spacious boarding houses provide comfort and convenience, just a short walk from the main campuses. Evenings and weekends are filled with activities like ice skating, cinema outings, and social events in common rooms, ensuring there’s never a dull moment.
For girls, boarding fosters independence in a supportive environment. With the option to board occasionally from an early age, they enjoy the flexibility of school life while embracing a strong sense of community. Their boarding houses, equipped with ensuite rooms, offer both comfort and a touch of luxury. Shared cooking, social spaces, and weekend trips create a dynamic and engaging experience.
Both boys and girls benefit from excellent facilities, structured routines, and access to London excursions on weekends. Boarding at Berkhamsted isn’t just about academics—it’s about developing independence, embracing new experiences, and making memories that last a lifetime.
Berkhamsted School Pastoral Care
Pastoral care is at the heart of life at Berkhamsted School, ensuring that every student feels supported, valued, and able to thrive both academically and personally. The school’s structured approach creates a safe and nurturing environment that fosters well-being, resilience, and personal growth.
House System and Individual Support
Each student is part of a house, providing a close-knit community where they receive personalised care and guidance. Housemasters, tutors, and dedicated pastoral staff offer academic and emotional support, acting as key points of contact for students and parents. Regular one-on-one check-ins ensure that every pupil is progressing well and receiving the support they need.
Well-being and Mental Health
Berkhamsted places a strong emphasis on student well-being, with a range of initiatives designed to promote mental health and emotional resilience. The school offers counselling services, peer mentoring programmes, and workshops on stress management, mindfulness, and self-care. A dedicated Well-being Centre provides a quiet space where students can access professional support when needed.
Developing Character and Life Skills
Pastoral care goes beyond support—it is about preparing students for life beyond school. Through leadership opportunities, personal development programmes, and a culture of kindness and respect, Berkhamsted nurtures confidence, independence, and emotional intelligence. Students are encouraged to take responsibility for their actions, contribute to the community, and build strong moral values.
A Culture of Inclusivity and Respect
Berkhamsted fosters an inclusive and respectful environment where students feel comfortable expressing themselves and embracing diversity. Anti-bullying policies, digital safety education, and peer support initiatives ensure a positive and welcoming atmosphere for all.
Berkhamsted School Application Deadline
Boarding applications must be submitted by September of the year before the intended start date. For example, students applying for the next academic year must complete their applications by September.
Berkhamsted School Extracurricular Activities
With a diverse range of co-curricular activities to choose from, students have ample opportunities to develop life skills such as leadership, teamwork, and resilience. Here’s an overview of the available opportunities:
Sport
The school offers a broad range of sports and exercise classes, both curricular and extra-curricular, with numerous inter-house sporting events and competitions. Students regularly represent the school in comprehensive weekend and midweek fixtures. Popular sports include: Rugby, Squash, Football, Basketball, Netball, and many more.
Music
Berkhamsted has a strong musical tradition, with a flourishing choir and orchestra performing at services, concerts, community recitals, and large-scale drama productions. Tuition is available for singing and a wide variety of instruments, provided by both in-house staff and visiting specialist tutors. The school’s ‘Big Band’ is extremely popular, and each November, talented musicians compete for the title of Young Berkhamsted Musician of the Year, adjudicated by an external expert.
Drama
The school features a 500-seat professional-style theatre alongside intimate studio spaces for smaller productions. Full-time theatre technicians provide expert training to students interested in technical and design aspects of drama. Sixth Form students regularly perform at the prestigious Edinburgh Fringe Festival under the company name ‘Greene Shoots Theatre,’ often receiving four and five-star reviews from professional critics. Additionally, many students undertake extra drama and public speaking lessons, leading to LAMDA examinations up to Grade 8, which contribute points to UCAS applications.
Art and Photography
The Art department encourages creativity and self-expression, offering students exposure to a wide range of media and processes. The ‘open door’ culture invites students to attend after-school open studios, lunch clubs, annual residential trips, and participate in competitions and work experience. The newly refurbished Art Studio at the Kings Campus provides a bright, open space with improved functionality and technology, allowing exploration of various mediums, from sewing to traditional art techniques.
Outdoor Education
Outdoor education is a key component of the curriculum, designed to challenge, motivate, and engage students. Activities include:
- Climbing Club
- Expedition Club
- On-site High Ropes Course
- Bushcraft
- Scuba Diving
Students also have the opportunity to complete the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards, fostering ambition, adventure, and resilience. Inter-house team-building events further enhance the outdoor education programme. The Combined Cadet Force (CCF) offers military-style training, developing leadership skills through challenging and adventurous activities, including camps and courses across the UK and overseas.
Berkhamsted School Reviews
The whole area of Berkhamstead is a treat for eyes and mind. You can take a long walk near the canal, coffeeshops, local markets and whatnot.
The school’s development of pupils’ highly effective use of vocabulary is a significant strength which deepens their understanding across the curriculum.
Our grandchildren are very happy to go to school here and seem to be enjoying their education.
Berkhamsted School Contact Information
- Official Website: https://www.berkhamsted.com/
- Location: Overton House 133, High Street, Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire HP4 2DJ
- Email address: internationaladmissions@berkhamsted.com
- Phone: 01442 358001
Frequently Asked Questions
Applications must be submitted by September of the year before the intended start date.
The school offers a wide range of activities, including sports, music, drama, art, and outdoor education. Students can participate in competitive sports, join musical ensembles, take part in theatre productions, explore creative arts, and engage in leadership opportunities like the Duke of Edinburgh Award and the Combined Cadet Force (CCF).
Berkhamsted School follows a diamond structure, where students are taught co-educationally in the Pre-Prep, Prep, and Sixth Form stages but are taught separately by gender between the ages of 11 and 16. This approach balances the benefits of both single-sex and co-educational learning.
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Speak to us today for free application assistance and education advice. Our expert consultants are more than happy to help!