Berkhamsted School: Explore Reviews, Rankings, Fees, And More

Embarking on the journey of choosing the right school for your child is a deeply personal and significant decision. In this exploration of Berkhamsted School, we invite you to delve into a world where education is more than just academics. To us, it’s about nurturing young minds, fostering growth, and building a community. Let’s embark together on a journey to uncover the essence of Berkhamsted School, beyond mere statistics and rankings, to understand what makes it a cherished institution in the hearts of students, parents, and educators alike.

Berkhamsted School Review

Table of Contents

Key Features of Berkhamsted School

  • Local authority: Hertfordshire
  • Pupils: 1,417; sixth formers: 411
  • Religion: Christian
  • Fees: Day £20,700 – £25,275; Boarding £34,650 – £41,310 pa
  • Open days: Virtual Events: June / On-Site Events: September

Berkhamsted School Results

While the pupils study together during pre-prep and prep, they split into boys’ and girls’ schools from ages 11-16. The pupils will then meet again in sixth form. Regardless, the following results are the combined results for the boys’ and girls’ schools:

GCSE Results (2023): 65% achieved grades 9-7.

A Level Results (2023): 40% achieved A* or A grades. 74% achieved A*-B grades.

GCSE Results (2019 – pre-pandemic): 65% achieved grades 9-7.

A Level Results (2019 – pre-pandemic): 47% achieved A* or A grades. 79% achieved A*-B grades.

Boarding Facilities in Berkhamsted School

At Berkhamsted School, boarding isn’t just about accommodation; it’s about creating a vibrant and integrated community for both boys and girls.

For the boys, it’s about more than just living on campus; it’s about forging bonds with their day pupil friends through sleepovers and shared experiences. With spacious residential houses located just a stone’s throw away from the campuses, they have a comfortable and convenient home away from home. Whether it’s exploring nearby attractions like ice skating or cinema outings, or simply hanging out in the common room with friends, weekends are never dull.

Meanwhile, the girls’ boarding experience is equally dynamic. With a similar setup of residential houses near each campus, they too enjoy the flexibility of occasional boarding opportunities from an early age. From cooking up a storm in the kitchen to unwinding in the common room, they embrace independence while forming lasting friendships. And with the added bonus of ensuite rooms, they have a touch of luxury to call their own.

Both boys and girls have access to the school’s top-notch sports facilities and even venture into London on weekends for a taste of city life. It’s not just about academics; boarding at Berkhamsted is about embracing diversity, fostering independence, and creating memories that last a lifetime.

Extra Curricular Activities in Berkhamsted School

At Berkhamsted School, extracurricular activities are not just an afterthought; they’re a vibrant and essential part of the student experience.

Boys’ Extracurricular Activities:

  • Outdoor adventures take centre stage, with everything from high ropes to bushcraft and climbing trips in the Peak District to skiing in Italy. The school offers a plethora of sports and subject-related trips, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
  • The Combined Cadet Force (CCF) at Berkhamsted is renowned, boasting the largest contingent in the southeast. The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programme sees a whopping 99% uptake for bronze in year 9, with over 50 gold awards achieved most years.
  • Monday afternoons are dedicated to non-academic pursuits, with a variety of clubs and activities available before and after school, including Dungeons and Dragons, robotics, and community service projects.
  • The music department offers a blend of old and new, with almost half the boys taking private lessons. The drama programme, shared with the girls’ school, provides ample opportunities for students to shine on stage or behind the scenes.
  • Art facilities do justice to the students’ creativity, with regularly changing exhibitions showcasing various techniques, from watercolours to textiles and ceramics.

Girls’ Extracurricular Activities:

  • The music department has seen a revitalisation under new leadership, with a push to increase music scholarship applications. Almost half the girls learn an instrument, and orchestras, ensembles, and brass bands are regularly showcased.
  • Drama is a highlight for many girls, with opportunities to devise performances and get involved backstage. Each year group stages its own productions, culminating in whole-school performances like “Little Shop of Horrors.”
  • Despite slightly less impressive art facilities, girls have access to a broad range of styles and mediums, from textiles to installations and ceramics. The Design and Technology workshops offer hands-on experiences in CAD and food technology.
  • The CCF is a significant draw for girls, with a quarter signing up. The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programme is also popular, with many girls achieving gold awards.
  • Sport is a major focus, with lacrosse and netball leading the way in silverware. Opportunities abound for both recreational and competitive sports, including options like Zumba and archery at the sixth form level.

Overall, Berkhamsted School offers a rich tapestry of extracurricular activities, catering to diverse interests and talents while fostering a sense of community and personal growth.

Admissions Process: Entering Berkhamsted School

The admissions process at Berkhamsted School follows a unique diamond structure, offering a blend of co-educational and single-sex education. Here’s a breakdown of the process:

Prep School to Senior School Transition:

  • Prep school is co-educational.
  • At 11+, approximately 40-50 students move up from the prep school to the senior boys’ school.
  • No entrance exam is required for prep pupils entering the senior school from 2025 onwards.
  • An additional 40 students join at 13+.

Admissions Criteria and Process:

  • Around a third of students come from the state sector.
  • Berkhamsted has become increasingly competitive, with approximately three applications per place.
  • The school seeks broader traits beyond academic excellence.
  • Starting from 2024, the entrance process will focus more on character assessment rather than being solely exam-based.
  • The assessment day includes an ISEB exam covering English, maths, and VR, an interview, and holistic activities to evaluate teamwork and critical thinking skills.
  • From 2024, year 9 applicants will need to register and sit assessments two years in advance instead of one.
  • Siblings who meet the minimum standards are typically accommodated.

Sixth Form Admissions:

  • Around 60 students join at sixth form, comprising approximately two-thirds girls and one-third boys.
  • Sixth form candidates, including existing students, need to attain 43 points, including at least a 6 in subjects to be studied (a 7 in some subjects and an 8 in maths).

SEN Support in Berkhamsted School

Berkhamsted is prepared to cater to pupils with the following special needs:

Berkhamsted School Testimonials and Reviews

Shahrear Tamal
5/5

The whole area of Berkhamstead is a treat for eyes and mind. Long walk near canal, coffeeshops, local markets and whatnot.

mrnatty122
5/5

A great School, excellent facilities, friendly staff and very welcoming. Their professionalism is second to none, I was very impressed with my visit to this school.

Seth Jones
5/5

Our Grandchildren are very happy to school here and seem to be enjoying their education.

Dev Parikh
5/5

This school has Knowledge strength and Integrity. Literally.

Frequently Asked Questions about Berkhamsted School

It is a selective school and students can join at any number of entry points with the largest intake being in Year 7.

The School has two boarding houses: St John’s for girls and Incents for boys.

“Under our ‘diamond’ teaching structure, boys are taught in single-sex academic lessons – an environment which we believe allows for a more precisely adapted and focused approach to teaching and learning.”

“Our governors are the company directors and charity trustees of the Berkhamsted Schools Group, with control over all aspects of the charity.”

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