As a leading academic school in the UK, Berkhamsted is highly selective and admits a limited number of boarders each year, including students applying from overseas. The majority of these students enter at Sixth Form level, although applications may be considered from boarders who wish to study at GCSE level. With a history dating back to 1541, our boarding students are able to participate fully in the life of a traditional English independent school providing an experience which allows our students to mature and start a journey of educational study more akin to university than school. The school is located in the historic market town of Berkhamsted in Hertfordshire, with convenient access to London (30 minutes by train) and Heathrow Airport (a 40 minute drive), Berkhamsted School has much to offer the international student seeking a top class education.
Berkhamsted provides excellent boarding facilities and pastoral care for our students, a home from home. A key feature which differs to a traditional boarding school is the flexibility offered at weekends, when students have the freedom to choose how they spend their time; students are able to play for sports teams, use the first-class facilities, undertake independent study and extension work, go on day trips or simply enjoy the time to relax and recuperate after a busy week of work.
Berkhamsted is a large school of over 2000 pupils aged 3 – 18 years, and the majority of students attending our Senior Schools (Girls and Boys) and Sixth Form are day students. As a boarder at Berkhamsted, this means you will experience life at a traditional English independent school as a member of a small, diverse boarding community of 85 or so students.
Academically, Berkhamsted offers students unrivalled opportunities for A level study (there are 28 subjects available), within a disciplined and supportive environment.
The key features of Berkhamsted that we believe will influence your decision are:
• Our excellent academic standards.
• Our outstanding success in placing students at top universities.
• Our focus on students’ wellbeing.
• Our location – in an historic market town 30 minutes by train to London and a 40 minute drive to Heathrow Airport.
• The quality and breadth of the extra-curricular programme available to all students.
• The experience of a traditional English independent day school.
• Our status as a Tier 4 sponsor with the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
Berkhamsted School’s record of outstanding academic achievement, extensive extra-curricular activities, first-rate teaching and entrance success at the UK’s most prestigious universities demonstrates that our Sixth Form is a ‘winner’.
If you are looking for a boarding experience with a difference, come and talk to us.
Richard Backhouse MA (Cantab)
Boarding at Berkhamsted is a unique opportunity. The boarding community consists of up to 85 International and UK students. Our boarding facilities and pastoral care are of the highest quality ensuring our students are able to develop into mature, independent students ready for university and the professional world.
Martin Walker BA
We aspire to use our values to guide everything we do – in our daily exchanges and our strategic planning.
Berkhamsted is a learning community in which all teachers, pupils, and support staff strive to be the best they can be. We all belong to a community of learning where we work towards being better tomorrow than we have been today. How we succeed is as important, however – we want to be successful without sharp elbows – and we proudly include integrity as a crucial ingredient of our ambition, as befits a school founded over 480 years ago by the Dean of St Paul’s Cathedral.
We foster a spirit of adventure in our pupils from the time they join our family of schools, within and beyond the classroom. Whilst this most definitely includes physical challenge (perhaps most visibly on our high ropes course and our hugely successful outdoor education, sport, drama and music programmes), we also foster an adventurous mindset in our pupils, who are encouraged to try, fail, learn and repeat in everything they do.
We are a community that understands the importance of service. We celebrate and encourage the work of our students in the local community, as volunteers for example, and as those who engineer change for good, inside and outside the School. Our expectation is that Berkhamstedians will not just go on and do well, although of course, we expect that they will, but that they will also go on and do good.
Flowing from our school values, our aim is for every pupil to:
• Develop the skills and ambition required for lifelong success
• Strive for the best achievements possible
• Grow in moral purpose, character and courage to become respectful and wise
• Explore and enjoy the fullest breadth and extent of life opportunities
• Belong to a community which looks outwards and forwards
• Contribute to the success and wellbeing of each other, locally, nationally and globally
• Be inspired by the School’s Values, heritage and Christian foundation
At Berkhamsted, we aim to create an environment in which all pupils are supported and encouraged to reach their full potential. Our approach draws on the best of modern teaching methods, yet we retain traditional values and standards.
At GCSE level (Key Stage Four) most girls and boys will undertake up to 11 courses. The Senior School curriculum includes core subjects - English Language, English Literature and Maths. In addition pupils must study at least one Science GCSE as one of their six options. For the most academically able they can take also take AdMaths and complete their three Science GCSEs in as two options (by using the Learning Pathway sessions).
Pupils can take between 8 and 11 GCSEs in this way. GCSE options are chosen from History, Geography, French, Spanish, Latin, Classical Civilisation, Music, Drama, Art, Chinese, Food Preparation and Nutrition, Design and Technology, Computer Science, Physical Education and Religious Studies (full course)*. A number of subjects follow IGCSE courses.
The Learning Pathway is an opportunity to create a bespoke course from a range of options including an HPQ (Higher Project Qualifications) and various other courses to extend skills and understanding beyond the confines of a traditional School curriculum. Within this pathway there are also opportunities for students to access learning support and be coached how to study.
As a School, our core mission is to prepare young people for the world in which they will live, study and work. Educational research shows that putting pupils at the heart of their own learning helps develop strong metacognition, and digital tools enhance enquiry, collaboration, organisation and selfdirection. Pupils value the opportunity to develop these skills, and will benefit in their future lives from a strong blend of digital and analogue literacies.
At Berkhamsted, we believe that digital devices have an important part to play in creating engaging lessons in the classroom and therefore provide every pupil with a digital device upon entry to the School.
We also aim for pupils’ learning beyond the School gates to be as rich and as intellectually stimulating as possible; capitalising on the interactivity and immediacy of our suite of tools. Providing each pupil with a device allows for a more seamless learning experience between the classroom and out of School study.
An overwhelming majoirty of our pupils from Berkhamsted Boys and Berkhamsted Girls progress to Berkhamsted Sixth for their Sixth Form education. To continue pupils are required to achieve 43 points across their top 8 subjects at GCSE.
* Please note that courses offered are subject to change at the Principal’s discretion.
The main aim of the Sixth Form at Berkhamsted is to produce confident, well-qualified and interesting young people who will rise to the challenges of the modern world.
As the great majority of our students go on to higher education, the Sixth Form has a strong academic focus. Students receive all the encouragement and support they need to help them achieve their potential in their A levels. The Sixth Form also aims to develop wider interests and skills—academic, emotional, cultural, etc. It is a time when the individual can explore ideas and learn to think independently in preparation for university. Initiative, creativity and the enhancement of life skills are strongly encouraged.
Careers advice and consultation on university entrance are important features of Berkhamsted Sixth, enabling students to reach considered and realistic decisions about higher education, in the UK or abroad, and their future careers. This includes CV writing clinics, visits from a wide range of employers, business skills sessions for all students and our Annual Careers and Higher Education Fair. In addition, students benefit from a week of work experience towards the end of Year 12.
Students are given one-to-one advice and support in their university applications or when applying for apprenticeships, internships and jobs. There is an Oxbridge programme to challenge and prepare those considering an application to the top universities.
Sixth Form students attend classes at both the Castle and Kings campuses of Berkhamsted School, enjoying the benefits of the excellent resources that the two sites have to offer. The boarding houses are located centrally between the two campuses, with easy access to the town centre.
We aim to ensure that international students enjoy their time in the Sixth Form and feel able to make significant contributions to life at the School. The Sixth Form is an invaluable preparation for life in the adult world of learning, work and relationships.
Students joining the Sixth Form will, as per the Senior School, be provided with a Digital Device upon entry to ensure a seamless learning experience between the classroom and out of School study.
At Berkhamsted we pride ourselves on a consistently high academic performance by our students. Study at A level provides the opportunity to focus on your favourite subjects and develop greater independence of thought within a stimulating class environment.
In the Sixth Form, A level courses are offered in 28 subjects and are examined at the end of the Upper Sixth (Year 13). Typically, students study three subjects but some may opt to study a fourth on a semi-independent A Level programme.
The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is an academic project that aims to improve learners’ independent study skills through the production of a study on a topic and question of their choice. It provides a superb opportunity for students to explore an area of interest in a sustained and rigorous manner, which aids their approach to undergraduate research. Each student works on a one-to-one basis with a supervisor and conducts much of the research independently.
The overwhelming majority of students go to university, although there is strong support for those intending to enter the world of work straight after school. The pastoral care teams and academic departments offer detailed advice to students and great care is taken over UCAS applications resulting in a strong record of success in gaining offers and progression to chosen universities.
On average, 98% of Sixth Form leavers go on to a degree course to Oxford, Cambridge, Russell Group universities and other highly ranked universities for their chosen subject. Information on our latest leavers’ destinations are published on our website.
Since the A level programme requires high levels of commitment, minimum entry requirements are set for entry to Berkhamsted Sixth - please refer to the A level guide for details. For our overseas students, weekly EAL lessons are provided at no extra charge in preparation for the IELTS examination. If required, additional tuition in English as a second language is available at an extra cost.
We offer the following courses at A level: Art, Biology, Business, Chemistry, Classical Civilisation, Computer Science, 3D Design, Drama & Theatre Studies, Economics, English Language &Literature, English Literature, Food and Nutrition (Level 3 Qualification), French,Geography, Government & Politics, History, Latin, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Media Studies, Music, Photography, Physical Education, Physics, Psychology, Religion and Philosophy, Sociology, Spanish.
This list is subject to change, please refer to the school website for the most up to date information
At Berkhamsted, we recognise that intelligence takes many forms. We encourage all our students to pursue their talents and interests through the many enrichment opportunities on offer. For the more academically adventurous, there are a number of avenues through which to fulfil their potential. The Crawford Society (Sixth Form) and the Junior Crawford Society (Senior School) are academic societies at which pupils themselves deliver lectures, enter into intellectual debate and develop their curiosity beyond the confines of the GCSE and A Level curriculums.
The extra-curricular programme is a fundamental part of life at Berkhamsted and aims to broaden all students’ life experiences through clubs, societies, sports, courses, performances and visits. Expeditions through either the Combined Cadet Force or the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award are designed to increase each pupil’s personal resilience, while activities offered within the school day as part of the Clubs and Societies Programme aim to kindle enthusiasm for pursuits beyond the taught curriculum. In Year 10 we offer a leadership programme designed to develop skills that encourage pupils to step out of their comfort zone and try new things, including public speaking. The cumulative result of these programmes are confident, interesting young people who expect themselves to play a leading role in whichever group, institution or business they join.
Service is a core value of the School, which has an extensive community service programme and an excellent track record of serving the local community and raising funds for a wide range of charities. Year 13 students enjoy the opportunity to work on charity and council-linked consultancy projects through The Student Consultancy, a programme run in conjunction with the Careers Service at the University of Oxford that is now being rolled out to schools around the country after its introduction at Berkhamsted.
We offer excellent boarding facilities for pupils aged 11 to 18.
Our boarding community is a mixture of full boarders (termly) and weekly boarders (Sunday – Thursday nights) from Year 9, and local pupils who flexi-board, from Year 7, due to school commitments.
Berkhamsted has two boarding houses, St John’s for girls and Incents for boys. Both are located on Chesham Road within a few minutes’ walk of both Senior School campuses and the town centre.
The girls’ boarding house, St John’s, has a mixture of single and twin bedrooms for senior girls. All bedrooms are furnished and decorated to a high standard and all are en-suite. There are two common rooms, kitchen facilities and large gardens.
The boys’ accommodation, Incents, includes a mixture of single and twin bedrooms for senior boys, some of which have en-suite facilities. As with the girls’ house, all rooms are furnished and decorated to a high standard. The house also has two common rooms, kitchen facilities and a games room. Gardens are shared with St John’s.
Dining facilities allow boys and girls to meet together and all pupils have access to the excellent sports facilities of the Senior School. Wi-Fi internet access are available in both boarding houses and house outings are arranged on a regular basis. Boarders can also use their free private membership at the KnoxJohnston Sports Centre, which offers a fitness suite, sports hall and 25m swimming pool. Here, pupils can take part in any of the classes, ranging from aqua aerobics to pilates.
Both houses provide a warm, friendly and secure atmosphere in which students are valued, supported, encouraged and challenged so that they can be themselves and realise their potential. Each house is managed by a Head of House who acts ‘in loco parentis’. The Heads of House are supported by matrons and two residential tutors in providing a caring environment in which pupils can work and develop both as individuals and as part of a community.
Routine medical appointments will be made by the Head of the Boarding House and/ or a School Nurse. Emergency medical appointments can be made by any member of staff. It will normally be the on-duty member of staff in the boarding house, but it can also be someone else. Students can also call 999 in an emergency and should inform a member of staff as soon as possible if they do so.
House rules are kept to a minimum and are designed to be sensible and fair. In keeping with the general philosophy of the School, the boarding houses aim to encourage selfdiscipline, mutual respect and an honest and open outlook. Above all, we hope all pupils will be happy during their time with us and that they will enjoy the opportunities and challenge a busy boarding community will afford them.
Wellbeing is a priority and Berkhamsted is proactive in talking about and promoting mental health. We have a full time Deputy Head in charge of wellbeing who oversees a team of counsellors and runs a programme of wellbeing courses for our community, not just our pupils.
As a school, we understand that teenage years and the associated examination stress can be challenging. We therefore provide professional support to enable students to develop the skills they need to stay physically and mentally healthy whilst at Berkhamsted and far beyond. Our students have the ability to meet face-to-face with a counsellor should they wish or they are able to seek support and advice through online options. We have a team of counsellors offering different modalities to meet the pupils’ needs.
We currently use a pastoral tracking tool called AS Tracking. AS (Affective Social) Tracking is an on-line questionnaire, completed by pupils, twice each academic year. It places your child’s voice right at the centre of our pastoral care. Teachers and boarding tutors will use the data to guide their pastoral interactions with each pupil, knowing how to signpost pupils more proactively and intentionally during their time at our School.
In many ways we are mirroring our academic tracking processes. In tracking each pupil’s social and emotional development, we can proactively target pastoral support and challenge. We are interested in who your child is becoming, as much as what they are achieving.
Full time boarding enables pupils to focus on academic studies while participating fully in all that the School has to offer. Boarding also offers an ideal preparation for university. Boarders are expected to learn how to manage their increased freedom sensibly and with consideration for others.
Berkhamsted School offers a number of boarding places to overseas pupils. Parents who live abroad and wish their children to board with us must appoint a guardian in this country in case of emergency. Parents or guardians are also required to make all holiday and travel arrangements.
It is the parents’ (or guardians’) role to make transport arrangements (e.g. flights and transfers) for the arrival and departure at the start and end of terms and for any occasion when a pupil has a contagious illness and needs to spend time with their guardian. Students must arrive in time for the start of each term/ half term and stay until the last day of each term/half-term.
Both houses offer boarding on a weekly basis over four nights (generally Sunday to Thursday) to pupils in Year 9 and above. Space permitting, we also offer occasional or flexible boarding for day pupils in Year 7 and above.
Please note that flexible boarding is subject to availability and bed spaces of single study rooms cannot be guaranteed. Bed spaces are allocated on a first come, first served basis.
• Parents can fulfil work commitments in this country or abroad during term time in the knowledge that their children are being cared for.
• Parents may take holidays in term time without disrupting their children’s education.
• Pupils who would benefit from more specific support for their academic progress can be offered additional help.
• It provides a secure environment to meet unexpected family difficulties.
• Pupils who have long journeys to school might prefer to spend a few nights in the boarding houses during the week, thereby minimising the amount of time involved in transporting them to and from school each day. This may also enable pupils who live further afield to take advantage of the many after-school activities on offer.
• ‘Last minute’ accommodation can be provided for day pupils by arrangement with the Heads of the Boarding Houses.
The Berkhamsted Schools Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children. This means that: we expect staff and visitors to adopt a child-centred and co-ordinated approach to child protection and safeguarding. Any child can be abused and therefore has the right to be safeguarded. We maintain an “it could happen here” attitude. Safeguarding children is everybody’s responsibility.
It is a requirement for all overseas pupils to have a guardian in England. The School does not appoint guardians. The appointment of guardians is the parents’ responsibility and parents must make sure that the guardian can provide suitable accommodation and ensure the welfare of the student. The School values its relationship with guardians who play an important role in helping to look after students when they are away from home. You will be sent more detailed instructions on the expectations of guardians in the joiner information pack.
Martin Walker joined Berkhamsted as the Headteacher of Berkhamsted Sixth in September 2017. He was educated at Barnard Castle School where he was Head of School. He studied French and German at Nottingham University and enjoyed gap years in France, Germany and Austria where he taught English, skied and played rugby. He completed a PGCE at Cambridge University before taking up his first teaching post at the Perse School where he became Deputy Head of the Lower School. He then moved to Harrow School where he spent seven years as Head of Department and four years as the House Master of West Acre House. He has coached rugby, hockey and cricket and led Duke of Edinburgh expeditions. He has volunteered for charities to help underprivileged children. He is married to Liz with whom he has two daughters who go to Berkhamsted School. Martin enjoys all sports, mindfulness, psychology and reading.
I joined Berkhamsted in September 2017 from Pangbourne College and live in Incents with my wife Lucy and our three young daughters. Having previously run a successful boarding house of over 65 boys for six years, I’m passionate about how boarding can enhance education and the tremendous opportunities it has to offer for both UK and Overseas boarders. (Having been a boarder myself between the age of 13-18 years old)
My focus in the boarding house is having family feel within the boarding house to ensuring that a nurturing, homely and caring environment is established within the boarding house.
Since January 2022 I have taken on the role of Head of International Admissions at Berkhamsted which means I attend many events and fairs, meeting Agents, students and parents which I thoroughly enjoys! I’m always keen to meet up for a catch up over a coffee or a beer!
We would like to extend a very warm welcome to you and your daughter, both to St John’s House and to Berkhamsted School.
Jessica joined the School as a Drama teacher in 2016. Alongside being Co-Head of St John’s, she also holds the post of Head of Cox’s House at the Boys School, which she has done for four years.
Andrew joined Berkhamsted in 2014 and was Head of St George’s from 2016 – 2020, before taking over as Head of Economics and Business – two subjects which many of our girls study.
We are very much looking forward to working with your family throughout your daughter’s time at the school. Our vision is that your daughter’s experience in the House will be an encouraging one and that they will feel affiliated to a positive and warm community that they treasure beyond their time at the school. We hopes that that each girl will develop into a remarkable young person who follows the School Values intrinsically and who inherently shows compassion, resilience and moral courage in everything that they do.
There is a fantastic team of tutors in St John’s who will assist in supporting your daughter’s education.
The team includes Mrs Stanforth who teaches Modern Languages, Miss Jarvis, who teaches Drama and Laura, our lovely Matron. We are lucky to have Tina and Diane in the the housekeeping team, who also help to create a warm, friendly and supportive environment.
Alongside the staff team, St John’s also has a House Captain and Deputy House Captain who act like older sisters to the girls. Their role is to help our new students settle in and foster a sense of community for all. To strengthen our community, we also run several House socials activities, as well as all students taking part in the various academic and extra-curricular House competitions and events, that are run throughout the year.
We are lucky to have full, weekly, and flexi boarders staying in St John’s, which results in a diverse and welcoming community. We want the girls in St John’s to be happy and confident young people, and we work hard to ensure there is a sense of openness, warmth and trust within the House. The girls are fully supported and encouraged in their academic studies by all the resident staff and enjoy excellent facilities in their study bedrooms and in the communal areas. We encourage the girls to take risks, to try a wide range of activities at school, and to explore where their strengths lie. The wellbeing of the girls is paramount, and we strive to ensure that there is everything they need to thrive here at Berkhamsted.
When we are not in the boarding house, we love to plan our next big trip as we are both avid travellers! We have explored a lot of Asia in recent years and are keen to tick off every country in the world! We both believe that we can learn so much by meeting new people and learning about new cultures.
Pupils who board at Berkhamsted experience an added dimension to life at the School. It is an environment in which firm friendships are formed, academic progress is encouraged and the opportunity to participate fully in all that is on offer at the school is within easy reach.
• Excellent care and attention
• Educational support and guidance
• A community in which every individual matters
• An extension of family life
• A secure and positive environment in which each pupil thrives
• A balance of work and leisure in a homely, friendly and safe environment
• An atmosphere of mutual respect
• An opportunity to get to know young people from other countries and cultures
• Boarding houses in the heart of Berkhamsted town with direct train links to central London
“Weekly boarding works well for us. I know he’s happy and we enjoy our weekends together knowing the homework is done.”
–Parent of Year 10 Incents Weekly Boarder
“I enjoy spending a night in St John’s every now and thenit’s like having a sleepover at a friend’s house!”
–Year 8 St John’s Flexi Boarder
“Boarding at Berkhamsted is great because if you are a long way away from home, you feel comforted and at ease because the boarding house staff are very friendly and look after you. You never feel isolated or alone.”
–Year 12 Incents International Boarder
Prospective pupils may be registered for admission at any time after birth. Parents are encouraged to visit the School before registering their children. We offer a range of opportunities for parents and prospective pupils to learn more about what Berkhamsted School has to offer, including Open Events and group or individual tours. Most parents and prospective pupils visit the school at least once before the final stages of the Admissions process.
To be included in the assessment process for each age group, prospective pupils must have registered as an applicant. A candidate registration form should be completed on our website, and the non-refundable registration fee paid by bank transfer.
Entry to the School is dependent upon satisfactory academic attainment at respective stages of the Curriculum as well as a good interview and a reference that reflects a sound disciplinary record and a commitment to the wider aspects of school life. Progression from one section of the School to another can never be guaranteed, however, we endeavour to make decisions on entry with the expectation that pupils should be able to progress through the School. Progression is also dependent on satisfactory academic progress, a positive attitude to work, a sound disciplinary record and a commitment to the wider aspects of school life.
For Weekly and Flexi boarders, please find details of entry requirements for each entry point in the Berkhamsted Information Book.
Information is held on our school database when parents of prospective pupils make enquiries about admission to Berkhamsted School. The purpose of holding this information is to enable the School to contact the enquirer, provide information about the School and to build up details of potential admissions to Berkhamsted School. The data is processed in accordance with Data Protection legislation.
Admissions Manager
Telephone: 01442 358001
E-mail: admissions@berkhamsted.com
Correspondence address: Admissions Department
Berkhamsted Schools Group
Overton House
131 High Street
Berkhamsted
Hertfordshire
HP4 2DJ
Berkhamsted provides many avenues for the development of academic, co-curricular and social interest for our overseas boarders.
Berkhamsted has a reputation as a very friendly community into which students from afar settle quickly and make new friends. We offer a full programme of induction upon joining Berkhamsted which includes a trip to London, a welcome barbecue, and regular, informal mentoring meetings.
Throughout the academic year there are social events which include music competitions, quiz nights, house dinners and evening and weekend trips, all suggested by the boarders themselves and arranged by the Boarding House staff.
Prospective pupils may be registered at any time. Upon invitation, a candidate registration form should be completed on our website, and the non-refundable registration fee paid by bank transfer.
Once registered, overseas students are required to sit entrance tests.
We set entry examinations to ascertain whether they can reach the academic standards we set. Overseas students, once registered are required to sit an entrance test under exam conditions through a recognised partner agent, at the nearest British Council office, or at their current school. An interview with the Headteacher, Deputy Head or Head of Interational Admissions is scheduled as part of the entry assessment. A reference from the student’s current school is also required.
Overseas students, once registered, are required to sit a entrance test and complete an online form with questions on the subjects they wish to study at A Level under exam conditions through a recognised partner agent, at the nearest British Council office, or at their current school. Students will have an interview with the Director of International Admissions. A reference from the student’s current school is also required.
Please note that for Sixth Form, Progression to Year 13 depends on satisfactory attainment, as determined by the student’s term grades and results across the course of Year 12, in addition to the end of year examinations. Work ethic, discipline record and contribution to the wider life of the school are also taken into account.
Information is held on our school database when parents of prospective pupils make enquiries about admission to Berkhamsted School. The purpose of holding this information is to enable the School to contact the enquirer, provide information about the School and to build up details of potential admissions to Berkhamsted School. The data is processed in accordance with Data Protection Legislation.
Admissions contact details:
International Admissions Officer
Telephone: +44 (0) 1442 358001
E-mail:
InternationalAdmissions@berkhamsted.com
Correspondence Address:
Admissions Department
Berkhamsted Schools Group
Overton House
131 High Street
Berkhamsted
Hertfordshire
HP4 2DJ UK
The following policies are available on the School website:
–Admissions
–Attendance
–Behaviour and Discipline
–Child Protection and Safeguarding
–Collective Worship
–Complaints
–Curriculum
–English as an Additional Language
–Equal Opportunities
–Expulsion and Required Removal
–First Aid
–Gender Separation
–Health and Safety
–Health and Safety for Centenary Theatre
–Prevention of Bullying
–Progression
–Relationships and Sex Education and PSHE (Senior and Sixth)
–Relationships Education and PSHE (Preps)
–Special Educational Needs
–Privacy Notice for Parents
–Privacy Notice for Older Pupils
–Privacy Notice for Younger Pupils
–Privacy Notice for Staff
–Privacy Notice External
–Privacy Notice for Donors and Supporters
As our policies are updated, they will be added to the School website.
In addition, the following policies are available to current parents on the Parent Portal:
–Access Arrangements for Examinations
–Accessibility Plan
–Administration of Medicines
–Allergy
–Careers
–Drugs Alcohol and Smoking
–Examinations
–Fire Procedures
–Head Injury and Concussion
–IT Acceptable Use (Pupils)
–Missing Persons
–Online Safety
–Pupil Uniform and Appearance
–Staff Protection
–Wellbeing and Counselling
Fees are reviewed annually with effect from the beginning of the new academic year in September and include tuition, most text books, lunches, (all meals for Boarders), personal accident insurance and life membership of The Old Berkhamstedians*. School fees protection insurance available as an option.
The most recent published fees schedule is published on the School website. Fees are billed termly and are due on the first day of each term.
For parents who reside in the United Kingdom, a deposit of £2,000* is payable on acceptance for all pupils. £1,000 of this deposit will be credited against the first term’s fees and the remaining £1,000 will be credited to the child’s final account when they leave the School. If a deposit is paid and the pupil does not subsequently join the School, no refund will normally be made.
For parents who reside outside the United Kingdom, a deposit of one term’s fees for tuition and boarding are required upon acceptance of the pupil. The deposit will be held for the duration of the child’s time at the School and will be credited to the child’s final account when they leave.
Contact details for Finance are:
Telephone: +44 (0) 1442 358009
E-mail: finance@berkhamsted.com
Although believed correct at the time of publication, they are not part of any agreement between parents and the School.
Parents wishing to place specific reliance on a matter contained in the prospectus or on the School website, or on a statement made by a member of staff or a pupil during the course of a conducted tour of the School or related meeting, should seek written confirmation of that matter before making a commitment.
www.berkhamsted.com or on request by calling +44 (0)1442 358001.
If you are unhappy about something, we would encourage you to speak with a member of staff so that we can try to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. However, we recognise that you may, at times, wish to make a complaint about something. Nobody will be penalised in any way for making a complaint in good faith.
The School has an official complaints policy which is available on the school’s website. This is for parents or guardians to make formal complaints to Mr Walker, Headteacher of Sixth, or to Mr Backhouse, the Principal.
If a student wishes to raise a concern about the boarding provision, we would encourage them to speak first with a member of the boarding staff. If a student wishes to make a formal complaint about the boarding provision, they should email the Head of Sixth, Mr Walker, setting out the reasons for their complaint and what they would like to happen. Mr Walker will respond to the complaint within two working days.
The School will attempt to resolve the complaint informally within ten days. If a satisfactory resolution is not reached within this time, students can choose one of the following options:
1. Escalate their complaint to the Vice Principal, Mr Ford, outlining why they are not satisfied with the response so far. Where this option is chosen, Mr Ford will respond within two working days.
2. Ask their parents to make an official complaint with reference to the school’s complaints policy.
3. Contact the Children’s Commissioner (www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk)
4. Contact the ISI (the Independent Schools Inspectorate)
Contact Details for the ISI Independent Schools Inspectorate CAP House 9 - 12 Long Lane London EC1A
9HATelephone: 0207 600 0100 Email: concerns@isi.net
Further details are available on the Ofsted website:
www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted/ about/complaints-procedure
www.gov.uk/complain-about-school/ private-schools
Our prospectus and website describe the broad principles on which Berkhamsted School is presently run and give an indication of our history and ethos.
Berkhamsted town is an historic market town with a family environment. It is in an easy-to-reach location for both national and international locations. A number of commutable journeys are listed below:
• Closest train station: Berkhamsted
5 minutes walk
• Central London: Berkhamsted to Euston
30 minutes by train
• Heathrow Airport: 40 minutes by road
• Luton Airport: 27 minutes by road
• Gatwick Airport: 1 hour 10 minutes by road
Berkhamsted Girls
Kings Campus
Kings Road
Berkhamsted
Hertfordshire
HP4 3BG
Berkhamsted Boys
Castle Campus
Castle Street
Berkhamsted
Hertfordshire
HP4 2BB
Berkhamsted Sixth
Castle Campus
Castle Street
Berkhamsted
Hertfordshire
HP4 2BB