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What it's like

The current school is the result of an amalgamation in 1997 of the boys' school of the same name (founded in 1541) and Berkhamsted School for Girls (founded in 1888). It is situated in the centre of the historic town of Berkhamsted, a prosperous community surrounded by Chiltern countryside, and within easy reach of London. It has a 'diamond' structure, offering co-education and single-sex education within the one school: it is co-educational up to age 11; single-sex from 11 to 16; and co-educational in the sixth form. It is a Christian foundation. A sound all-round education is provided and examination results are very good. It is strong in sport with regional and county representation in most main sports and national representation in athletics, swimming and lacrosse. Music, drama and art flourish and there is popular and successful participation in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme at all levels.

Pupils & entrance

Pupils: Total age range 3-18; 1518 pupils (1474 day, 44 boarding). Senior department 11-18, 1067 pupils (622 boys, 445 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, 16. Common Entrance exam or own entrance exam used; for sixth form entry, 6 GCSEs (4 at least grade B, 2 grade C). No special skills or religious requirements (but school itself is Christian). 4% of senior intakes from state schools; 60+% from own junior department.

Scholarships & bursaries

Scholarships awarded at age 11, 13 and 16, value 10%-50% of tuition fees: 8 academic, 2 art, 4 music; also 2 sport at 16. Exhibitions awarded at Principal's discretion. Also bursaries in case of need. Average extras £150 per term. Parents not expected to buy textbooks.

Parents

60% live within 30 miles, up to 5% live overseas.

Head & staff

Principal: Mark Steed, in post since 2008. Educated at King Edward VI Grammar School, Chelmsford, and Cambridge University (theology). Previously Headmaster at Kelly College, Housemaster and Head of Religious Studies at Oundle and taught at Radley. Teaching staff: 150 full time, 42 part time. Average age 45.

Exam results

GCSE: 160 pupils in Year 11, all gaining at least grade C in 5+ subjects. A-levels: 142 in upper sixth, passing an average of 3 subjects, with a final point score of 360.

Pupils' destinations

98% of sixth form leavers go on to a degree course (15% after a gap year), 9% to Oxbridge. 10% take courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 20% in science and engineering, 15% in law, 35% in humanities and social sciences, 10% in art and design, 5% in vocational subjects, 5% in music and drama. A few typically go on to other colleges or armed services.

Curriculum

GCSE, AS and A-levels. 20+ GCSE subjects; 25 AS/A-level. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level; in addition A-level general studies. 25% take maths/science A-levels; 45% arts/humanities; 30% both. Vocational: Work experience offered. Special provision: EAL classes; study skills support. Languages: French (from age 9), Spanish (from age 9), German (from age 12) to GCSE and A-level; other languages by arrangement. At least one language taken to GCSE. Regular exchanges, numerous curriculum trips abroad. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. 150+ computers for pupil use (9 hours a day), all networked and with email and internet access. Some pupils have laptops at school; virtually all have PCs at home and boarding houses on school network.

The arts

Music: Up to 50% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Some 12 musical groups including orchestra, choirs, cathedral choristers, big band, wind and string ensembles. Scholarships to major conservatoires; choirs win regional competitions. Drama: GCSE, AS and A-level drama and LAMDA exams may be taken. Regular school and house productions including recently Tartuffe, Caucasian Chalk Circle, Beowulf and Bugsy Malone. Art and design: On average, 40 take GCSE, 20 A-level. Design, art history, ceramics, photography also offered.

Sports & activities

Sport: Rugby, hockey, lacrosse, cricket, football, swimming, tennis are compulsory depending on age and gender. Optional sports: rowing, golf, shooting, squash, judo, cross-country, Eton fives, aerobics, yoga, badminton, life-saving, weight training. Girls in U19 England lacrosse, boys selected for district and regional rugby squads; national success in some sports and district/county representatives in most main sports; national lacrosse champions recently. Activities: Pupils can take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award; CCF and community service both optional. Up to 15 clubs, eg photography, chess, debating, film, pottery, sports, technology, history.

School life

Uniform: School uniform worn throughout. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Head boy and girl, school prefects, house captains and house prefects - nominated by pupils and appointed by the Principal in consultation with staff. School council. Religion: Christian school. Pupils normally expected to attend Chapel. Social: Pupils take part in local youth council. Language trips to Europe; geography trips to Iceland; science trips to Costa Rica; sports trips to eg Caribbean, South Africa, Australia, Canada. Pupils allowed to bring own car/bike to school. Meals self-service. School shop. No alcohol allowed.

Discipline

Sanctions include detentions; drugs offences mean exclusion.

Boarding

Sixth formers have own rooms or share with one other; younger pupils share 2-3. Boys and girls in separate boarding houses. Qualified nurses available; visiting school medical officer. Pupils can provide and cook own snacks. Exeats any weekend by prior arrangement. Visits to local town allowed as requested.

Association of former pupils

The Old Berkhamstedians, President, Natasha Charlton, c/o the school.

Former pupils

Graham Greene (author); Robin Knox-Johnston (explorer); Sir Alexander Goehr (composer); Sir Kenneth Cork (former Lord Mayor of London); John Bly (antique dealer and broadcaster); Sir Anthony Cleaver (UKAEA); Lady Churchill; Michael Meacher MP; Antony Hopkins (musician); Emma Fielding (actress).