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 also linked to Heatherton House girls' prep school in Amersham. 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 at all levels.
Pupils: Total age range 3-18; 1505 pupils, 1463 day (806 boys, 657 girls), 42 boarding (22 boys, 20 girls). Senior department 11-18, 1058 pupils (603 boys, 455 girls). Junior department 3-11, 447 pupils, (225 boys, 222 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, 16. Own entrance exam used; for sixth form entry, 7 GCSEs (at least 5 at 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 awarded at age 11, 13 and 16, value 10%-50% of tuition fees: academic, art, music, drama and sport. Exhibitions awarded at Principal's discretion. Also means-tested bursaries in case of need. Average extras £150 per term. Parents not expected to buy textbooks.
80% live within 30 miles, up to 3% live overseas.
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. Headmaster of Prep School: Adrian Taylor, in post since 1998. Educated at St Mary’s College, Twickenham. Previously Headmaster of St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Pontefract, and of Barlborough Hall School, Derbyshire. Head of Girls’ School: Mrs A J R Clancy. Head of Boys’ School: Mr C Nicholls. Headmaster of Berkhamsted Sixth: Mr J M P Walker. Teaching staff: 197 full time, 64 part time. Average age 45.
GCSE: 160 pupils in Year 11, all gaining at least grade C in 5+ subjects (76% included English, maths, a science, a humanity and a modern language). A-levels: 150 in upper sixth, passing an average of 3 subjects with a final point score of 360.
98% of sixth form leavers go on to a degree course (15% after a gap year), 6% to Oxbridge. 5% take courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 20% in science and engineering, 15% in law, 45% 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.
GCSE, AS and A-levels. 20+ GCSE subjects; 26 AS/A-level including Extended Project. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level; additional enrichment studies lecture programme. 25% take maths/science A-levels; 45% arts/humanities; 30% both. Vocational: Work experience, business skills sessions and cv-writing clinics. Special provision: EAL classes; study skills support. Languages: French (from age 9), Spanish (from age 12), 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.
Music: Some 30% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams (including RockSchool) can be taken. Many musical groups including assorted choirs, orchestra, string orchestra, brass groups, flute choir, sax group, guitar group, rock bands, big band and wind band. Tours and exchanges arranged. Programme of concerts and events. Drama & dance: Drama taught as part of the curriculum and offered at GCSE (average of 45 pupils), AS and A-level (average 25); also LAMDA and ESB exams. Varied programme of school productions, musicals and house competitions; regular productions to the Edinburgh Fringe (recently The Venetian Twins). Schedule of theatre trips and visiting practitioners. Dance taught as a part of the PE programme and offered as a co-curricular activity. Art and design: On average, 40 take GCSE in each year, 20 A/AS-level. Design, ceramics, photography also offered.
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. Over 80 co-curricular clubs and activities in senior school (extended lunchtimes makes these available during the school day) including art, drama, music, sport, charity involvement.
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: 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 shops.
Sanctions include detentions; drugs offences dealt with through voluntary/compulsory drug testing programme or exclusion.
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.
The Old Berkhamstedians, President, Stephen Bourne, c/o the school.
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).
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