Chair of the Governors: Mrs C Copland
Principal: Mr R P Backhouse, MA Cantab
Headteacher of Berkhamsted Prep and Pre-Prep: Mrs Karen O'Connor, BA, PGCE, NPQH
Age Range. 7–11.
Number of Pupils. 155 boys, 165 girls.
Fees per term (2024-2025). £6,357 - £7,032. Please refer to our website for the full fee breakdown, including information on VAT.
Berkhamsted Prep School is part of Berkhamsted School, a school with a ‘Diamond’ structure that combines single-sex and co-educational teaching. Boys and girls are taught together at the Pre-Prep (Haresfoot site) from age 3 to 7, and at the Prep (Doctors Commons Road site) from age 7 to 11. They are then taught separately from age 11 to 16 (Berkhamsted Boys and Berkhamsted Girls), enabling them to flourish academically, with numerous co-educational activities, trips and events, before coming back together again in a joint Sixth Form.
Berkhamsted Prep School offers first-class facilities for the 7 to 11 age group, in conjunction with the highest standards of teaching and educational development. All classes offer a happy, caring environment where children are encouraged to investigate and explore the world around them. Classes at all levels have access to computers. Key features include a multi-purpose hall, modern dining facilities and a full range of specialist classrooms (e.g. Science laboratory, a DT and an ICT suite with mobile device accessibility for all year groups, Drama Studio, new Food Technology and Art classrooms). The school has also added a, a netball court, Eton Fives courts and an outdoor learning area. The Prep School also has use of Senior School facilities including extensive playing fields, tennis and netball courts, a Sports Centre, a swimming pool and a 500-seat theatre.
All children are encouraged to develop to their full potential and grow in confidence and independence. The School’s general approach is progressive, while retaining traditional values and standards; courtesy and politeness towards others are expected at all times. Academic achievement is of great importance, but the emphasis on other activities such as sports and music ensures that pupils receive a well-rounded education.
A wide range of voluntary extracurricular activities is offered at lunch-time and the end of the school day, including art, drama, music and sport. Choirs and orchestras perform in concerts and services throughout the year and school teams compete successfully in a variety of sports.
In addition, the school operates a holiday care facility with Camp Beaumont, with activity programmes available for 3–11 year olds, tailored by age group. There is something for everyone: craft a new creation in clay, take part in sports and games, relax and unwind with mindfulness and yoga, or have lots of fun with water-based games including aqua Olympics and Wet, Wild and Wacky. There is also extended care from 08.00 to 18.00 each day.
Charitable status. Berkhamsted Schools Group is a Registered Charity, number 310630.