Berkhamsted School

Berkhamsted School
Name	Berkhamsted School
Established	0 1541
Type	Public school, Independent school
Head	Richard Backhouse
City	Berkhamsted
County	Hertfordshire
Country	England
Postcode	HP4 2BB
Local authority	Hertfordshire County Council
Urn	117547
Gender	Co-educational (Senior School), Single-sex (Prep Schools)
Upper age	18
Houses	Addison, Bishop, St Paul's, St John's, Curwen, Hazel, Ismay, Kingsley
Colours	Black and white
Publication	The Berkhamstedian
Free label 1	Former pupils
Free 1	Old Berkhamstedians
Website	https://www.berkhamsted.com/

Berkhamsted School is a co-educational independent day school located in the historic market town of Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire. Founded in 1541 by John Incent, Dean of St Paul's, under a Royal charter from King Henry VIII, it has evolved from a boys' grammar school into a large family of schools. The institution is noted for its distinctive "diamond model" structure, combining single-sex teaching in certain years with a co-educational environment, and for its strong academic record and extensive co-curricular programme.

History

The school's foundation was confirmed by a charter from King Henry VIII in 1541, with its endowment linked to the Dissolution of the Monasteries. Its early history was intertwined with local figures like the Earl of Bridgewater and it operated as a traditional Grammar school for centuries. Significant expansion began in the 19th century under headmaster Henry Brown, with the construction of new buildings including the School Chapel. The 20th century saw major developments, including the admittance of girls into the Sixth form in 1996 and the full implementation of the "diamond model" in 2011. The school has incorporated several other institutions, such as Haresfoot School and Egerton Rothesay School, and its Old Berkhamstedians include notable figures from World War I and World War II.

Campus and facilities

The school's extensive campus is centred around Castle Street in Berkhamsted, incorporating a mix of historic and modern architecture. Key facilities include the Gothic Revival Chapel, the Addison Gallery, and the Rex, a multi-purpose performance and sports complex. The medieval castle grounds are used for recreation, while separate sites house the Preparatory Schools and the Sixth Form centre. Sporting facilities are extensive, featuring the Cricket Club grounds, multiple rugby and hockey pitches, tennis courts, and a 25-metre indoor pool.

Academic performance

The school consistently achieves strong results in GCSE, A-Level, and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma. Pupils regularly gain admission to Russell Group universities, including Oxford, Cambridge, and members of the University of London. The curriculum is broad, with particular strengths in the Humanities, Sciences, and Modern languages, and is supported by programmes like the Extended Project Qualification. Academic enrichment is provided through societies such as the Berkhamsted Scientific Society and partnerships with institutions like the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Co-curricular activities

A wide range of activities complements academic study. The Combined Cadet Force (CCF) contingent has a long history, and pupils participate in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme. Sporting success is achieved in rugby, hockey, cricket, and rowing, with teams competing in national competitions like the NatWest Schools Cup. The arts are prominent, with major drama productions staged in the Rex and musical performances by the Chamber Choir and orchestras. Numerous clubs and societies cater to diverse interests, from debating and Model United Nations to chess and creative writing.

Notable alumni

Old Berkhamstedians, known as OBs, have distinguished themselves in many fields. Literary figures include the poet William Cowper, novelist Graham Greene, who depicted the school in his works, and Sir Henry Newbolt. In public life, alumni range from Lord Chancellor Thomas Egerton to Governor of the Bank of England Lord Cobbold. Notable scientists include Royal Society Fellow J.Z. Young, while the arts are represented by actor Michael Hordern and television producer Peter Bennett-Jones. Military figures include Victoria Cross recipient Arthur Martin-Leake and World War II Royal Air Force officer Guy Gibson.

Governance and ethos

The school is governed by a Board of governors, with the Head being a member of the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference (HMC). Its ethos, encapsulated in the motto (to be added)', emphasises academic excellence, character development, and service. The unique "diamond model" structure sees boys and girls taught separately in the Middle school years before reuniting for a co-educational Sixth form. The school maintains strong links with the local community in Berkhamsted and the Church of England, while its charitable foundation supports bursaries and partnerships with state schools.

Category:Educational institutions established in the 1540s Category:1541 establishments in England Category:Public schools in Hertfordshire