Admission

Berkhamsted School Admission Process

Berkhamsted School guides each potential student through a detailed and organized admission process, designed to ensure a good fit between the school’s ethos and the incoming pupils, spanning from nursery age through to Sixth Form. This process is nuanced to cater to the varying needs of day and boarding students, including those applying internationally.

Nursery and Prep School Admissions

Joining the Day Nursery, for those aged 0 to 3, is straightforward with no academic hurdles, focusing instead on a smooth introduction to the school’s caring environment. As children step up to Pre-Prep, from ages 3 to 7, the process includes understanding placements based on availability, emphasizing a balance between nurturing and educational quality. Further along, entry into the Prep School, for ages 7 to 11, and Heatherton, for nursery to 11-year-old girls, introduces assessments tailored to gauge educational needs and compatibility with Berkhamsted’s values.

Senior and Sixth Form Entries

Transitioning to Berkhamsted Girls and Boys schools at 11 encompasses assessments and interviews, underscoring the school’s dedication to fostering academically and socially adept students. Berkhamsted’s Sixth Form, welcoming students aged 16 to 18, requires sound academic performance in GCSEs and internal exams, with specific benchmarks for progressing and opting for an extensive A Level curriculum.

International Student Applications

International pupils chasing either GCSE or A Level pathways undergo a systematic process that mirrors day student applications, including cognitive abilities tests, subject interest forms, current school references, and interviews, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of each applicant’s academic and personal profile.

Specialized Exam Requirements

For those entering Year 7, the ISEB Pretest plays a crucial role, assessing a spectrum of skills from numeracy to problem-solving, thereby allowing a tailored approach to each student’s educational journey from their very first day.

General Admission Insights

Registration forms and fees inaugurate the admissions journey, followed by stage-specific assessments and interviews, encapsulating Berkhamsted’s thorough approach to student selection. The school also offers a range of scholarships and bursaries, recognizing diverse talents in areas such as Music, Drama, and Sport, with evaluations for these opportunities taking place predominantly towards the year’s end.

Prospective families are encouraged to delve into Berkhamsted’s community through open days and personalized tours, which shed light on the school’s nurturing yet ambitious educational environment, its state-of-the-art facilities, and the dedicated staff committed to developing well-rounded individuals ready to navigate the complexities of the world.