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Berkhamsted Collegiate School 伯克姆斯特德学院学校

Castle Campus, Castle Street, Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire HP4 2BB
Tel: 01442 358002 Fax: 01442 358003
Website: 
• BOYS, GIRLS, MIXED SIXTH, 3–18 Day, 11–18 Boarding (full & weekly)
• Pupils 1460, Upper sixth 131
• Termly fees £836–£3939 (Day), £5675–£6266 (Boarding)
• HMC, GSA, IAPS
• Enquiries/application to the Registrar

What it’s like
A partnership of Berkhamsted School (a boys’ school founded in 1541) and Berkhamsted School for Girls (founded in 1888). The two campuses are situated in the centre of the historic town of Berkhamsted, a prosperous community surrounded by Chiltern countryside, and within easy reach of London. It offers co-education and single-sex education within the one school: it is co-educational up to age 11; single-sex from 11 to GCSEs; and co-educational again in the sixth form. It is a Christian foundation. An 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.

School profile

Pupils & entrance
Pupils: Total age range 3–18; 1460 pupils (1410 day, 50 boarding). Senior department 11–18, 1000 pupils (600 boys, 400 girls).
Entrance: Main entry ages 3, 5, 7, 11 and 16; also boys at 13. 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 (enquiries to Berkhamsted Collegiate Preparatory School, Kings Road, Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire HP4 3YP).

Scholarships, bursaries & extras 14 pa scholarships, value £500–50% of tuition fees: 8 academic, 2 art, 4 music (at 11, 13 and16). Exhibitions awarded at Deputy 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: Dr Priscilla Chadwick, in post since 1996. Educated at Oxford High and at universities of Cambridge (theology) and London (PhD). Previously Dean of Educational Development at South Bank University and Head of Bishop Ramsey School, Ruislip (mixed comprehensive). Also consultant to SCAA and BBC/ITC, Governor of Westminster School and Chair of St Gabriel’s Trust; first woman Chairman HMC (2005). Publications: Schools of Reconciliation; Shifting Alliances: Church and State in English Education..
Teaching staff: 140 full time, 12 part time. Average age 44.

Exam results
GCSE: In 2003, 154 pupils in Year 11; 97% gained at least grade C in 5+ subjects. Average GCSE score 63 (over 5 years).
A-levels: 131 in upper sixth, passing an average of 3 subjects, with an average final point score of 338.

University & college entrance 98% of 2003 sixth-form leavers went on to a degree course (15% after a gap year), 9% to Oxbridge. 10% took courses in medicine, dentistry & veterinary science, 20% in science & engineering, 15% in law, 35% in humanities & social sciences, 10% in art & 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; 26 AS/A-level.
Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level; in addition AS-level general studies. 25% take maths/science A-levels; 45% arts/humanities; 30% both. Key skills integrated in sixth-form courses.
Vocational: Work experience offered.
Special provision: EAL classes; study skills support.
Languages: French (from age 9), Spanish (from age 11), German (from age 12) to GCSE and A-level; also Russian and Greek GCSE. At least one language taken to GCSE. Regular exchanges. European work experience available; numerous trips to the continent.
ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject (1 lesson/week) and across the curriculum. 105 computers for pupil use (9 hours a day), all networked and with e-mail and internet access. Some pupils have laptops at school; virtually all have PCs at home and boarding houses on school network. OCR Clait is offered.

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 The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui and The Wiz.
Art & design: On average, 40 take GCSE, 20 A-level. Design, art history, ceramics, photography also offered.

Sport & 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, canoeing, sailing, badminton, life-saving, weight training. 7 girls in U19 England lacrosse, 1 boy selected for U19 Scotland rugby squad; national success in judo, swimming, sailing and diving; 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, pottery, sports, technology, history.

School life
Uniform: School uniform worn throughout.
Houses & 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: Pupils normally expected to attend Chapel.
Social: Pupils take part in local youth council. Language trips to Europe; sports trips to eg Barbados, South Africa, Australia, Canada. Pupils allowed to bring own car/bike to school. Meals self-service. School shop. No tobacco or 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.

Alumni association (Old Berkhamstedians) run by Hon Secretary: J R Bale, The Spinney, Horsham Road, Cranleigh, Surrey GU6 8BS.

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).