Berkhamstead school?

[mummyjules8]

We have sold up and moving out of London in the summer. A last minute change of heart has led us to consider Berkhamstead instead of Bedfordshire. We are considering Berkhamstead schol (if there are spaces at this late stage..will call Monday) Would be great to hear about your experiences there. I have 3 & 6 year old boys. Also...random question I know, but my son has some food allergies...do you know if you can take your own packed lunch there?
Thank you!

[Zodlebud]

The school expects children to stay there until 18 and there is no prep for 11+ or Common Entrance as a result. Many people are fine with that but I think the word "prep" is misleading as a result.

It is by all accounts an impressive school in terms of facilities and gets good results. They do cull children on an annual basis though if they are not making the grade. They get twitchy at any hint of SEN. If your child is average or above then they will do well there. Children are motivated and work hard.

It is extremely expensive though - day fees in the senior school and sixth form are the most expensive in the area by far. There are also lots of amazing trips on offer, all at additional cost. Lots of little extras pop up which are added to your account. If money is not an issue then fine but I do know people who have struggled to keep up by not factoring in another £2-£3k per year for "extras" not listed in the fees schedule.

It also has a bit of a "flash cash" competitive parenting base. Very much a London feel to the school.

It has some great points but also some negatives. Other options for boys independent schools in the area at 11+ are a bit thin on the ground (St Albans, St Columba's) or the grammar in Aylesbury so Berkhamsted is a good choice.

It's not everyone's cup of tea but I have many friends with children there who are extremely happy with it. It's a bit marmite - you either love it or hate it.

No packed lunch option I'm afraid. Dietary requirements are catered for

www.berkhamstedschool.org/school-meals-pre-prep

[mummyjules8]

Thanks Zodlebud. I rang up and there are 15 on the waiting list at the moment and they thought that it wouldn't be an option for at least the next year! So that rules that out. Back to the drawing board i guess.

[sunnydayinmay]

If you're looking for prep schools, I know people with dcs at Westbrook Hay, and Lockers Park, who are happy with the schools. Quite different feel to each, but they're Hemel/Berko area, so within your reach.

[Zodlebud]

Berkhamsted has a bigger intake at 7+ and has also had places in Y1 crop up so if it's a school you love it's worth getting on the waiting list. All of the state primaries in the town are good or outstanding - you really can't go wrong with any of them if you wanted an interim solution.

Other co-ed preps in the area where a lot of children from Berkhamsted attend are Westbrook Hay, Chesham Prep and Beechwood Park. A handful also go to York House. All prepare for the 11+ and Common Entrance so you keep your options open.

[bojorojo]

Slightly off topic, but Day fees at Queenswood School near Potters Bar in Herts are over £8000 a term for years 9-13! This is a school for girls but Berkhamsted looks positively good value by comparison and far from being extremely expensive at about £1500 a term less.

I would look at Chesham Prep and keep options open for Bucks Grammars. Chesham Gramnar is the nearest.

[mummyjules8]

Thanks Bojorojo. I emailed Chesham prep a few days ago and waiting to hear back. I really like the look of it so fingers crossed!

[AvonCallingBarksdale]

There's also the Beacon in Chesham Bois