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Aldenham School

Aldenham School is an all-through co-educational independent school offering day and boarding education, located in Elstree, Hertfordshire, near London. It combines academic excellence with a broad co-curricular programme.

HertsmereSeniorCo Ed, becoming co-educationalAges 11–18Both841 pupils
Day fees
£18,267 – £32,061
How competitive entry is
School Exam + InterviewCompetitive entry
Pupils
841
Founded
1597
Next deadline
No dates published
Verified 1 month agosource
Houseroom Index 2026
67.6/100· ranked #67 of UK independents
78% data confidence·v2026.4.0
How is this calculated? →
Pillar breakdown
Academic outcomes59
Destinations & outcomes59
Future-readiness55
Pastoral & wellbeing95
Pupil flourishing65
Value-add51
Access & breadth90
Parent sentiment70
External consensus70

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Our take

Independent co-ed all-through school in Hertfordshire for ages 4–18, day or boarding. Selective entry, top-tier London fees.

Best for
Who thrives here
  • Families wanting one school across the whole journey (ages 4–18) rather than separate prep + senior.
  • Families who prefer a co-educational setting over single-sex.
  • Families weighing day vs boarding — both are offered.
  • Children who can demonstrate strong academics at entry assessment — this is a selective school.
  • Families comfortable with top-tier London independent fees in exchange for the level of provision.
Watch-outs
Know before applying
  • Fees sit at the top of the London market. Factor in extras (uniform, trips, lunches, music tuition) before committing.
  • Selective entry — assume some form of assessment at the relevant entry point. Plan tutoring or familiarisation early if needed.
  • SEND provision isn't documented in our profile. If your child has an EHCP or specific learning needs, ask admissions about case-by-case capacity before applying.
AI-generated guidance

About the head

Mrs A Hems is Head of Aldenham Foundation.

Aldenham fosters academic excellence, personal growth, leadership from all pupils, and a supportive, inclusive environment with a strong House system placing pastoral care at its core.

academic excellenceleadershippersonal growthinclusivitycommunity

Distinctive features

all-through 4-18 education

boarding and day options

strong House system

extensive scholarship and bursary provision

vibrant co-curricular and leadership programmes

international student community

Activities & co-curricular

sport

FootballTennisGolfFivesSports DayPrep School SportsPrep School Sports DayBasketballAthleticsCricketHockeyHouse Cross CountryNetball

music

Prep School Music (Choir, Instrumental Ensembles)ChoirMusicHouse MusicCreative Arts – MusicMusic EnsemblesMusic Makers (Little Lions)

drama

Prep School DramaDanceDramaCreative Arts – DanceArtsCreative Arts – Drama

academic club

Les PhilosophesDebating

service

D of EDuke of Edinburgh Award (D of E)Duke of Edinburgh's Award (D of E)Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (D of E)Combined Cadet Force (CCF)CCFDuke of Edinburgh

other

DramaDanceArt ClubArtsPrep School Art WeekTripsPrep School Clubs and ActivitiesClubs and ActivitiesCreative Arts – ArtsCCFDuke of EdinburghTrips and ExpeditionsArts Club

Facilities

sports

Sports pitchesSwimming PoolSports HallSports hallTennis courtsAstro Turf Pitch (3G pitch)Cricket Pavilion and NetsTennis CourtsGolf Facilities (off-site)Sports pitches, courts, lake and slopes

arts

Creative Arts CentreDrama StudioArt StudiosMusic schoolDance StudioMusic SchoolArt studiosDrama theatreTheatre

boarding

Dining HallBoarding housesFull, weekly and flexi boardingBoarding Houses

academic

Sixth Form CentreLibraryScience LaboratoriesThe Wells Centre (for Science and Technology)

wellbeing

ChapelChaplaincy and Health and Wellbeing CentreDining hallDining Hall

Latest exam results

OutcomesA-LEVELS
98
pass rate
60
of grades at A*
88
of students progressed to their first-choice universities including top UK institutions
33attained ABB or higher

The most recent A level results show a with over , A or B, and . Over

1%
Oxbridge offer rate
6%
Russell Group rate

Data from 2025 results

Where leavers go

1%
to Oxbridge (2025)
6%
to Russell Group
2025
Cohort95
Oxbridge1
Russell Group6
US Ivy0
Top universities (2025)
Oxford
York
Manchester
Bath
Loughborough
Leeds
UCL
King's College London

Recent coverage

In August 2024, Aldenham School reported its best GCSE results since at least 2014, with 47.5% of grades at 7 or above, up from 39% in 2023. Notably, 27.6% of grades were 8 or 9, and nine students achieved five or more grade 9s. In August 2025, the school celebrated strong GCSE outcomes, with 44.5% of grades at 7 or above and 26.6% at 8 or 9. At A Level, 51% of leavers secured A* to B grades, and 88% of university applicants gained places at their first or second choice institutions. In April 2025, the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) awarded Aldenham School an "Excellent" rating across all categories, confirming the school's commitment to high educational standards. In August 2025, Aldenham School reported that 58% of A Level entries were graded A* to B, the highest ever at the school. The number of A* grades increased to 7.3%, up from 4.3% in 2024, despite exam boards indicating fewer A*s. Additionally, 95% of university applicants were accepted into their first or second choice institutions, surpassing the national average of around 80%.

Notable alumni

Sir Peter Bazalgette (television executive)Sir John Gielgud (actor)Sir David Frost (broadcaster)Sir Michael Hordern (actor)Sir John Tavener (composer)Sir John Betjeman (poet)Sir John Mortimer (barrister and author)
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Application timeline

No admissions stage dates confirmed yet. Save this school to be notified when dates are published.

Open dayNot published
Not published
Registration opensNot published
Not published
Registration closesPassed
13 Nov 2025
Bursary deadlineNot published
Not published
AssessmentPassed
24 Nov 2025
InterviewNot published
Not published
OffersPassed
13 Feb 2026
Acceptance deadlinePassed
4 Mar 2026
Registration windows
YearOpensClosesReply byStatus
2026-27TBC13 Nov 20254 Mar 2026Closed

Open events

Open Morning
Sat, 3 Oct 2026
Autumn Open Morning
Open Morning
Sat, 3 Oct 2026
10:00 am – 1:00 pm|Aldenham School
Open Morning Autumn 2026
Dates to be confirmed
Open MorningVarious dates including October Open Morning
Dates TBC
Book a TourAvailable throughout the year
Dates TBC
6th Form Open EveningSeptember
Dates TBC

Private tours and additional visits available by arrangement — contact admissions to arrange.

Talks & tasters

Sat, 3 Oct 2026Autumn Open MorningOpen Morning
Sat, 3 Oct 2026Open Morning Autumn 2026Open Morning

Fees

£21,657per year · Day · 2026-27
VAT-inclusive estimate £21,657VAT status TBCYear 7-13 projection £171,053
vs London avg (£24,000)10% below

Bursaries & Scholarships

Max award
100%
Means-tested
Yes
Scholarships
14
medium confidence data
Scholarships by category & award sizeView full bursary & scholarship guide

House system

McGill'sBeevor'sPaull'sKennedy'sLeeman'sRiding'sMartineau'sWoodrow's

Wellbeing

Aldenham Prep School uses a house system to foster a sense of community and belonging. The school provides pastoral care, safeguarding, chaplaincy, and mental health support to ensure pupil welfare and wellbeing.

Inspection

Isi 29 Apr 2025

One inspection report on file. Worth reading before booking a visit — covers safeguarding, leadership and overall standard.

excellent
Read full ISI report →

Term dates 2024-25

autumn4 Sept 202413 Dec 2024Half-term 19 Oct 2024–3 Nov 2024
spring7 Jan 20254 Apr 2025Half-term 15 Feb 2025–23 Feb 2025
summer22 Apr 202527 Jun 2025Half-term 24 May 2025–1 Jun 2025
autumn3 Sept 202512 Dec 2025Half-term 18 Oct 2025–2 Nov 2025
spring5 Jan 202627 Mar 2026Half-term 14 Feb 2026–22 Feb 2026
summer13 Apr 202626 Jun 2026Half-term 23 May 2026–31 May 2026
autumn7 Sept 202611 Dec 2026Half-term 17 Oct 2026–1 Nov 2026
spring5 Jan 202725 Mar 2027Half-term 13 Feb 2027–21 Feb 2027
summer13 Apr 20272 Jul 2027Half-term 29 May 2027–6 Jun 2027

INSET: 23 May 2025 · 17 Oct 2025 · 3 Sept 2026 · 4 Sept 2026

Feeder schools

4 offers
1 offer

Schools like Aldenham School

Ranked by semantic similarity across curriculum, ethos, intake and admissions style. Most parents shortlist 4–6 schools before applying.

82%

Berkhamsted School

Hertfordshire · All Through · Ages 0–18
£19,824 – £25,503
79%

Mount House School

Barnet · All Through · Ages 11–18
£26,247
78%

Haileybury

East Hertfordshire · Senior · Ages 7–18
£28,605 – £43,035
76%

Bishop's Stortford College

Hertfordshire · All Through · Ages 3–18
£11,259 – £30,474
74%

Hampstead Hill School

Camden · Pre Prep · Ages 2–11
£17,865 – £25,140
73%

St John's Preparatory and Senior School

Hertfordshire · All Through · Ages 3–18
£8,550 – £20,880

Questions parents ask

Common questions about Aldenham School, answered from this school’s structured profile data. Always confirm specifics with admissions before applying.

What kind of child is Aldenham School best for?+

Independent co-ed all-through school in Hertfordshire for ages 4–18, day or boarding. Selective entry, top-tier London fees.

How does admissions work?+

Admissions are selective — expect an entrance assessment at the relevant entry point. Plan tutoring or familiarisation early. See the admissions timeline above for confirmed dates.

Are fees published?+

Yes — see the Fees table further down the page. Add extras (uniform, trips, lunches, music tuition, registration fees) on top of the base figure before budgeting.

Does the school support SEND?+

Yes — the school states support for cultural differences, racial differences, religious differences, LGBTQ+ and others. Always confirm case-by-case capacity with admissions if your child has an EHCP.

Are there open days?+

7 upcoming open days or tours — see the admissions timeline. Booking is usually required.

How do I contact admissions?+

email at enquiries@aldenham.com or phone on 01923 858122. Reference your child's age and intended entry year in the first message.

What similar schools should I compare?+

We've ranked 6 schools by semantic similarity to Aldenham School — see the "Schools like Aldenham School" grid below. Most parents shortlist 4–6 schools before applying.

Enrichment last updated 11 May 2026. Sources include the school’s official site, Wikipedia, Good Schools Guide, Tatler, and Sunday Times Parent Power.

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