Aldenham School

Details

  • Type of school: Co-Ed | Senior school with a junior department or a prep school
  • Nearest international airport: Heathrow/ Luton (30km/37km)
  • Age Range: 3-18
  • Number of pupils: 732
  • Number of boarders: 190
  • £ Fees per term - Boarding: £13,547
  • £ Fees per term -Day: £6,717 - £8,758

School Information

Aldenham goes from strength to strength. Having stood the test of time,
with a history stretching back to 1597, Aldenham is flourishing and in a
sound position to offer an excellent all-round education for boys and girls
into the future. Offering a strong community with extensive tradition,
Aldenham has continually updated facilities to keep up with present-day
requirements. A new state-of-the-art Sixth Form Centre and extension
to the Music School, plus English, media studies and modern languages
classroom block and a modern theatre with studio classroom and sound
and lighting room are all part of the recent developments at the School.
Alongside this modernisation, Aldenham remains proud of its 420-year
tradition, with the ethos of the School built around the boarding houses
where students live and work when not in classes, with staff available to
help at all hours. Weekly boarding is available to those whose guardians live
within easy reach of the School.
The age range of pupils extends from the highly successful Nursery
through to the sixth form, with boarding available for boys and girls from
the age of 11. Still situated on the same site of more than 110 acres of
countryside yet only 13 miles from central London with Heathrow Airport
35 minutes away, numbers at Aldenham are at capacity with 732 pupils.
Curriculum
A broad curriculum embraces the arts, humanities and sciences alongside
design technology and computing studies. Dedicated staff are highly
qualified and the average class size is 20, down to 11 in the sixth form; the
close-knit, small and supportive community creates an ideal environment
for a high-quality education, with a personal tutor for every pupil.
Specialities
An excellent all-round education is the hallmark of Aldenham and an
extensive games and activities programme enables every pupil to have the
chance to pursue almost any existing interest or to discover something new
and challenging in sport, music, drama and a wide range of extra-curricular
activities.
Sport
Football, hockey, netball, cricket, tennis and handball teams are highly
successful. A wide range of sports from sailing to horse riding is available
supported both by superb modern facilities, including a sports hall and
artificial turf pitch, and superior professional coaching.
Music and drama
Strong music and drama departments create challenging productions with
an extensive number of concerts and plays throughout the year, both inside
and outside of school.
EFL
The learning support department provides specialist English lessons for
overseas students.
Sixth form
With around 188 pupils, the sixth form is a significant element of
Aldenham, benefiting from a recently opened Sixth Form Centre. The
boarding environment allows for the assumption and development of
individual responsibilities and encourages leadership. A wide range of
courses are offered at A-level.

“Pupils, without exception, seem totally at ease
with the school and are one of the most social and
understatedly confident bunches we’ve met; quite
possibly one of the happiest too.” – The Good Schools Guide

Scholarships and Bursaries

Aldenham School Scholarships & Bursaries

A number of awards are made each year for exceptional performance at the time of application in academic work, art, music, technology or sport.  Occasionally fine all rounders are given an award.  Sixth Form scholarships are available either for those already in the School or those joining at that point, based on potential to succeed in the Sixth Form.

Bursary funding is available to support a number of students each year whose family circumstances mean that they would be unable to join or continue in the School, but where their potential of success is judged significant.

Student Profile

Student profile: Joshua
Age 17  Nationality Ghanaian
Joshua joined Aldenham in Year 12 and settled right into the school environment like a fish to water. He is studying Business, Psychology and Government & Politics for his A levels, as well as an Extended Project Qualification in Social Inequality. Despite being thrown into a very unfamiliar role, Joshua has exhibited leadership and has served as a role model to his peers. He is an integral member of the boarding community and is a remarkably driven boy, ready to step out of his comfort zone or lend a hand at every opportunity. This has led to him acquiring his McGill’s House Tie, for being McGillian of the Week and obtaining a Platinum Star which is the highest form of recognition for outstanding kindness. Joshua is a core part of both our football team and the house music squads, in spite of never having sung before. Joshua was also selected to play the Handbells in The McGill’s Bell Battalion and performed at a number of Christmas celebrations. Aldenham has
afforded him the opportunity to go outside his comfort zone and explore new things. Not only is he an example for his peers but has also inspired five new entrants to Aldenham next year, a true role model!

"For the first time being away from home, in a foreign country, my time in Aldenham so far has been phenomenal. It is a roller coaster ride I don’t want to end. I had absolutely no idea of the English school system, coming from a totally different culture, background and environment, but with the help of my amazing peers and a housemaster I would not trade for anyone in the world I can truly say I am proud to be an Aldenhamian. I believe that the adventure I am having here, whether it is through the top tier learning environment or the extracurricular full boarder weekend activities like go karting, countless cinema dates and even Mr Yeabsley’s very own Aldenham parkrun is wonderful. Aldenham has become my home away from home and with the kindness of my peers and teachers, I find myself looking forward to my return to school after every exeat, half-term or vacation. Everything I have participated in with my peers has shaped me to be the bright kind young man I am today- ready to take on the world without an ounce of fear in my heart but full of optimism."

Student profile: Nicol
Age 15 Nationality Albanian
Nicol is an Overseas Boarder, and she has seized every opportunity to be involved in school life, integrating seamlessly into activities and events alongside her studies. Her main interests are Drama and Art; she has performed in House Drama and Dance shows, making new friends along the way. Nicol has enjoyed studying an English Curriculum and is excelling in her chosen GCSE subjects. Nicol has been able to develop her leadership and teamwork skills through her participation in the Public Speaking Competition and coaching younger girls. An Overseas Boarder, Nicol has thrown herself into all the activities on offer in the evenings and at weekends such as shopping and cultural trips to London, the cinema, local restaurants and some amazing firework displays! and making life- long friendships within the caring boarding community here at Aldenham.

The teachers in Aldenham are brilliant, I always look forward to attending my classes, as they are enjoyable and my classmates are amazing, especially the pupils in my science classes. The GCSE’s I have chosen to study are Art, Spanish,
Drama, and History, and I enjoy these classes as I can express my emotions and creativity, while learning, being productive, and making sure that I am staying on top of my work. I found the boarding house, a very comforting, warm environment, so it was easy for me to get used to being away from home. In boarding, I have made incredible international friends and boarding in Paull’s has been a very enjoyable experience, as it is a remarkably diverse environment where girls of all ages bond with each other and share their experiences. We have a very loving and caring housemistress, who makes sure all girls are cared for, and a lovely matron who also helps the girls when they are seeking support. Overall, I think that joining this boarding school was an excellent choice for me and I am excited for my future here. 

News

Science Masterclass

This was the first of our Year 5 Science Masterclass sessions since Covid. 30 Year 5 students from Fair Field Junior school, Aldenham Prep and St Hilda’s participated for a two hour session. The students were given the chance to investigate the chemistry behind how light can be produced by reactions through three experiments. Students

WE ARE U15s PLAYSTATION ESFA CUP CHAMPIONS

The boys battled their way through schools across the whole of ENGLAND to become champions. Well done to the entire team and staff involved in making this win a reality. It’s an incredible achievement and the entire school is beaming with pride.

House Cross Country

House Cross Country event which saw the vast majority of pupils commit to running a muddy course, under drizzly conditions and grey skies, marshalled by encouraging staff in soggy raincoats and damp boots. Once again this exemplifies the grit and resolve of pupils and staff, undeterred by inclement weather, to build a sense of camaraderie

Dance Show

The quality of dance and displays of rhythm and gymnastics were astonishing and once again reflect how deep the talents of some of our pupils run.

Aldenham’s House Maths

House Maths this year saw 60 pupils from Years 9 to 13 in teams of 10 from each House competing for the Boothby Cup. The students did their Houses proud pitting their wits against a variety of questions in group, individual and relay rounds. They demonstrated wonderful teamwork and high level mathematical ability. The winners

Archdeacon of St Albans inducts new Chaplain and Assistant Chaplain

On Friday 15th September, The Venerable Jonathan Smith, the Archdeacon of St Albans, licensed The Revd Jos Perris as School Chaplain and The Revd Philip Green as Assistant School Chaplain. Revd Jos Perris has previously been Associate Priest at St Peter’s Church in St Albans with a specific responsibility for the children and youth alongside

Aldenham students receive their Duke of Edinburgh Gold Awards

Three former Aldenham School pupils Tom Morbey, Matthew Prett and Matthew Morgan were invited to St James’ Palace to be presented with their Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s awards. The memorable visit with Prince Philip the Duke of Edinburgh, and the author Bill Bryson was the culmination of 18 months of hard work and dedication. The Gold award

The Chief Economist of the Bank of England speaks to Business Society

The Aldenham Business Society was delighted to welcome as their guest speaker, Mr Andy Haldane, the Chief Economist from the Bank of England. Mr Haldane, voted TIME magazine Top 100 most influential people in the world, is one of the nine members who works with the Governor of the Bank to decide what the base

Aldenham School wins national Good Schools Guide Award

It was announced today that Aldenham School in Elstree has won a Good Schools Guide Award for the Best Performance by Boys taking History at an English Independent School. ​Aldenham School has been presented with this award for out-performing all other English schools in its category. The prestigious annual awards, now in their 10th year,

Former Aldenham Boys Club Member Returns to Reminisce

Honorary Alderman of Hertfordshire, 90 year old John Usher, returned to Aldenham School on Tuesday 22nd March 2016, to reminisce on earlier visits in the 1940s when as a member of the Aldenham Boys Club he played football, cricket and even camped in the grounds during school holidays. The Club members, who all lived in

Prince Charles meets ambassadors from Aldenham School

Aldenham School’s Head Boy, Subhan Iqbal, and Head Girl, Sarah Dean, proved to be excellent ambassadors for the School when they attended a Reception to mark the election of the Prince of Wales as a liveryman of the Brewers’ Company. The Prince was certainly keen to know that they were keeping up with their A Level revision despite

The American Ambassador to the UK visits Aldenham

Aldenham School was honoured to host the US Ambassador to the UK for a talk to Les Philosophes which will go down in the memory of all those lucky to be in attendance. Ambassador Matthew Barzun led an extremely thought-provoking session covering everything from the US-UK special relationship to US gun control laws and of

Aldenham School Welcomes Kevin Pietersen and Chris Gayle

On Thursday June 4th Aldenham School had the honour of Kevin Pietersen and Chris Gayle playing on the 1st XI Cricket Ground. The two cricketing legends were filming a promotional video to advertise the forthcoming Caribbean T20 Tournament. They were involved in two competitions, the first being who could hit the biggest six and the

Aldenham Middle School Production of ‘Kes’

The Middle School Production of ‘Kes' ran for two successful performances with a strong cast of 14 pupils from years 9 and 10. The audience were taken on a journey of a day in Billy Casper's life: from his early morning paper round, to the tragic events in the evening with his violent half brother

Aldenham School CCF meet HRH Prince Charles

A group of CCF cadets from Aldenham School in Elstree and from Queen’s School Bushey accompanied History Teacher and House Tutor at Aldenham Mr John Lewes, Honorary Member of the Welsh Guards Association, to Wellington Barracks for the Remembrance Sunday Service in the Welsh Guards Chapel. Before the service, the Colonel of the Regiment, HRH

Aldenham Girl selected for Team GB

Aldenham Year 10 school girl Aimee Witkin, along with her trusty stead; Danish Sports pony Ferrari were delighted when they were selected to ride for Great Britian in the European Pony Championships in Poland. They first showed at an international event in Belgium and shortly afterwards France leading to selection for the European Championships. The

St Hilda’s now part of the Aldenham Foundation

Aldenham School has announced that from the end of February, St Hilda’s School in Bushey will be part of the Aldenham Foundation of Schools. Under this new arrangement, St Hilda’s will continue to operate as an independent preparatory school for girls aged 3–11, but will now be part of the Aldenham Foundation, which currently educates

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