At Berkhamsted School we place great importance on the benefits that young people gain from their experience of living in a community and we aim to create a secure and comfortable residential environment for both boys and girls in their separate boarding houses.
Both boarding houses, St John's for girls, and Incents for boys, are led by experienced staff.
Matrons, domestic staff and residential tutors complement the team structure which ensures full supervision within each house every day. Sixth Form students are allowed to return to their house during study periods and all meals are provided in Wingrave dining room ~ only a short walk from the boarding house.
Both boarding houses feature double bedrooms for younger boarders and study bedrooms for Sixth Form students.
Leisure time can be spent in lounges, in small communal kitchens where snacks can be prepared, in computer suites with monitored access to the internet or, if physical activity is preferred, boarders can use their free private membership at the new £5m Knox Johnston Centre ~ offering a fitness suite, sports hall and 25m swimming pool. Here, pupils can take part in any of the classes, ranging from aqua aerobics to pilates.
Visits from friends and relatives are encouraged at the weekend and boarders can make the necessary arrangements to have leave, which commences on Friday providing pupils have no other school commitments.
Chapel is an important aspect of life within the community and we are fortunate in having our own resident chaplain who takes a genuine interest in life within the boarding houses.
Full, weekly and flexible boarding is available to suit family needs and to provide the support for busy lifestyles. All boarders must have a named guardian in Britain who acts "in loco parentis" where applicable. Parents and guardians are also required to make all holiday and travel arrangements.
Pupils, by prior arrangement, are very welcome to stay late and to eat with the boarders. In our experience, children adapt quite quickly to boarding routines and enjoy being part of a friendly and caring community.
