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Our History
Berkhampstead School has been educating children for over 75 years. Central to our ethos is that happy children achieve remarkable things.
The Beginning
Mrs Edna Andrews established Berkhampstead in 1945 in her own home, ‘Berkhampstead’ - the current Prep building - in North Cheltenham. Classrooms were created, the garden was transformed into a playground and our wonderful school was established.
A talented musician and an inspirational woman, she believed that a ‘can-do’ attitude is an asset for life and the school motto she selected - Perseverantia Vincit - remains at the heart of Berkhampstead School and Day Nursery today.
I am immensely proud of Berkhampstead..…it’s marvellous, with the same values as when I started the school all those years ago.
— Mrs Andrews, June 2005.
Mrs Andrews’ passion for children, music and education made the school such a success that it soon expanded into the large Grade II listed building across the road - the current Pre-Prep building. It opened with just 22 pupils, boys from 3–11 years and girls from 3-18. Fees were £5 a term!
Developments
Both buildings have been added to over the years to transform the facilities for the children. A vibrant playground surface has changed the former gardens beyond recognition - and the children love it.
The Day Nursery grounds have extended our outdoor space significantly and have allowed us to create a MUGA - an artificial games area for all ages to use.
Where we are now
Berkhampstead is a superb school, characterised by its small classes, happy children and excellent results. Our children achieve tremendous success academically, musically, in sport and in art. As such, we have waiting lists and have come a long way in terms of numbers since 1945 – we now have 275 pupils in the main school and over 100 in our lovely Day Nursery.
The feeling of community and belonging at Berkhampstead is strong - people very quickly feel part of ‘Berky’. The Prep children develop a strong affinity with their Houses - St David’s, St Andrew’s, St George’s and St Patrick’s - that were set up by our founder and, as with so much of what she did, that continue to be an important part of the school today.
We are delighted that old boys and girls stay in touch and come back for reunion events.