Aldenham School

Since 2022, Alex Hems MA (Oxon), PGCE (Cantab), previously head of St George’s School in Edinburgh. Grew up in Northwood, where she attended St Helen’s – ‘It’s nice to be home,’ she says. Career path never in question, even as a tot – ‘I used to

Four applicants for each of the 85 places at 11+, with nearly a quarter scooped up by children at the on-site prep, the rest from a 50/50 mix of state and local preps (over 130 in total). A further 20-25 join at year 9, when there are three

Around a quarter leave post-GCSEs, usually for vocational courses or state schools. Sixth formers to universities far and wide, a third to Russell Group. Leeds, Leeds Beckett, Nottingham Trent and Bath recently popular – occasionally to Oxbridge.

In 2025, 44 per cent 9-7 at I/GCSE; 17 per cent A*/A at A level (51 per cent A*-B).

Tiger parents and single-minded scholars, turn away. Not that the academics are second-rate – in fact, all agree they’re on the up and up, eg greater focus on rewarding effort and celebrating achievements in the classroom, a wider range of house

Hitherto what Aldenham was famous for. In reality, the school can only cope with the mild to moderate dyslexia (most common), ADHD, autism etc that most mainstream schools can, although the 22 per cent on the SEN register (higher than national

Two enrichment afternoons a week, and most students belong to after-school clubs. The vast array of options include film club, art, fives, Warhammer, chess, archery, sailing and skiing. CCF (army and RAF, both joint with Queen’s School) popular, as

If music, drama and art shine, sport dazzles. It is integral to life at Aldenham and in a setting that needs to be seen to be believed – over 110 acres encompassing woodland, playing fields, two full-sized Astros, tennis courts, dance studio, weights

Just under a third board (vast majority boys), usually staying two or three nights a week. Just the ticket for London families and those who commute, with others living very locally and simply boarding ‘for the fun of it’.

Everyone belongs to a

Pastoral care has always been at the core – it wouldn’t be Aldenham without it. ‘There’s always someone to talk to,’ say students, though surprisingly few said they’d turn to the dedicated safeguarding staff members whose photos appear in every

Students are relaxed, sociable and unflashy. None of the smooth talking and practised polish we see at some independents. Upbeat too – among the happiest bunch we’ve met. ‘I went home from open day thinking, “Yup, I want one like that”,’ said a

Scholarships at 11+ in music, drama, sport and academic and 13+ in all those plus art and DT. Worth up to 15 per cent fee remission. Means-tested bursaries available.

No longer your backup, Aldenham is increasingly a first choice for children of all abilities, including those at the top of the tree. Parents are attracted to the unpressured environment, community spirit and flexible boarding, along with the