Ages 
Aldwickbury is en route to shaking off its old-fashioned reputation and replacing it with one for consistent academic excellence on top of roundedness under the leadership of a head who is, in the words of parents, ‘injecting new energy’. With its winning combination of nurture, creativity and robust daily activity we anticipate that local parents will see with fresh eyes the allure of this local gem for their sons (and daughters since September 2025).
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 388 ·
- Offers boarding
- Yes ·
- Religion
- None
- Fees
- Day £18,779 - £25,020 pa
- Local authority
- Hertfordshire County Council
- Area guides
Headteacher
Headmaster
Paul Symes
Since 2021, Paul Symes. Educated at East Bergholt High School, Colchester Sixth Form College and Brunel University (QTS, PE and geography). Cut teeth in state-maintained sector at Isleworth and Syon Boys’ School then on to Chantry High School in
Entrance
Three-form entry with a maximum 16 per class in pre-prep and 18 in prep. No sign of slowing registrations – maximum capacity 450. Non-selective at 4+, and majority join then with pupils joining later (usually years 3 and 5) invited in for informal
- Open days
- September, February and May
Exit
Some at 11+ to local outstanding state options St George’s Harpenden, Sir John Lawes and Katherine Warington. One or two to St Albans School at this point, mainly to join older siblings. At 13+ St Albans School gets lion’s share (about half),
Latest results
There are no results to show for this school. Find out more.
Teaching & learning
Learning support & SEN
Boarders
Overseen by the matron of 20 years, her enthusiasm not dampened by lengthy tenure. Very much a flexi offering, with pupils allowed to board ‘as little or as often’ as they wish – including occasional ‘sleepovers’ – to a maximum of three nights per
Mobile phone policy
A clear mobile phone policy is a really important part of modern schooling. This school has provided us with their policy.
Mobile phone policy
Provided by the school and not part of our review The pupils follow the school policy of no mobile phones with greater focus on talking face-to-face and building friendships. We believe this has significant benefits on the pupils' general wellbeing and day to day performance in school.
Pupils
Money matters
Means-tested bursaries available.
- Fee information
- Day £18,779 - £25,020 pa
Our view
A stone’s throw from the functional Southdown high street, Aldwickbury Mansion became home to the only boys’ prep in Harpenden in 1948. When we arrived at the main school building – all Victorian feature windows, panelling and dim lighting – our
The last word
Aldwickbury is en route to shaking off its old-fashioned reputation and replacing it with one for consistent academic excellence on top of roundedness under the leadership of a head who is, in the words of parents, ‘injecting new energy’. With its
