Ages 
Parents choose Beechwood Park for its co-ed status (unusual for a prep in the area), as well as its outstanding facilities, engaging teaching, opportunities outside the classroom and the confidence they build in the children. ‘It is like a bubble, but a lovely one. We don’t ever want to leave.’
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 477 ·
- Offers boarding
- Yes ·
- Religion
- None
- Fees
- Day £17,982 - £26,064; Boarding £32,328 pa
- Local authority
- Hertfordshire County Council
- Area guides
Headteacher
Headmaster
Mr Christian Pritchard
Since September 2023, Christian Pritchard who, despite this being a big school, knows all the children by name and still teaches (music in nursery and cover lessons throughout). ‘Admin work can be done in the evenings. When the children are here, I
Entrance
Main entry points are nursery, reception and years 1, 3 and 7 though applicants join in all year groups, including mid academic year. Nursery oversubscribed. Light-touch assessments in reception to year 2; after that, it’s a taster day including
- Open days
- Open Mornings scheduled each term and private tours available on request.
Exit
Between 25-40 per cent of pupils (mostly girls) move on at 11+ to a range of local independent and excellent state schools, including, STAHS, Haileybury, Berkhamsted and (for boys) Merchant Taylors’. The rest at 13+, mainly to St Albans School,
Latest results
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Teaching & learning
Learning support & SEN
Boarders
Flexi-boarding up to four nights a week from year 5, taken up by around a quarter of families – with most children staying for two to three nights each week. A three-week trial is offered prior to committing and most parents sign up a year in
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 School does not allow mobile phones
Pupils
Money matters
Means tested bursaries offered from year 3 upwards.
- Fee information
- Day £17,982 - £26,064; Boarding £32,328 pa
Our view
The idyllic setting comprises a 16th century country house in an elevated position overlooking 60 acres of land. Elizabeth Bennett seeing Pemberly for the first time comes to mind. Inside, the roaring fire sets the welcoming tone, although the pupils
The last word
Parents choose Beechwood Park for its co-ed status (unusual for a prep in the area), as well as its outstanding facilities, engaging teaching, opportunities outside the classroom and the confidence they build in the children. ‘It is like a bubble,
