Aldenham School
Elstree, Hertfordshire, England
Aldenham School
Elstree, Hertfordshire, England
Overview
Founded in 1597 as a traditional boarding school, Aldenham is set in over 110 acres of countryside just 13 miles from central London. Still occupying its original ancient site the school now offers a range of boarding options for girls and boys alike. Through its core values of Aspiration, Cooperation, Courage, Curiosity, Independence and Respect, the School aims to create a caring, inclusive and well-disciplined community where pupils are self-motivated and encouraged to excel.
At a glance
Academic
Aldenham combines dedicated teaching and small class-sizes with a broad curriculum including over 20 (i)GCSEs, 27 A Level subjects and the EPQ. Strong relationships between teachers and pupils provide an unpressurised environment where pupils have ambitious goals and aim to fulfil their potential. Support for EAL and SEN is offered, as well as additional study groups for more able pupils, and weekly careers guidance. Each year, around 20% of students progress to Russell Group universities.
Boarding
Each of the 5 boarding houses offers an inclusive family atmosphere and a strong identity, led by a houseparent who lives in-house with their own family, supported by a pastoral team of tutors and a matron. Dormitories are shared until the Sixth Form when individual study-bedrooms are available. In evenings and at weekends, pupils benefit from supervised prep, full access to school facilities, interhouse competitions and activities ranging from go-karting to pizza-nights and cinema trips.
Sports
Commitment and sportsmanship are valued highly at all levels of sport. Dedicated coaching and extensive fixtures are offered in the main sports, with established pathways to professional football or county cricket academies. Activities such as sailing, archery and dance are equally popular and facilities include 9 full-size football pitches, hockey and cricket pitches, tennis, netball and basketball courts, dance and martial arts studios, a weights room, fives courts and golf driving-bays.
Creative arts
The vibrancy of the Arts is highlighted by the hotly contested house music and drama competitions and in frequent opportunities to perform in the well-equipped 140 seat theatre, the 90-seat recital room of the Music School (housed in a converted chapel) or around the grounds. Musicians benefit from over 20 instrumental teachers and a wide range of bands, ensembles and orchestras. Art offers painting, ceramics, DT, photography, glass-fusing and textiles and a purpose-built Sixth Form art cabin.
Did you know?
- Aldenham has a rich tradition of elite football, and in 1825 became the second place ever to set out rules for its code of football.
- The Eros statue in London’s Piccadilly Circus, sculpted by former student Alfred Gilbert, is the starting point for the annual run to a mini-Eros statue in the school grounds.
