Aldenham School

The school aims to provide a holistic education in a loving and caring environment, encouraging every student to discover their strengths, pursue their passions, and become the best version of themselves. It values curiosity, creativity, integrity, and resilience, fostering a sense of belonging through a House system. The school remains committed to the founder’s original intent to promote "learning, knowledge, virtue" while preparing students for the modern world.

The academic programme spans from Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9) through to GCSE (Years 10-11) and A Levels (Years 12-13). Key Stage 3 introduces a broad range of core and foundation subjects, while the GCSE programme allows for some specialization alongside core studies. A Levels serve as the primary qualification for post-16 students, supported by a tutorial programme and career guidance to prepare them for university and beyond.

Aldenham provides a supportive environment for students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The school accommodates students with existing assessments and offers diagnostic testing for those referred during their time at the school. Appropriate access arrangements are provided for both daily lessons and public examinations, and support is available for students requiring English as an Additional Language (EAL) instruction.

Aldenham is an all-round selective school with entry points at 11+ (Year 7), 13+ (Year 9), and 16+ (Year 12), with occasional places available in other year groups. The admissions process includes an online entrance assessment (covering Maths, English, and Reasoning), an interview with a member of the leadership team, and a reference from the applicant's current school. For Sixth Form entry, offers are based on an interview and predicted GCSE grades, with a minimum requirement of 30 points from the top five GCSEs. The school welcomes international students and offers scholarships for academic excellence, art, dance, design technology, drama, music, textiles, and sport, alongside means-tested bursaries.

The school operates on a three-term structure: the Christmas Term, the Lent Term, and the Summer Term. Each term includes a half-term break, and the academic year typically runs from early September to late June or early July. Detailed term dates, including public holidays and induction days, are provided annually and are subject to change.

Located on a historic site in Elstree, Hertfordshire, the campus features a range of facilities including a chapel (now used as a music school), various boarding houses, and extensive playing fields. The school provides a cooked lunch for all students, and boarders have access to private living spaces, cleaning, and laundry services. Students are equipped with school-provided Windows Surface devices for their studies.

The school offers a diverse co-curricular programme designed to develop the whole child, including the Combined Cadet Force (CCF) and the Duke of Edinburgh’s (D of E) Award. Creative arts opportunities include dance, drama, and music, with a notable annual House Music Competition. Sports provision is extensive, featuring football, hockey, netball, cricket, tennis, athletics, golf, basketball, and the traditional sport of Fives. Enrichment activities also include various trips and excursions.