Haberdashers' Boys' School

Habs Boys

Part of Haberdashers' Elstree Schools, Secular, Founded 1690

Updated July 2026

4–18Ages
BoysGender
DayType
Non-profitOwnership

Languages

English flagEnglishFrench flagFrenchSpanish flagSpanish

Haberdashers' Boys' School is a leading independent school for boys aged 4 to 18, located on a 104-acre co-educational campus in Hertfordshire. It is recognized for its academic ambition and commitment to developing students who can lead and make a positive difference in society.

Term structure

Three terms

Teaching approach

The school aims to empower students to make a profound impact in the world by fostering leadership, intellectual curiosity, and a love of learning. It emphasizes the development of personal attributes such as character, independence, creativity, and teamwork. The vision is to provide an academically ambitious, single-sex education within a co-educational campus environment that encourages students to take responsibility and contribute positively to their community.

Programmes

The school offers a continuous educational pathway from Reception through to the Sixth Form. The curriculum is designed to be intellectually challenging, with the Prep School focusing on curiosity and foundational skills, the Senior School preparing students for GCSEs, and the Sixth Form offering A Level studies alongside the Habs Diploma. The academic programme is supplemented by a robust co-curricular offering and partnership initiatives that extend learning beyond the classroom.

Outcomes

The school is academically ambitious, with students achieving high results in GCSE and A Level examinations. Graduates move on to a variety of higher education destinations, supported by a curriculum designed to foster intellectual curiosity and leadership skills. The school also offers the Habs Diploma in the Sixth Form to further prepare students for their future.

Student support

EAL support
Unknown
Learning support
Unknown

Learning support

The school prioritizes the personal and emotional development of its students alongside academic achievement. Pastoral care is integrated into the school structure to support individual growth, resilience, and well-being throughout the Prep, Senior, and Sixth Form stages.

Frequently asked questions(6)
What curriculum does Haberdashers' Boys' School offer?
Haberdashers' Boys' School offers National Curriculum (England).
How much is tuition at Haberdashers' Boys' School?
Annual tuition at Haberdashers' Boys' School is £26.2K–£32.5K. Fees vary by year group — confirm the current schedule with the school.
What ages does Haberdashers' Boys' School teach?
Haberdashers' Boys' School enrolls students aged 4 to 18.
Is Haberdashers' Boys' School a day or boarding school?
Haberdashers' Boys' School is a day school.
Is Haberdashers' Boys' School co-educational?
Haberdashers' Boys' School is a boys school.
Where is Haberdashers' Boys' School located?
Haberdashers' Boys' School is an international school in Brent, United Kingdom.

Tuition & fees

Annual tuition by grade

2026-2027
Annual tuition by grade
GradeAgesAnnual
Pre-Preparatory School (Reception, Year 1 and Year 2)4–7£26.2K
Preparatory School (Years 3, 4, 5 and 6)7–11£30.7K
Senior School (Years 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11)11–16£32.5K
Sixth Form (Years 12 and 13)16–18£32.5K
Other fees(4)
Other fees
Deposit· Acceptance fee (deposit) of 50% of a term's fees, returned when the child completes their time at Habs Boys
Mealsday· Hot lunches for Senior School (Years 7 to Upper Sixth)£5.3
Materialsterm· Device rental for Year 7 to 12£125
Insurance· School Fees Refund scheme, optional charge of 0.82% of school fees per term

Discounts

  • Full-payment discount: 3.50%

Admissions

The school operates a selective admissions process for students aged 4 to 18. Prospective families can apply online, with specific registration forms available for occasional places and overseas applicants. The school provides detailed information on fees, fee assistance, and scholarships, and encourages families to book a visit to explore the campus.

Calendar

The academic year is divided into three terms: Autumn, Spring, and Summer. The calendar includes scheduled half-term holidays, staff training days, and specific end-of-term dates for different year groups, typically concluding in early July. Induction days for new students, such as those entering Year 7 or the Lower Sixth, are held at the start of the Autumn term.

Facilities

Swimming poolSports fieldGymnasiumFitness centrePlaygroundLibraryDining hallScience labsArt roomMusic roomTheatre / auditoriumBoarding

About the campus

The school occupies a 104-acre campus in the Hertfordshire green belt, featuring historic buildings like the Grade II-listed Aldenham House alongside modern facilities. Sports amenities include a 25-metre indoor swimming pool, a double-size sports hall, a fitness suite, a climbing wall, multiple rugby/football pitches, all-weather hockey pitches, and an indoor cricket centre. Performing arts spaces include the Seldon Music Hall and Lime Tree Studios, while the campus also hosts a purpose-built Pre-Prep building, a library, and various nature spaces including a Forest School and lakes.

Co-curriculars

Students participate in a wide range of activities on Friday afternoons, including the Combined Cadet Force (CCF) with Royal Navy, Army, and RAF sections. The Outdoor Education programme offers activities such as mountain biking, climbing, orienteering, archery, and PADI diving qualifications. Additionally, the School and Community Service (SCS) programme involves students in local care home visits, food bank support, and sports leadership, alongside the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award at Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels.

  • Gus LockExecutive Principal

    Gus Lock is the Executive Principal of the Haberdashers’ Elstree Schools. He holds an MA in Ancient and Modern History from the University of Oxford and a PGCE from the University of Bristol. He has been with the school since 2018 and was appointed Executive Principal in 2023, focusing on creating two outstanding single-sex schools on one co-educational campus.

  • Robert SykesHabs Boys Headmaster

    Robert Sykes is the Headmaster of Habs Boys. He holds a BA (Hons) in French and Spanish from the University of Manchester and previously served as Head of Spanish at the school (2011-2014) and Deputy Head (Academic) (2020). He is passionate about the school's dynamic community and collaboration with Habs Girls.

  • Susan EdwardsDeputy Head Operations

    Susan Edwards is the Deputy Head Operations at Habs Boys.

  • Mike BrennanDeputy Head Academic

    Mike Brennan is the Deputy Head Academic at Habs Boys. He holds a degree in History from the University of Oxford, an MSt in History from the University of Cambridge, and a PGCE from the University of Warwick. He joined the school after serving as Assistant Head for Teaching and Learning at Wellington College in Shanghai.

  • Katie BarronDeputy Head Pastoral

    Katie Barron is the Deputy Head Pastoral at Habs Boys.

  • Michelle BestHead of Prep School

    Michelle Best is the Head of Prep School. She studied Design Management and Innovation at De Montfort University and holds a PGCE in Primary Education from the Institute of Education in London. She is committed to fostering a culture of lifelong learning and a holistic approach to education.

  • Liz KarfootChief Financial and Operating Officer

    Liz Karfoot is the Chief Financial and Operating Officer. She holds a degree in Accounting and Finance from the University of Bristol and is certified by the CIMA and CGMA. She joined the school in 2023, bringing strong commercial experience to support the school's strategy and asset management.