About us

From September 2025, Aldwickbury School will begin transitioning to a co-educational setting. We will offer future Prep school girls the same exceptional level of education and opportunities that Aldwickbury boys have enjoyed for generations.

For 2025/26 entry, we will be welcoming girls into the Pre-Prep (Reception, Year 1 and Year 2) and girls will then progress through the school year by year. The school will be fully co-educational by September 2031. 

Aldwickbury is a day and flexi-boarding school for boys set in 20 acres on the outskirts of Harpenden in Hertfordshire. 

At the heart of the Aldwickbury community lies our belief that pastoral care should form the bedrock for academic success. Every boy is nurtured and encouraged to try their best, embrace challenge and most importantly; be kind. 

We allow them to flourish as individuals in an environment that challenges and stimulates them whatever their interests, passions or talents. Our teaching mixes traditional approaches together with modern ideas and methods. We aim to equip all the boys with the skills to be happy and confident, build relationships with their peers and staff and develop strategies for coping with the challenges life presents.

The breadth of opportunities on offer at Aldwickbury is something we are incredibly proud of. The boys are challenged and engaged academically but also benefit from a wide-ranging co-curricular programme making full use of our extensive grounds and facilities. The school offers boys of all abilities a myriad of exciting opportunities to develop their confidence and unearth their talents in the arts, STEM, on stage, in music and on the sports field. 

The journey through the school prepares the boys to leave at 13 when we believe they are truly ready for senior school education. The boys move onto a wide range of senior schools, both day and boarding. The recent results at Common Entrance, entry tests and scholarships have been a reflection on the excellent teaching that the boys receive.

Maximum class size for Pre-Prep is 16 and 20 for Years 3-8. Wrap-around care is available in the form of breakfast and after-school clubs and flexi-boarding is also available from Year 5 upwards.

The school has excellent facilities based around a large Victorian House. Purpose-built teaching blocks, including a modern self-contained Pre-Prep department, ensure that the education is of a high standard. Other facilities include an indoor swimming pool, tennis courts and playing fields. Over the last ten years there has been extensive redevelopment of the school’s facilities, including a new hall complex, a new music department, refurbishment of the science labs and a total renovation of the Coach House providing a new Art and DT department. A new £3.8m sports centre was completed in 2022.

In 2022 the Independent Schools Inspectorate Inspection gave Aldwickbury School the highest grade of Excellent for both (ISI) quality categories – ‘pupils’ academic and other achievements’ and ‘pupils’ personal development’.

Latest news

12 Feb 2025

Aldwickbury School embraces five-day digital detox for Safer Internet Week

Aldwickbury School, an independent school for ages 4-13 in Harpenden, has launched a five-day digital detox as part of Safer Internet Week 2025.

12 Feb 2025

Aldwickbury School embraces five-day digital detox for Safer Internet Week

Aldwickbury School, an independent school for ages 4-13 in Harpenden, has launched a five-day digital detox as part of Safer Internet Week 2025.

The detox began on Friday 7th February, extending over the weekend and concluding on Wednesday 12th February. Pupils and staff volunteered to give up their devices, including phones and tablets, to reflect on their digital habits.

With increasing concerns about screen time, social media use and digital wellbeing making headlines, the importance of teaching children how to use technology safely has never been greater.

Named the UK’s ‘Independent Boys’ School of the Year’ in 2024 for its future-thinking vision, Aldwickbury School recognises the crucial role of technology whilst also prioritising the importance of teaching pupils to use it safely and in a balanced way.

Headmaster, Paul Symes, says:

“Technology is an incredible tool, but it’s essential that young people learn how to use it in a balanced and responsible way. This digital detox is a great opportunity for our pupils to step back, reflect and enjoy being present in the moment. I’m really proud of how our pupils have embraced this challenge and that it has ignited positive conversations amongst families.”

Aldwickbury’s digital detox is part of the school's ongoing commitment to equip pupils with the skills they need to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly, both inside and outside of the classroom. Pupils engage in outdoor learning, creative activities, and discussions about the impact of screen time on mental wellbeing, using technology safely, and the importance of face-to-face interactions.

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31 Jan 2025

Aldwickbury School’s Head of Drama wins prestigious Drama Inspiration Award

Aldwickbury School’s Head of Drama, Zelia Attzs, has been awarded the Drama Inspiration Award at the Music and Drama Awards 2025 in London.

31 Jan 2025

Aldwickbury School’s Head of Drama wins prestigious Drama Inspiration Award

Aldwickbury School’s Head of Drama, Zelia Attzs, has been awarded the Drama Inspiration Award at the Music and Drama Awards 2025 in London on 30th January. This accolade celebrates her exceptional dedication, leadership and passion for Drama that inspires pupils across Aldwickbury School.

In addition to this remarkable achievement, Aldwickbury was also shortlisted for the Outstanding School Drama Department award, further cementing its reputation for excellence in the performing arts.

This recognition follows a series of exciting milestones for Aldwickbury, having been named ‘Independent Boys’ School of the Year’ in 2024 and the announcement that the school will welcome girls into the Pre-Prep (Reception, Year 1, and Year 2) from September 2025.

Zelia Attzs, says:

“I am truly honoured to receive this award. The Drama classroom is a supportive space, where pupils feel free to express themselves. My goal has always been to support, empower and help each pupil to shine in their own way."

Deputy Headmaster, Chris Schanschieff, says:

“We’re all so proud of Zelia. This incredible achievement is testament to Zelia’s leadership, commitment and ability to inspire our pupils every day. Drama at Aldwickbury has an unmeasurable impact on our pupils, building their confidence and equipping them with skills they need to thrive in the future.”

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06 Dec 2024

Aldwickbury School in Harpenden to welcome girls from September 2025

Aldwickbury Pre-Prep and Prep school for boys aged 4-13 in Harpenden, Hertfordshire, is moving to co-education from September 2025.

06 Dec 2024

Aldwickbury School in Harpenden to welcome girls from September 2025

Aldwickbury Pre-Prep and Prep school for boys aged 4-13 in Harpenden, Hertfordshire, is moving to co-education from September 2025.

This year, the school was named the UK’s ‘Independent Boys’ School of the Year’, in recognition of its future thinking vision, school values and diversity group led by the pupils.

Aldwickbury will be welcoming girls into the Pre-Prep (Reception, Year 1 and Year 2) from this date. The co-educational model will be rolled out on an annual basis so that by 2031 the school will be fully co-educational across all year groups.

Headmaster, Paul Symes, says:

“We are excited to offer an outstanding educational experience for boys and girls. We firmly believe that a dynamic and holistic education can achieve academic success in our beautiful setting, where children are kind, happy and leave us as good people.”

Jeremy Bromfield, Chair of Governors, at Aldwickbury School adds:

“The Governors are delighted to support this decision, reflecting the preference for co-education in society, building on our current successes and utilising our staffs’ expertise. We have every confidence that under the leadership of our forward-thinking Headmaster, this will be an outstanding success and provide Harpenden with an independent co-educational offering.”

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