About us

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

27 Apr 2023

Aldwickbury School Opens New Sports Hall

Last week saw the official opening of a new Sports Hall at Aldwickbury and the commencement of the Pre-Prep and Prep School's 75th Anniversary celebrations. To mark both occasions a time capsule was buried at the entrance to the new building.

27 Apr 2023

Aldwickbury School Opens New Sports Hall

Last week saw the official opening of a new Sports Hall at the all-boys Pre-Prep and Prep School in Harpenden. Completed in the Autumn of 2022 the new facility provides a purpose-built space for the school and its community and features a multi-use games area, 3 cricket practice lanes, basketball nets and 4 badminton courts. A climbing wall is due to be installed later this year.

The new building designed by local architect Mark Eddison from MEB Design Ltd was opened by the school’s former Headmaster, Vernon Hales, whose vision for the sports hall ensured that the project was brought to fruition before his retirement from the role in 2021.

The opening event coincided with Aldwickbury commencing its 75th Anniversary celebrations and to mark both occasions a Time Capsule was buried at the entrance to the new sports hall. Containing a variety of mementoes and photos that demonstrate life at the school in 2023, the time capsule was buried by our Section Captains who were accompanied by the Town Mayor of Harpenden, Lisa Scriven. The time capsule is designed to be opened in 2048 in the school’s centenary year.

Commenting on the new facility, Headmaster Paul Symes said, “This was a significant project for the school and we’re delighted to have created a facility that will help create many lasting memories, sporting achievements and friendships. Sport plays an important role in supporting our academic offering, reinforcing our school values and providing the boys with the opportunity to learn lessons in both victory and defeat. We are also excited that this facility can support the wider community playing host to a variety of sports and activities.”

Plans for the school’s next development project are already underway with a new STEAM building proposed to further enhance the school’s facilities and demonstrate their curriculum commitment to science, technology, engineering, arts and maths.

More information on Aldwickbury School can be found on their website - www.aldwickbury.org.uk.

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