Back to blog

Private schools in Hertfordshire

By Atom | Jan 3, 2024, 3:15 PM

A complete guide to private schools in Hertfordshire

Are you considering a private school in Hertfordshire for your child? There's plenty of choice, with more than 20 senior schools to choose from.

Find out everything you need to know about private schools in Hertfordshire. Learn about fees and financial assistance, exam results, and what's on the entrance exam.

What are the best private schools in Hertfordshire?

The following 5 private senior schools were ranked the best in Hertfordshire in 2024 based on recent exam results. These schools are also ranked within the top 125 private schools in the UK.

  1. St Albans High School for Girls

  2. St Albans School

  3. Haileybury

  4. Bishop's Stortford College

  5. Immanuel College

Learn more about the top private schools in the UK.

How much do private schools cost in Hertfordshire?

Fees for private schools in Hertfordshire vary between schools, but are generally higher than average in the UK. Day fees generally average at around £7,000–£8,000 per term for day pupils. Boarding starts at £8,375 and can be as much as £14,900 per term.

The cheapest private school in Hertfordshire is The King's School in Harpenden. The most expensive private school is Haileybury.

What's included in the school fees?

Independent school fees always include the cost of teaching. Some of the fees which might be charged separately include school lunch and exams (e.g. GCSEs, A levels and the IB Diploma). If your child goes to a boarding school, the fees usually include the full cost of boarding (lodging, meals etc.).

Before you register your child for a school, it's best to check exactly what's included in the fees. You will usually need to pay a non-refundable registration fee on application (often £100–£300) and a deposit when you accept an offer.

Help with school fees in Hertfordshire

Most private schools in Hertfordshire offer financial assistance to children who meet certain criteria. The most common type of assistance is a bursary, which is means-tested. Lots of schools also offer scholarships, but these are based on talent and are not means-tested.

Bursaries are a type of means-tested financial assistance. They're normally offered on a sliding scale, so children from lower-income families receive more support. Eligible children still need to meet the school's entrance criteria.

Most private schools in Hertfordshire offer bursaries, with some covering up to 100% of school fees in exceptional circumstances.

If you think your child might be eligible for a bursary, you'll need to complete a bursary application form for your target school. This will involve supplying detailed financial evidence. You might also have a home visit from a member of the bursary team, or an independent advisor.

Atom Learning

Prepare for Hertfordshire entrance exams

Over 86% of children using Atom get an offer from their top-choice school. Start your child's journey to their target school today!

Discover Atom
Example of the Atom Nucleus platform

Private girls' schools in Hertfordshire

Day school in Hemel Hempstead for girls aged 0–16.

  • Address: Abbot's Hill School, Bunkers Lane, Hemel Hempstead, HP3 8RP

  • Number of students: 500+

  • Fees per term: £7,613–£7,658

  • Financial assistance: means-tested bursaries

  • 11+ scholarships: academic (STEM), academic (English), music, art and design, drama, sport, and all-rounder

  • GCSE results (2023): 42% 9–7

  • National rank: 15

  • 11+ exam: ISEB Common Pre-Test

Private boys' schools in Hertfordshire

Day school in Elstree for boys aged 11–18.

  • Address: Haberdashers' Boys' School, Butterfly Lane, Elstree, WD6 3AF

  • Number of students: 1,100+

  • Fees per term: £8,138

  • Financial assistance: means-tested bursaries

  • 11+ scholarships: academic, art, drama, music, and sport

  • A level results (2023): 94.6% A*–B

  • GCSE results (2023): 91.3% 9–7

  • 11+ exam: online English, maths, verbal and non-verbal reasoning

Private co-educational schools in Hertfordshire

Boarding school in Elstree for children aged 3–18.

  • Address: Aldenham School, Elstree, WD6 3AJ

  • Number of students: 800+

  • Fees per term: £6,717–£8,758 (day pupils), £13,547 (boarding)

  • Financial assistance: means-tested bursaries

  • 11+ scholarships: academic, art, design technology, music and sports

  • A level results (2023): 90% A*–B

  • GCSE results (2023): 70% 9–7

  • 11+ exam: English, maths and reasoning

Atom Learning Ltd. is registered and incorporated in England and Wales. Company Registration Number: 10867907 VAT number: 316903508 Copyright Atom Learning Ltd. All rights reserved.