Aldenham School
Elstree, Hertfordshire
Aldenham School blends traditional values with modern ambition, offering a broad curriculum alongside extensive opportunities in sport, music, drama and leadership. Known for its supportive house system and close-knit community, Aldenham places clear emphasis on pastoral care and character formation, preparing pupils not only for competitive university destinations but also for confident, purposeful adult life beyond school.
| Secondary Gender | Co-ed |
| Sixth Form Gender | Co-ed |
| Boarding/Day | Boarding, Day & Flexi |
| Age Range | 11 – 19 |
| Entrance Exam | Yes |
Throughout my career - first in the classroom and later in school leadership - I have become increasingly convinced that pupils achieve their best when they are recognised as individuals and genuinely cared for by the adults who guide them. Equally important is their sense of belonging: feeling connected to peers across different year groups and knowing they are part of something larger than themselves.
I hope you will come to see for yourself the distinctive experience an Aldenham education provides, and I look forward to welcoming you in due course.
Alexandra Hems
Head of The Aldenham Foundation
Exam Performance
Aldenham has a broad ability intake - working with the exceptionally able, but also with those who need a little more support. We aim for all to reach or even exceed expectations. Use the 25% toggle to see how your child would be likely to perform if they were in our top sets.
GCSE
A*/A (9-7) Results
A-Level
A*/A Results
Annual Fees
Fees cover essential classroom materials, including stationery, standard textbooks and access to school facilities. A freshly prepared cooked lunch is provided for all pupils each day. Those opting for flexi or full boarding also receive breakfast and supper on the days they stay. Boarders are allocated their own designated sleeping space - beds are not shared on a rota - and benefit from housekeeping support, including cleaning and laundry services.
All students are issued with a Windows Surface device to support their learning; rental costs vary by year group according to specification and are charged per term. For international pupils receiving English as an Additional Language support, some group provision is included within the fees, while any additional one-to-one tuition is charged separately. This outline is not exhaustive, but in every case parents are notified in advance where an extra cost applies.
All fees shown are annual and are inclusive of VAT.
Boarding at Aldenham School
Aldenham offers a welcoming boarding experience with well-equipped houses, beautiful grounds and easy access to London and major airports. Pupils can choose full boarding or flexible weekly options, allowing them to enjoy strong friendships, academic support, excellent facilities and midweek activities, while reducing travel time and creating a balanced routine. The result is a safe, supportive and sociable environment that feels like a home from home for both UK and international pupils.
Strengths at Aldenham School
Aldenham is well known for its all round approach to education. For those who see education as more than simply academic, Aldenham has long been a school of choice.
Below are areas that Aldenham has particular expertise in, but the absence of something here does not mean it is not offered. Please do contact the school using the enquiry button to ask about any other options you may be interested in. Aldenham is proud to produce well-rounded, confident young people.
Football (Soccer)
Aldenham was one of the first two schools to codify the rules of football and boasts the oldest registered football club in the world. This heritage and focus continues today, with families from all over the world choosing the school because of the outstanding provision and the success of the teams. Aldenham is the most decorated school in ISFA history, being champions year on year in multiple age groups. Aldenham is also a multiple year ESFA winner. The school has relationships with many Premier League and other professional clubs, and has produced 14 professional players in the last 7 years, including Myles Lewis-Skelly. Aldenham is arguably the strongest performing school for football in all of England.
Drama
Aldenham has very a strong drama scene. The active and vibrant drama department gives plentiful opportunities for shows, with performance to peers at house and school level, with LAMDA, GCSE and A Level qualifications available. Drama performances in the dedicated theatre are West End quality, and the school also makes use of the proximity of London's theatres to enrich the experience of the students.
Dance
Aldenham offers strong dance opportunities for students with both academic and performance ambitions. Pupils can study GCSE Dance, developing performance, choreography and critical appreciation through solo, duet, trio and group work. Those wishing to progress further can take A Level Dance, with expert teaching, dedicated studio and theatre spaces, and a curriculum designed to build creativity, technical skill and performance confidence. Dance is also brought to life through the school’s annual Dance Show, where students perform a range of styles and work collaboratively in polished productions. Together, these opportunities create a vibrant pathway for dancers to grow artistically and academically.
Music
Aldenham School offers a music programme that combines strong individual development with a vibrant culture of performance. Students can participate in a wide range of ensembles, including orchestra, chapel choir, wind band, chamber groups and specialist vocal ensembles, while benefiting from excellent facilities such as dedicated recital and recording spaces, music technology suites and practice rooms. Regular concerts, visiting musicians, music tours and scholarship opportunities help create an environment where talented performers can flourish, whether they are aspiring conservatoire candidates or simply passionate musicians who want music to remain an important part of their lives. What stands out at Aldenham is the breadth of opportunity available alongside the school's nurturing ethos, allowing students to develop musical confidence, technical skill and a genuine love of performance within a supportive community.
Flexi-Boarding
Aldenham School has developed a particularly strong reputation for its flexible approach to boarding, offering families the benefits of a boarding education without requiring a full-time commitment. With flexi-boarding available from Year 7 and options ranging from a few nights each week through to weekly and full boarding, families can choose an arrangement that suits their circumstances while ensuring students remain fully immersed in school life. What distinguishes Aldenham is that flexi-boarders are not treated as visitors to the boarding community. Instead, they become genuine members of their House, benefiting from the extended school day, co-curricular opportunities, pastoral support and strong sense of belonging that are central to the school's ethos. This makes Aldenham particularly attractive for families seeking greater flexibility, reduced travel demands, or a gradual introduction to boarding, while still giving children access to the confidence, independence and community spirit that a boarding environment can provide.
Digital Learning
Aldenham School has been recognised as a Microsoft Showcase School since 2024, reflecting the way it uses technology to strengthen teaching, learning and inclusion across the school, and the advanced level of its staff in using digital technology in learning. With 1:1 devices embedded in daily school life, pupils can access classwork, prep and a wide range of online resources, while staff use digital tools to support more personalised learning. The award places Aldenham within a globally recognised group of elite schools noted for innovation and educational transformation.
Affiliated Schools
Our Prep School is on the same site, but an entirely self contained school, with its own Head and staff team. There are, however, close links and children in the Prep school meet teachers and students from the Senior school regularly. It is expected that children will transfer automatically at Year 7 (age 11).
Aldenham Prep School
This is our prep school and children transfer automatically
Latest events and open days
Aldenham School Open Morning
Location
Aldenham Road
Elstree
WD6 3AJ
Nearest Airports
- London Heathrow13.7 miles (22.0km)
- London Luton15.5 miles (25.0km)
- London City18.6 miles (30.0km)
- London Stansted28.6 miles (46.0km)
- London Gatwick34.8 miles (56.0km)
Liz Beech
Marketing and Admissions Manager
Aldenham School
Why We've Selected Aldenham School
The My Top Schools team recognises, in particular, Aldenham's outstanding record in Football. Aldenham is not the largest school, by any means, and yet its record in national championships is unparalleled. Players are nurtured and coached incredibly well and many play with professional academies, and go on to play professionally. Aldenham truly understands how to balance the needs of young people working in elite sport (or in drama and music, for that matter) alongside their academic and pastoral needs. People choose Aldenham for its low pressure vibe - but for truly supporting excellence in its various forms.
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