Enquire to study in the UK 
An education at Aldenham School is an all-round education. Within classrooms and through a multitude of extracurricular activities, students here find enjoyment, challenge and opportunities. Add pastoral care into the mix and you’ll have the Aldenham model of education — one that brings a sense of Autonomy, Belonging, Competence and Purpose. Doing this drives the positive cycle of motivation and success in each child — spurring them to evolve into young people who are motivated and successful in a wide range of areas.
It’s a model that’s backed by research. The “Self-Determination Theory” by Ryan and Deci, and “Drive” by Daniel H Pink are key influencers. The former is an evidence-based theory of human motivation, personality development, and wellness — representing a broad framework for understanding why we do what we do … and what leads to flourishing (opposed to degradation) in human life. The latter is a book that denounces the carrot-and-stick approach to motivation and asserts that it’s the deeply human need to direct our own lives that drives us. Aldenham invokes these findings — in addition to a range of other research — in ways that have led to fantastic student achievement and even more satisfied parents.
“We feel the school offers much more than just education, we believe that it teaches your child how important their time is at school, and this in turn gets the best out of every pupil, not just our daughter,” say the parents of recent leaver (boy) and Year 13 girl.
An academic programme with breadth and diversity
Set over 120 acres of Hertfordshire countryside, only 25 minutes away from central London, Aldenham’s campus has been the setting for scores of students who have developed in a whole range of stimulating ways since 1597.
In Years 7, 8 and 9, the school aims to follow the National Curriculum as far as possible in all subjects but to offer more than the bare bones of what is prescribed. In Sixth Form, the school offers a large range of subjects, giving some students the opportunity to study four A Level subjects, instead of the usual three. Subsidiary courses in areas of wider interest or further development and a timetabled careers programme and dedicated university preparation complement the school’s extensive A Levels programme.
Students have the opportunity to take the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), an A Level standard standalone qualification that gives students real autonomy and the opportunity to stretch themselves and embrace their real academic passions. Universities like to make offers of places to students who have the EPQ, and often lower their entry requirements because of it. All students benefit from a detailed and supportive tutoring programme, plus subject communities in boarding houses, and this all helps students understand and prepare for their next steps in university — and even beyond.
To further engage students, the School uses educational technology. All students, in all lessons, work on personal Microsoft Surface devices — and they’re encouraged to do the same at home. This not only promotes independent learning and raises levels of engagement, motivation and interaction but puts students at the centre of the curriculum and lessons — a move that boosts motivation and performance.
“Our son struggled at first at school, but with your excellent guidance and encouragement, he worked exceptionally hard and did amazingly well in his GCSEs and A Levels,” say the parents of a recent leaver. “He passed every module in the last semester of his degree course with a First and was one of seven students out of 90 that got this top mark. This is even more remarkable as he is dyslexic!”
Aldenham has a thriving sports community, with many inter-House and inter-school competitions. Source: Aldenham School
Extracurricular activities that enrich the body and soul
Sport is central to school life here. Whether they’re playing or competing in football, hockey, netball, cricket, sailing, tennis, golf and athletics, everyone comes together. They feel a sense of belonging, of competence and of real purpose. Some go as far as reaching the pinnacle of sporting achievement at Aldenham.
These students have gone on football tours to Madrid, cricket tours to South Africa, Barbados and Dubai and an indoor Hockey tour to Hamburg. “The chance to witness the Spanish football team train, casually chat with the England cricket team and play at the Shaik Zayed Stadium doesn’t come about as often as one may hope,” says a Year 13 student. “These truly were once in a lifetime opportunities.”
Music and the arts provide more avenues for students to discover new passions and excel to the best of their abilities. Here, students can conduct in the House Music Competition, play a concerto in the Spring Concert, sing in the Carol Service at St. Albans Abbey or just be part of a vibrant community in an even more vibrant space. Artistic students can choose from ceramics, Photoshop, painting, conceptual art techniques, mixed media, creative art textiles and glass fusing, as well as taking part in spectacular dance shows and West End quality drama and theatre.
24/7 pastoral care, 100% trust from parents
The most common feedback from parents with children in Aldenham is: “It feels like home.” And that starts from day one. This is when each student is assigned a house with a dedicated tutor and Housemaster. In addition to this ‘extended family’ children also benefit from access to the dedicated Safeguarding Team, Health Centre, Counsellor and Chaplain — each playing a vital role in guiding students as they navigate the stresses of growing up and the pressure of school.
Major House competitions bring everyone closer still. For example, everyone takes part in the House Music Competition, spending the whole of the Christmas term each year preparing for it, whether as an instrumentalist, a soloist or simply singing in the part song or whole House Unison. They’re united in purpose, take charge, support each other, practise and give the performance of their lives to 1,500 people on show day.
“It is a second home, where my children feel warmth, comfort and nurturing. In this environment, they have thrived academically and personally,” say the parents of Year 8 girl, Year 11 boy and Year 13 boy. “The staff and management do not switch on at nine and switch off at five. They are committed to the children around the clock. The school has a wonderful spirit, it is continually welcoming and alert of each bespoke need. You can put your TRUST entirely in this school. Your child will come out as a well-rounded individual, ready for the real world.”
