- Funding supports historic Hertfordshire school’s ambition to offer innovative learning spaces designed to prepare students for life.
- Berkhamsted Schools Group is one of the UK’s first independent schools to achieve ISO 14001 environmental accreditation.
- New building includes a workspace for aspiring entrepreneurs – aligning with NatWest’s commitment to support businesses at every stage of their journey.
Founded in 1541 and now educating almost 2,200 pupils from nursery through to Sixth Form, Berkhamsted Schools Group has a long-standing reputation for delivering high-quality, well-rounded education and sporting excellence, ranking highly among UK independent schools.
The purpose-built Sixth Form building features spaces designed to emulate modern, collaborative workplaces, preparing up to 450 students for both higher education and future careers. Facilities include the ‘Future Zone’, a workspace for aspiring entrepreneurs and 20 classrooms designed around the Harkness Model, which aims to encourage student-led discussion and independent learning.
The Sixth Form building, which officially opened in October after a three year build, benefits from sustainability features including air source heat pumps, photovoltaic solar panels, green and blue roof systems to support biodiversity and manage rainwater as well as a wildflower meadow quad.
The funding deal marks the latest development in the partnership between NatWest and the school, which plays an active role in the local community and employs almost 600 staff.
With support from NatWest Mentor, Berkhamsted Schools Group recently became one of the first independent schools in the UK to achieve ISO 14001 environmental accreditation, a globally recognised standard that promotes efficient energy and water management and waste reduction.
Julian Anthony, Chief Operating Officer at Berkhamsted Schools Group, said: “The new Sixth Form building is a major step in our estate’s masterplan and reflects our commitment to preparing pupils for the world beyond school, not just academically, but socially and environmentally too.
“From the earliest planning stages, NatWest has been an outstanding partner, guiding us through complex processes with expert knowledge and support. We’ve also benefitted from the flexibility of the loan arrangement, as we only needed to draw down £9m of the £18m we were approved for. This has enabled us to create a facility that will inspire generations of students to come as they embark on the next chapter of their educational journey.”
Iain Nuttall, Relationship Director at NatWest, added: “Berkhamsted Schools Group has a remarkable educational heritage and a clear vision for the future. Educational infrastructure is vital for the future growth and development of the region and this new Sixth Form building will provide cutting-edge learning spaces and foster the skills young people need to thrive. We’re proud to have supported the school in bringing this project to life, with sustainability considerations integral to the build throughout.”
For more information or to arrange media interviews, please contact Charlotte Sparling at Stripe Communications on 07772467948 or NWLondonSouthEast@stripecommunications.com
Photo of the new sixth form (JPG, 7 MB)
