Beechwood Park

Beechwood Park is a co-educational independent prep school providing a high standard of education for children aged rising 3 to 13, located in extensive parkland in the Hertfordshire countryside. The school has its own onsite nursery: Woodlands Nursery which opened in September 2015 in a state of the art, purpose-built building nestling at the edge of the woods.

The most recent review by The Good Schools’ Guide summarises the school as follows; “Going places. With its dynamic new head and, in the words of one happy parent, ‘feel good factor’, Beechwood should definitely be on the list of parents who want the certainty of a quality end destination for their child without compromising the joy of the journey.”

The school is organised into four areas; Woodlands Nursery, Junior, Middle and Senior departments.  The school is situated on the edge of Markyate village in a delightful parkland setting just 15 minutes drive from Harpenden and 20 minutes from St Albans from whose stations London St Pancras International can be reached (direct) in under 30 minutes.  The school runs an extensive coach service to number of local towns and villages and is located just 5 minutes from Junction 9 of the M1.

Woodlands Nursery prepares pupils for a smooth and stress free transition to Reception, when they join the the Junior department until Year 2. The Middle department is for children from Year 3 to 5. Pupils at the top of the age range (Years 6 to 8) are in the Senior department.  Pupils go on to a range of excellent secondary schools, many with scholarships. There are fantastic sporting facilities including an indoor pool complex, large sports hall and extensive playing fields. A large variety of sports are on offer as well as the traditional ones (rugby, football, hockey, netball, cricket (boys’ and girls’) such as martial arts, fencing, sailing and orienteering.

There are also many opportunities to enjoy drama with annual school productions and performances and also music where there are a number of very popular choirs, ensembles and orchestras. Many children learn a musical instrument. The CS, art and DT departments are very active and the school is lucky enough to have its own pottery room, complete with kiln, in the cellar. Making full use of its stunning surroundings, there is well-established Forest School, complete with a new outdoor classroom.

Flexi-boarding is available from Year 5 and is a very popular option. The boarding house hosts many fun evening events and activities for the children in addition to ensuring that homework and music practice is done.Open Mornings are held each term, and individual visits are also encouraged by appointment. Please see website for details.