Aldwickbury School
School summary
Founded in 1948, Aldwickbury School is a small independent prep in Harpenden, Hertfordshire, taking pupils from ages 4 to 13 with the option of boarding. With 388 children on roll, it keeps a close-knit feel, and the Independent Schools Inspectorate awarded it its top grade of 'excellent' for both education and personal development, with all compliance requirements met. A notable feature is the firm no-mobile-phones policy, which the school links to better face-to-face friendships and everyday wellbeing. Around one in five pupils receives some form of SEN support, suggesting a willingness to work with a range of learning needs.
Where every mark matters.
Places are limited and demand is high, so exam performance is what sets candidates apart. Passmate turns the months ahead into ten focused minutes a day on the exact topics this school tests.
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Inspection reports
- ISI rating
- excellent
- ISI personal development
- excellent
- Last inspected
- 3 June 2025
Teaching & academics
The ISI's 'excellent' rating points to consistently strong teaching and outcomes across the prep years. Academic scholarships are available, sitting alongside awards for drama, music, sport and tennis, which gives able pupils something concrete to aim for. The breadth of scholarship routes reflects a school that values achievement well beyond the classroom.
Headmaster · Paul Symes
Beyond the classroom
Provision for drama, music and sport is signalled by the dedicated scholarships on offer, with tennis singled out for its own award. The phone-free environment is designed to free up time for conversation, friendships and day-to-day engagement.
School life & ethos
- Founded
- 1948
- Boarding
- Yes
- SEN support
- 20.11%
- EHC plans
- 0.54%
Mobile phone policy
No mobile phones. School policy emphasises greater focus on talking face-to-face and building friendships, with significant benefits on pupils' general wellbeing and day to day performance
Fees & bursaries
- Day fees (per year)
- £18,779 - £25,020
Means-tested bursaries available
Schools nearby
St Albans High School for Girls Prep
Wheathampstead, East of England
St Albans Independent College
St Albans, East of England
St Columba's College
St Albans, East of England
East Hall School
Hitchin, East of England
Beechwood Park School
St Albans, East of England
Active Support Education Centre
Beds, East of England
Watch Passmate decide how to teach.
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A small, top-rated prep that prizes real-world focus over screens. Means-tested bursaries help widen access to a place with genuine scholarship opportunities.
That’s where Passmate comes in. Tutoring is the most effective thing in a child’s preparation - a well-tutored child can outperform the vast majority of their peers. Passmate works alongside your tutor, not instead of them: it learns how your child thinks, finds the gaps, and shows the tutor exactly where to spend each session - so the limited time you have lands on what actually decides a place.
Works alongside your child’s tutor - not instead of them.
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Aldwickbury School 11+: frequently asked questions
Compiled from public data. Last checked 5 June 2026.