Securing a Strong Future Built on Shared Values

Rickmansworth School Charlotte House, the independent preparatory school serving families in the Rickmansworth and Chorleywood area for over 95 years, is pleased to announce that it will be joining Berkhamsted Schools Group, an established group of

high-quality independent schools committed to educational excellence, strong pastoral care and long-term sustainability.

The decision has been taken by the Governors of Charlotte House following careful consideration of the evolving educational landscape and a shared desire to secure the school’s future while remaining true to its founding ethos.

A Partnership Built on Alignment and Values

Charlotte House and Berkhamsted Schools Group Name share a deep alignment in educational philosophy: a belief in excellent teaching, outstanding pastoral care, personal development and the importance of educating the whole child. Both organisations are committed to nurturing confident, kind and capable young people, grounded in strong values and prepared for their next stage of education and beyond.

The merger ensures that Charlotte House will continue to operate under its own name, ethos and identity, while benefiting from the experience, resources and professional networks of a successful school group.

Becoming part of Berkhamsted Schools Group Name brings a number of tangible benefits, including:

  • Continued investment in teaching, facilities and learning environments
  • Enhanced professional development and collaboration for staff
  • Financial resilience and long-term security in a challenging sector
  • The sharing of best practice across a family of like-minded schools
  • Stability and continuity for pupils and families

Parents can be assured that there will be no immediate changes to the day-to-day experience of pupils. Existing leadership structures will remain in place, and the school’s distinctive culture, traditions and community spirit will continue to be central to its identity.

Simon Reader, Chair of Governors at Charlotte House, commented:

”This is a positive and proactive step that allows us to protect what makes Charlotte House special while ensuring the school is well-placed to thrive in the years ahead. Berkhamsted Schools Group shares our values and our belief in the importance of high-quality prep school education.”

 Martin Walker, Principal at Berkhamsted Schools Group, added:

“We are delighted to welcome Charlotte House Prep School into the group. It is a school with an excellent reputation, a strong sense of community and a clear educational vision. We look forward to supporting the school as it continues to flourish.”

 Penny Woodcock, Headteacher at Charlotte House, explained:

“This is an exciting new chapter for Charlotte House, with the school retaining its commitment to providing a bespoke educational journey for every girl. We recognize that every child has unique aspirations, and our curriculum will continue to be rigorously designed to prepare pupils for successful entry into a broad range of prestigious state and independent senior schools. Our heritage as a ‘feeder’ to the region’s top academic institutions is a point of pride; therefore, parents can rest assured that our expert 11+ preparation and personalized secondary school guidance will remain a cornerstone of the Charlotte House experience, ensuring their daughters have the freedom and the foundation to excel wherever their next step may lead.”

 The merger reflects a shared commitment to long-term excellence, sustainability and pupil wellbeing. Families, pupils and staff can be confident that this partnership strengthens the school’s future while preserving the qualities that have made Charlotte House such a valued part of its community.

Further information sessions for parents and staff will be held in the coming weeks, and the school will continue to communicate openly as the transition progresses.