St Hilda’s School is special. We are a family-run, independent girls’ prep school in the centre of Harpenden, providing a blend of academic learning and self-development. We really understand what a girls’ education looks like. We encourage our pupils to be ambitious, confident, to think for themselves, trust their voices and be decisive, whilst teaching them the essential qualities of kindness and respect.
We cater for girls from the ages of 2 to 11, also accepting boys who are siblings in our Nursery. Wraparound Care is available from 7.30am until 6pm each day, and holiday club provision throughout the year. We have experienced, caring staff who ensure every pupil receives individual care and attention.
Our girls enjoy a holistic curriculum that includes academic rigour alongside music, drama and sport for all pupils. We inspire every child to achieve their potential, nurturing life-long learners through our unique character and range of both challenge and adventure. St Hilda’s is a school with a genuine family atmosphere that radiates happiness, warmth and belonging.
Our banner slogan – Caring, Curious and Confident – summarises our vision. In all we do, St Hilda’s mission is to provide an outstanding prep school education and a holistic, rounded learning experience for all. Only when children feel cared for and secure can they truly realise their potential. Our caring approach is matched by high expectations and ensures that learning is optimised, accessible to everyone and, most importantly, fun.
We are proud of our academic success and our pupils gain first-choice places at a wide range of prestigious secondary schools, with numerous scholarships achieved each year. We nurture each pupil’s individuality, developing talent and ability to the full, equipping them with a wide range of life skills to take them through the years ahead.
In a world where relentless pressure can cause huge anxiety, St Hilda’s School is an inclusive and welcoming community with wellbeing at its heart. Our top priority is to ensure our pupils are thriving and happy, enabling them to develop resilience in our fast-changing world, where being positive and developing possibilities is so important. Our school song helps our pupils to appreciate how important our values are, as they really sum up what we stand for:
‘Trade with the gifts that God has given to you,
Bend your mind to work each day,
Sing from your heart, bringing courage to the soul,
Strive to improve, give thanks to those who guide me;
Fail, but then determine to succeed – and to inspire.’
As with all good things in life, the only way to experience St Hilda’s School is to come and see us, whether by private tour or at one of our open events held throughout the year. I look forward to welcoming you.
Dan Sayers
Headmaster
