about us

FROM THE EXECUTIVE HEAD

Berkhampstead School is an independent day school for approximately 275 boys and girls aged 3 to 11 and is situated in leafy Pittville Circus, Cheltenham. We have been educating children since 1945 and are proud to have a happy and genuinely caring environment where all can excel.

Our school is a positive and purposeful place where pupils get real pleasure from their day. There is an excited ‘buzz’ of enthusiastic learning and our excellent results encompass the academic, music and sport. The most important ‘result’ of a Berkhampstead education however, is the resilient, ‘can-do’ children who emerge at age 11 ready for their next challenge.

We were pleased to have our outstanding pastoral care and our demanding and interesting curriculum endorsed by ISI in our most recent inspection. The report described our children as effective and competent learners and commented on their highly positive attitudes to their learning.

Mrs Michelle Bareham, Head of School, or I would be delighted to welcome you to Berkhampstead. Visit us to see our boys and girls in action and experience the vibrant, nurturing environment that makes our school so special.

Do explore the site to find out more - click on our magazine, the Berky Blazer for the highlights of last term or perhaps browse through our Instagram or our X (formally Twitter) feed.

MEET THE EXECUTIVE HEAD

Mr Richard Cross joined Berkhampstead in September 2010. Prior to this he spent six years as Deputy Head at Blundell’s Prep School in Devon and 12 years as Deputy Head at Malvern College Prep. His considerable experience of preparatory schools includes his role as an Inspector for the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI).

Richard grew up and was educated in Malvern. He studied Computer Science at Manchester Metropolitan University from which he graduated with a BSc (Hons). He has two daughters, Molly and Maisie, who both enjoyed a happy education at Berkhampstead before moving on to Grammar School and Independent School. Richard has plenty of personal and professional experience of preparing children for the senior school that is right for them.

Richard is a keen Gloucester Rugby supporter, and loves cricket and cycling. He is proud of his achievement of cycling from John O’ Groats to Land’s End for charity in 2008. He is also a keen musician who enjoys playing the cornet and singing in local community choirs. Here at Berkhampstead, he coaches rugby, football and cricket. All the children in the School and Day Nurseries know him well.

MEET THE HEAD OF SCHOOL

Mrs Michelle Bareham joined Berkhampstead in January 2015, bringing with her extensive teaching experience from both Independent and state Primary Schools, including seven years at Dean Close Prep School.

Born in London and educated in the South East, Michelle completed her A levels at Upper Chine School for Girls on the Isle of Wight. She holds a BA (Hons) in Fine Art - awarded by Bristol University - and a PGCE. Michelle has two adult children who attended Independent Schools. Her youngest recently completed an English degree at Oxford University and is now pursuing an MA at RADA, while her eldest is a chef.

Michelle loves spending time with her family, reading and walking her cockapoo on the scenic hills near her home. She is a strong advocate for wellbeing, both for adults and children, and enjoys practicing yoga. An art enthusiast, she loves visiting galleries and supporting local artists. She recently completed the Cheltenham Half Marathon.

As Head of School, Michelle teaches Citizenship and Wellbeing lessons to the Prep children and enjoys story time with the younger pupils. Her approachable and nurturing nature ensures she is well-known and highly regarded by every child at the school.