In a corner of the village of Elstree sits a school with a history stretching back more than 400 years.

The origins of Aldenham School date back to 1596, when one Richard Platt gained permission from Elizabeth I to set up a 'Free Grammer School and Almshouses' on the premises, in Butterfly Lane.

Mr Platt was able to fund the project thanks to the fortune he had acquired as the proprietor of the Old Swan Brewery in the City of London.

The school scraped along for the next 200 years or so, catering for the small number of children who lived nearby, before it underwent a major transformation in the 1800s. The Tudor school was knocked down and two schools were created in its place - an elementary school for local children and a fee-paying boarding school.

Aldenham School now encompasses the thriving co-educational IAPS Aldenham Prep School, for ages three to 11, and the HMC Senior School for boys and girls from 11 to 18.

Aldenham is dedicated to providing the flexibility to allow each child to develop their own individual abilities, whether they are academic, creative or sporty.

A flexible approach to education is offered with day boarding and flexi-boarding options available, from the age of 11. The close-knit, small and supportive community creates an ideal environment for a high-quality education, with a personal tutor for every pupil.

Class sizes are small and modern facilities abound, with a new classroom block with state-of-the-art facilities for English, Media Studies, Modern Languages and Classics, as the most recent addition. If you would like to visit to find out more, the next open afternoon will be held on October 8.

Call 01923 851664