Back to school in Berkhamsted: which are the town's top schools?

You've got them kitted out for the new school term, but where are you sending your children this year - and what do you think of the schools in the town? 

Berkhamsted is known for its impressive selection of schools, so here's our round-up of what's on offer when it comes to local education. 

Private and specialist schools

Perhaps the best known establishment is the independent Berkhamsted School, whose famous alumni include author Graham Greene and Winston Churchill's wife Clementine. The school, which has sites in Castle Street and Kings Road, is co-educational during prep school and sixth form, but divided into single sex classes between the age of 11 and 16. Headmaster Mark Tweed writes an education blog called An Independent Head. 

There is also Egerton Rothesay School, which caters for children between five and 16 and specialises in educating 'pupils who need additional support, including those with dyslexia, dyspraxia and or speech and language issues'. Between the ages of nine and 16, there is a three-tier class system designed to make sure each pupil receives the right level of support. 

For those aged 11 or under, there is Haresfoot School, an independent preparatory school and nursery. It's a small school with little over 100 pupils, and will prepare children for the 11+ exam if they want to apply for grammar schools across the Buckinghamshire border. 

State schools: Lower

Unlike most other parts of the country, state schools in Berkhamsted operate on a three-tier system of lower, middle and upper schools, rather than primary and secondary.

Victoria First School and Nursery, located just off the High Street in the town centre, prides itself on being a 'community school'. It aims to keep class sizes to a maximum of 30, and teaches mixed-age year groups depending on ability. 

St Thomas More RC Primary School stands out for its 'excellent personal development by pupils', according to Ofsted, and has a strong Christian ethos. 

Swing Gate First School and Nursery has 160 children on its roll, including 30 in the nursery, and aims to 'develop enquiring minds and a spirit of adventure'.

Westfield First School has around 180 pupils aged from three to nine. Sixth formers from Berkhamsted School assist with some classes and it was in the 9 per cent of state schools rated 'outstanding' by Ofsted. 

Greenway First School and Nursery has been awarded international school status for its links with other countries and states that 'rules are kept to a minimum' to keep pupils healthy and happy. 

State schools: Middle and upper

Bridgewater School is a co-educational middle school for pupils aged 9-13. It has around 400 pupils and boasts two playgrounds, several sports pitches, a full-sized athletics track and a woodland wildlife area.

Thomas Coram School also caters to 9- to 13-year-olds and has around 380 pupils. It has a Christian focus and 'aims to develop the "whole" child'. 

Ashlyns School is the town's upper school and a specialist language college. Teaching pupils from Year 9 through to sixth form, it's housed in a prominent listed building. 

Where did you - or your children - go to school? What were your experiences? Which are the best and worst institutions in the town? Let us know below.