Independent (Private) Co-Ed Prep School in Hertfordshire

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Independent School for boys and girls aged 2-11

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WELCOME to Hertford Prep School

I’m delighted that you’re considering our school for your child. I understand just how significant this decision is, and I want to assure you that at Hertford Prep (formerly St Joseph's In The Park), your child will be nurtured, known and celebrated.

Hertford Prep is a warm, supportive community where every child is recognised as an individual. We take pride in offering a truly all-round education - one that places the child at the centre of everything we do. Our approach balances academic rigour with creativity, character development and joy, allowing each child to flourish in their own unique way.

Children here thrive in an environment where they feel safe, valued and inspired. We foster a culture of encouragement and mutual respect, where learning is brought to life through meaningful experiences, curiosity is nurtured, and fear of failure is replaced by confidence and resilience.

Emily Jenner
Head

Values

Our School Values:

Be Kind

Be Adventurous

Be Yourself

As part of the Mill Hill Education Group, our values are underpinned by our Group Motto; instilling values, inspiring minds (‘et virtutem, et musas') and our vision is to ensure that all our pupils are equipped to thrive in life, now and in the future.

Our Values

Why Choose Us?

Hertford Prep is a nurturing, non-selective prep school with over 120 years of heritage, where every child is known and valued.

Recognised by the Independent Schools Inspectorate with significant strength, our school combines strong academic success with a commitment to fostering a lifelong love of learning.

Pupils benefit from outstanding outdoor facilities, including sports and swimming, as well as a vibrant music and performing arts programme.

With rich opportunities for trips, a focus on participation in sport, and a supportive environment, Hertford Prep prepares children with confidence for the next stage of their education, all within a beautiful parkland setting with excellent transport links.

Welcoming A New Chapter At Hertford Prep

Formerly known as St Joseph's In The Park, our new name Hertford Prep reflects a fresh chapter and a forward-looking school community. We’ve grown and evolved with the world around us, and our new name speaks to who we are today and who we’re here for.

At Hertford Prep, every child is known. That’s one of the most important things we can say about ourselves.

Your Hertford Prep Journey

Pre-School

Ages 2-3

Nursery

Ages 3-4

Pre-Prep

Ages 4-7

Prep

Ages 7-11

Woodlands Learning Centre

Ages 5-11

"PSHE lessons teach pupils across the school highly effectively, and in age appropriate ways, about how people can be different in many ways but are still of equal importance and deserving of respect. This is a significant strength of the school and is the result of leaders' strategy and initiatives."

ISI Inspection 2025

"Our son joining the Woodlands class has been incredibly beneficial to his progress. Since starting, his confidence has increased amazingly, and he now approaches subjects with a far more positive and self-assured attitude. It has been particularly impressive to see how his anxiety around learning at his own pace has reduced; he feels comfortable taking the time he needs to fully understand concepts, which has been wonderful to watch. As a result, his abilities in both Maths and English have grown significantly, and he is showing a much greater willingness to engage, take risks, and take pride in his achievements."

Parent, Woodlands Learning Centre

"Pupils demonstrate very high levels of self-confidence and self-awareness as a result of the school’s ethos of inclusivity and mutual respect."

ISI Inspection 2025

"St Joseph's In The Park has been instrumental in a massive improvement in Harry’s academic performance, confidence, enjoyment of learning and ability to convey his feelings."

Former Parent

"In some subjects, groups of pupils are taught material considerably beyond national age-related expectations."

ISI Inspection 2025

"Woodlands has been superb for our son academically. We have noticed his handwriting and spelling improve dramatically and he is so keen to practice his times tables for the weekly class competition. The teachers in woodland are so kind and attentive. They really know him and he is very happy in their class. He wants to do his best and please them."

Parent, Woodlands Learning Centre

"Outstanding teaching, support, approachability and enthusiasm from the teachers. Friendliness of everyone."

Former Parent

"Learning and attitude towards learning is made fun and interesting at Hertford Prep."

Former Parent

Learning is made a fun experience at St Joseph's In The Park. Teachers are very friendly which in itself opens the door for young leaders to grow.

Former Parent

"Excellent. Teachers greet parents and children in the playground each morning – I think this is great as it really encourages communication between parents and teachers."

Former Parent

"Our son has made amazing progress in Woodlands and really enjoys going to school. He has grown in confidence beyond what we could imagine. Most likely because he feels safe and cared for."

Parent, Woodlands Learning Centre