The school was founded in 1597 by Richard Platt, a brewer. It occupies its original site, which has since been extended to more than 110 acres of grounds and farm land, in the Hertfordshire green belt 13 miles from London. The school has firm ties with the Worshipful Company of Brewers. The Elizabethan school was demolished in 1825. The buildings that replaced it have been upgraded and added to constantly, most recently a new classroom block, a prep school, a music school and floodlit artificial turf pitch, so as to maintain up-to-date, fully-equipped facilities in an historic framework. It is a Christian foundation and Christian ideals are evident in its structure and life but all denominations are welcome. A small school with a strong house structure for both boarders and day pupils, it enjoys a family atmosphere and has a reputation as a close-knit and supportive community. Girls have been accepted in the sixth form for over 30 years, and in the senior school from 2004; the co-educational prep school also opened in 2004. It seeks the all-round development of its pupils and sets high standards of achievement and mutual responsibility. Participation in an extensive games and activities programme is encouraged.