New term new start. Our guide to the best local independent schools in Beaconsfield and Gerrards Cross
Now that the school holidays are over and we are all getting back to routine, Chiltern Relocation is receiving enquiries from families keen to move to the area and keen to find out more about the schooling on offer.
There are many excellent state primary schools to choose from across the counties of Bucks, Berks, Herts and Oxfordshire but many schools are so popular that securing a place within catchment is challenging. As a result, parents chose to look at private schooling options.
With a wealth of local independent primary schools to choose from here is Chiltern Relocation’s
quick run-down on private primary schools in the Beaconsfield and Gerrards Cross area.
BOYS
Location: Central Beaconsfield
Ages: 4-13
Number of children: 360
Transport available: No
Based within central Beaconsfield many of the boys walk to school or are driven the short distance from surrounding villages. The school boasts a newly renovated prep building with break out areas to create an outside-inside feel. Facilities include 25m swimming pool and rugby pitch with plenty of music, drama facilities and recently renovated science lab and Astro pitch. A good percentage of boys leave for grammars aged 11 but as Davenies retains the original model of prep education, a large number of boys stay on to Year 8 (age 13) and move to local independent day and boarding schools. Link here
Location: Amersham
Ages: 3 -13
Number of children: 510
Transport available: Yes including under 6 car service. Numerous bus routes are available.
Set among 16 acres of leafy playing fields, boasting great facilities, such as a 220-seat theatre, covered swimming pool, sports hall, bespoke music technology, design & technology and science labs, this is a popular local choice. While academic core skills and strong pastoral care are at the heart of the school, Sport and the Performing Arts are particular strengths at The Beacon. The school’s excellent County 11+ secondary transfer tests and senior school entrance examination results mean that a number of Beacon boys leave for local grammar schools at Year 6 or for a wide range of independent senior independent or boarding schools in Year 8. Link here
Location: Gerrards Cross
Ages: 4-16
Number of children: 266
Transport available: Three minibus routes and boys also walk from the train station
The only ‘all-through’ boys school in the area. However, in Sept 2024 Thorpe House will launch their co-ed sixth form. Thorpe House School is celebrating their centenary this year in providing a warm and vibrant school that is small enough to value and know each student yet large enough to provide rich and varied range of learning opportunities both inside and outside the classroom. Facilities include a newly renovated and covered 18m swimming pool plus a brand-new multi-purpose hall and extra classrooms. Some leave at Year 6 for local grammars otherwise the boys stay until end of GCSE’s. Link here
GIRLS
Location: Beaconsfield
Age: 3-11
Number of children: 280
Transport: No
Based in central Beaconsfield, many pupils walk to school or are driven from local villages and towns. The school is divided into Junior House and Upper School, housed in two different buildings on the same road. Facilities include a 20m indoor swimming pool, netball courts, science lab and specialist art room. Academic standards are high with an excellent pass rate for the Bucks 11+ secondary transfer tests. There is also a strong emphasis on sport, music, art and drama. High March is renowned for its outstanding pastoral care. Girls leave at age 11 to go the local grammar schools or senior independent schools. Link here
Location: Great Kingshill, High Wycombe
Ages: 4-18
Number of children: 613
Transport: Yes. 14 bus routes cover local areas inc. Aylesbury, Beaconsfield, Marlow, Amersham, Little Chalfont, Seer Green, the Chalfonts and High Wycombe.
Located down a country lane, Pipers Corner is set in spacious grounds extending to 96 acres. There are plenty of sporting facilities including a specialist dance studio within the grounds, stunning indoor swimming pool, Astro pitches and athletics track. The newly built Arts Centre gives the girls the chance to work within a professional theatre space. Pipers has also recently launched their own radio station which is run by students. The school has a strong sense of ‘can do’ attitude with small class sizes. The majority stay on from the Prep Dept and the there is a new intake in Year 7. Pipers also has a fabulous Sixth Form centre, Link here
Location: Gerrards Cross
Ages: 2-11
Number of children: 320
Transport: No
On the outskirts of Gerrards Cross, Maltman’s Green occupies a large campus with great sporting facilities including a state of the art 6 lane, 25m swimming pool and performance hall, gymnasium and large grass playing fields. Maltman’s also have a woodland school in addition to dedicated IT, music, art and science facilities. A healthy balance of academic rigour alongside sport, music and the arts allow girls to develop into well-rounded individuals. They believe in a creative curriculum to bring greater depth to subjects. Many go on to local grammars with the majority opting for local day and boarding independent schools. Link here
Location: Gerrards Cross
Ages: 3-18
Number of children: 413
Transport: Yes – school bus network operates four routes and many older girls take the train and walk the short distance to school
St Mary’s have a commitment to small class sizes to prioritise the academic experience and understanding of the individual’s potential and to promote strong pastoral care. Music and sport play a crucial part in school life. Art and drama are also particular highlights and are of the highest quality. Sixth Formers enjoy the benefit of their own modern purpose built Sixth Form block with a quiet work room, as well as a large, airy and lively common room, with its own kitchen area and comfy sofas and bean bags. Some leave to grammar but the majority stay until GCSE’s or A-levels. Link here
Co-Ed
Location: Gerrards Cross
Ages: 3-11
Number of children: 361
Transport: Yes two bus routes
Gayhurst is the only independent co-ed in the local area. The school is located down a leafy lane on the outskirts of Gerrards Cross. The school is divided into Junior (ages 3-7) and Senior (7-11). Sport facilities include an astro pitch and four full sized pitches and a mile loop for cross country. The school’s aim is that the children are happy, challenged and achieve progress suitable to their ability. Many leave to attend local grammar schools and other pupils move to independent day and boarding schools both locally and further afield. Link here
Need help?
If you would like to explore the private school system for your child and would like help with your home search then Chiltern Relocation can help. Call us on 01494 672086 or email: enquiries@chilternrelocation.com or visit: www.chilternrelocation.com
