With a wealth of local independent primary schools to choose from here is Chiltern Relocation’s
quick access information about each school to give you the low down.
BOYS:
Location: Central Beaconsfield
Ages: 4-13
Number of children: 339
Transport available: No
About: 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 and 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
The Beacon:
Location: Amersham
Ages: 4-13
Number of children: 530
Transport available: Yes including under 6 car service. Numerous bus routes are available.
About: Set among 16 acres of leafy playing fields, boasting great facilities, such as a 220-seat theatre, (soon-to-be 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: 300
Transport available: Two minibus routes in operation and boys also walk from the train station.
About: The only all-through boys school in the area. Thorpe House School is a warm and vibrant school with over 90 years’ experience as an educational provider for boys. Thorpe House is a unique independent school; small enough to value and know each boy yet large enough to provide a rich and varied range of learning opportunities, inside and outside of the curriculum. Facilities include a newly renovated and covered 18m swimming pool plus a brand new multi-purpose hall and extra classrooms which is opening in Spring 2020. 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: 290
Transport: No
About: 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. 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 County 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: Gerrards Cross
Ages: 2-11
Number of children: 370
Transport: Morning bus from Beaconsfield
About: 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. They 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: 372
Transport: Yes – school bus network operates three routes and many older girls take the train and walk the short distance to school
About: 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. Some leave to grammar but the majority stay until GCSE’s or A-levels. Link here
Location: Great Kingshill, High Wycombe
Ages: 4-18
Number of children: 580
Transport: Yes. 14 bus routes cover local areas inc. Aylesbury, Beaconsfield, Marlow, Amersham, Little Chalfont, Seer Green, Chalfonts and High Wycombe.
About: Located down a country lane, Pipers Corner is set in spacious grounds extending to 96 acres enabling plenty of sporting facilities including a specialist dance studio within the grounds. The newly built Arts Centre gives the girls the chance to work within a professional theatre space. 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. Link here
Co-Ed
Location: Gerrards Cross
Ages: 3-11
Number of children: 300
Transport: No
About: 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 schools 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
Rear our related blogs:
Getting into grammar schools in Bucks – Catchment is key – blog here
Moving out of London for grammar schools? See the timeline to apply here:
