Gayhurst School

Gayhurst School, located in Gerrards Cross, offers a nurturing and inclusive environment for children aged three to eleven. Originally a boys’ school, it transitioned to a co-educational model in 2008, a change that has been largely welcomed by the community. However, some parents feel that there is an overemphasis on the girls, who currently make up around 28% of the student body.

The school is non-selective up until Year 2, after which students undergo tests in reading and maths, along with a gentle interview to assess social fit. The nursery can accommodate up to 25 pupils, and from reception onwards, the school operates a three-form entry system, with the potential to expand to four forms from Years 3 to 6, depending on enrolment numbers. Class sizes are kept small, peaking at 16, occasionally reaching 18.

Gayhurst School has phased out Years 7 and 8, which has led to a notable exodus of boys to The Beacon around the time the current head joined. This move has been attributed to the axing of these years and a general resistance to change among some parents. Despite this, the school remains a popular choice, with Berkhamsted, John Hampden, Claires Court, Chesham Grammar, Shiplake, Dr Challoner’s, and Merchant Taylors’ being the most common destinations for leavers. In 2023, the school awarded fifteen scholarships.

The school is situated on a five-acre site, which it relocated to in 1930. The grounds include a large, well-kept field, an all-weather Astroturf, a pretty woodland area with an adventure playground, and three large rugby fields. The nursery has its own dedicated building with indoor and outdoor spaces, while junior buildings are clustered on one side, and senior classrooms are housed in the main building. Facilities include dedicated IT, Art, Science, and Music rooms, a traditional wooden pavilion used for LAMDA, and a sports hall, which is acknowledged as an area needing improvement. Plans for a new sports and drama facility are underway.

The school day has been extended to fit in more lessons, a change that has been well received. However, the introduction of three periods of form time has been met with mixed reactions. The staggered finish to the school day aims to alleviate traffic and parking issues, a common complaint among parents. Homework has been restructured to be completed during form time, a move that has divided opinion, particularly among parents of Year 6 pupils who are concerned about the transition to Year 7.

Academically, the school is robust without being a pressure cooker. Most students gain entry to their chosen secondary schools, and around five scholarships are awarded annually in academics, arts, and sports. From Year 4, students are taught by subject specialists in all subjects except Maths and English, and from Year 5, they are taught by specialists in all subjects. Spanish is introduced from Year 1 and French from Year 3. Setting for Maths begins in Year 4, and streaming for English and Maths starts in Years 5 and 6, a system that has its critics.

The school is strong in Special Educational Needs (SEN) support, with early assessments, interventions, and close collaboration between the Head of Learning Support, SEN specialists, teachers, and teaching assistants. Small group work or one-to-one sessions are provided at no extra cost.

Sports are a highlight, with a wide range of activities including rugby, football, cricket, athletics, cross-country, hockey, netball, and rounders. Swimming lessons are offered for younger pupils, and the school boasts an extensive list of extra-curricular clubs, from chess to knitting.

Music and performance are integral to the school’s ethos, with nearly half the students learning a musical instrument. There are various choirs and music ensembles, and music theory is a popular extra-curricular club. Art is also a strong focus, with a variety of mediums on display. School trips are diverse, including destinations like Rome, Florence, and Vienna, as well as skiing trips and adventure camps.

Pastoral care is a key strength, with children feeling comfortable approaching their form teachers. The school has a share box for worries and acts of kindness, which is well-utilised. While the head claims there is no bullying, some parents and pupils have shared instances of issues being effectively addressed.

The school community is diverse, with families ranging from very well-heeled to first-time buyers, and a significant growth in dual-income and less wealthy families. The student body is mainly white British, followed by British Asian, with a mix of other nationalities reflecting the local area. Most families are local, but some travel from nearby towns, with bus routes available from Hazlemere and Ruislip.

Pupils are articulate, polite, and at ease with adults, creating a purposeful and fun atmosphere. Leadership opportunities are plentiful, and parents are sociable with an active parent association. However, communication can be a point of contention, with some parents feeling it is lacking unless specifically requested.

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