Gayhurst School, located at the heart of Gerrards Cross, is a co-educational independent day school for children aged three to eleven. With a strong Church of England affiliation, the school prides itself on nurturing a balanced development of social skills, character, and academic prowess. Under the leadership of Gareth Davies since 2016, the school has thrived with his extensive experience in prep schools across the South of England and his educational credentials from Cambridge University.
The school operates from a tranquil and secure site, featuring an extended Georgian-style main building and various modern facilities. The original building accommodates Years 3 to 6, while surrounding blocks host classrooms for younger students. The nursery has its own dedicated space with a colourful interior and a well-equipped outdoor play area. The school grounds include a science garden, an archaeological digging site, and an adventure playground, all contributing to the emphasis on outdoor learning.
Academically, Gayhurst School offers a broad curriculum with subjects like Spanish introduced from nursery and French from Year 3. Maths and English are set from Year 4 to cater for both acceleration and support. The school’s approach is not one of intense academic pressure but rather focuses on creating a stimulating environment where learning is enjoyable. This philosophy is reflected in their impressive new science and DT labs equipped with modern technology such as laser and 3D printing.
The pastoral care at Gayhurst is a significant draw for many families. The school prioritises wellbeing through thoughtful, non-judgemental support systems. Reflection and future planning are favoured over traditional sanctions, fostering an environment where children feel valued and understood. This approach is complemented by the school’s commitment to inclusivity, with nearly half of the students learning an instrument and participating in various ensembles.
In terms of extra-curricular activities, Gayhurst offers a wide range of clubs run mostly by teachers at no additional cost. These include sports, arts, construction, cartoon drawing, Italian language classes, and more. Special weeks dedicated to enrichment activities allow students to explore different subjects in a fun and cross-curricular manner.
The school’s sporting facilities are excellent, soon to be enhanced further with ongoing development projects that include a new sports hall and theatre/auditorium. While not known for its competitive edge in sports, Gayhurst emphasises inclusion and enjoyment in activities like rugby, football, cricket, athletics, hockey, and netball. Matches are plentiful with A-D teams ensuring everyone gets to participate.
Gayhurst School’s exit strategy sees pupils moving on to various destinations including grammar schools and independent institutions like Berkhamsted and Chesham Grammar. A notable percentage achieve scholarships in areas such as art, drama, sport, and academics. The school’s success in preparing students for their next educational stage is evident in the diverse range of options pursued by its graduates.
The school community is predominantly local with some families travelling from up to ten miles away. The demographic is mainly white British but maintains a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. The school’s wraparound care supports dual-income families with extended hours offering activities and meal options.
Financially, Gayhurst provides means-tested bursaries covering up to 100% of fees for one child per year group from Reception to Year 6. There are also sibling discounts available along with a hardship fund for families experiencing significant financial changes.
Overall, Gayhurst School presents itself as an all-rounder that values both personal growth and academic achievement within a nurturing environment. Its focus on happy children who enjoy learning is supported by caring staff who understand what makes each child tick.
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