The Beacon School
Amersham Road, Chesham Bois, Amersham, HP6 5PF
Pupils
510
Ages
4 - 13
Gender
Boys
Type
Primary
Head Teacher
Mr Nick Baker
Boarding / Day
Day
Fees
£1,980 to £7,275
ISC Associations
IAPS, AGBIS, ISBA
Religion
Church of England
Bursaries
Available
About The Beacon School
The Beacon School, located in the picturesque Chiltern countryside of Amersham, is a thriving preparatory school for boys aged 3 to 13. With a strong emphasis on both academic excellence and personal development, the school offers a comprehensive education that prepares students for the challenges of senior school and beyond.
The school’s entry process is well-structured, with age-appropriate assessments at each stage. For the youngest learners, the nursery provides a nurturing environment where children can socialise and develop readiness for formal education. The transition to reception is seamless, with a three-form entry system ensuring small class sizes of 15 pupils each. This allows for personalised attention and support, fostering a strong foundation in early education.
As students progress, the school offers additional entry points in year 3 and year 7, with testing to ensure the right fit for each child. The Shining Future programme is tailored to individual needs, providing a bespoke educational experience. The school’s size allows for flexibility, with occasional places often available, making it worthwhile for prospective parents to enquire about openings.
The school’s exit results are impressive, with around 30 students leaving for grammar schools at the end of year 6, primarily to Dr Challoner’s, the school’s biggest feeder, and Chesham Grammar. The school’s support for this transition is notable, with 70% of students offered grammar places, double the local average. A significant number of students also prepare for entry into top senior schools across the country, with destinations including Berkhamsted, Harrow, and Eton. Scholarships are a testament to the school’s academic prowess, with 19 awarded in 2023 alone.
Founded by Mr Stanley Fieldhouse in 1933, the school has grown from humble beginnings to a well-respected educational establishment. The charming 17th-century buildings, including timbered barns and a farmhouse, add to the school’s unique character. The quad, with its beautiful Indian bean tree, serves as the heart of the school, where weekly house points are celebrated with a flag-raising ceremony.
The Little Beacons nursery, opened in 2021, shares the Oakway building with reception. It offers a cosy, home-like environment with well-resourced indoor and outdoor activities. The staff-pupil ratio of one to five ensures that children feel comfortable and valued, with settling-in mornings and meetings to build trusting relationships with families.
The curriculum is rich and varied, with phonics and maths taught daily, alongside specialist lessons in swimming, PE, French, and library sessions. Outdoor learning is a key feature, with welly walks in the Chilterns and a dedicated area for younger children. Music and drama are integral parts of the school experience, with opportunities for performance and creativity.
The school’s facilities are exceptional, including a sports hall, AstroTurf, and a covered heated swimming pool. The 16 acres of playing fields provide ample space for sports, which are a major draw for many families. The school’s commitment to ‘sport for all’ ensures that every child, regardless of ability, has the chance to represent the school in team matches.
Pastoral care is a priority, with a structured system of support in place. The school’s ethos is one of inclusivity and encouragement, with a focus on developing independent thinking, teamwork, and resilience. The Head of Learning Support provides specialist assistance for those who need it, ensuring that no child is overlooked.
The school community is vibrant and engaged, with parents actively involved in social events, fundraisers, and communication networks. Transport links are well-organised, with bus routes serving surrounding areas, although some parents note the challenges of distance when arranging playdates.
In conclusion, The Beacon School offers a well-rounded education that balances academic rigour with personal growth. Its strong reputation in Buckinghamshire and beyond is well-deserved, providing a nurturing environment where boys can thrive. To receive updates about this school including exam results, senior staff changes and open days please bookmark it using the button at the end of this review.
ISI Review
The Beacon School, an independent day preparatory school located in Chesham Bois, Buckinghamshire, has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1933. It operates as a single-sex institution for male pupils and has evolved significantly over the years, including the establishment of a Nursery and the addition of an open-air swimming pool. The school is governed by a board and has a current enrollment of 528 pupils, ranging in age from 3 to 13 years. The school aims to foster an environment where pupils develop strong moral principles, respect for others, and a passion for intellectual, sporting, and creative achievements.
The school has faced challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly during the periods of lockdown when it provided remote learning for its pupils. Despite these challenges, the school has maintained a commitment to delivering quality education and ensuring the well-being of its students. The inspection process, which included both regulatory compliance and educational quality assessments, confirmed that the school meets the required standards set by the Department for Education.
The inspection findings highlighted that the quality of education provided at The Beacon School is good, with pupils making good progress in their learning. The curriculum is well-structured and documented, covering a broad range of subjects and supported by effective teaching practices. The school promotes a positive learning environment where good behavior is encouraged, and pupils are taught essential life skills, including relationships education.
In terms of personal development, the school actively promotes values that help pupils become responsible and tolerant citizens. The spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development of pupils is prioritized, with a focus on fostering respect and understanding for diverse backgrounds. The school has established measures to safeguard pupils and promote their welfare, health, and safety, ensuring that they are well-supervised and that health and safety requirements are met.
The inspection also assessed the suitability of staff and the effectiveness of the school's leadership and management. The school has appropriate checks in place to ensure that all staff members are suitable to work with children, and the leadership demonstrates good skills and knowledge in fulfilling their responsibilities. The school has a clear approach to handling complaints, ensuring that parental concerns are addressed effectively.
The educational quality inspection revealed that pupils at The Beacon School achieve excellent academic results and demonstrate outstanding attitudes towards learning. They possess well-developed study skills and are confident communicators, displaying high levels of literacy and numeracy. The school encourages pupils to engage in collaborative work, fostering teamwork and social skills. Pupils are also provided with opportunities to develop their creativity and critical thinking through various subjects and extracurricular activities.
The personal development of pupils is further enhanced by the school's focus on well-being, with initiatives in place to support mental health and promote a healthy lifestyle. Pupils are encouraged to reflect on their actions and develop a strong sense of self-awareness and self-confidence. The school emphasizes the importance of kindness and respect, creating a positive and inclusive community.
Pupils at The Beacon School are also encouraged to engage with the wider community, participating in charitable activities and contributing to local initiatives. They demonstrate a clear understanding of their responsibilities as members of society and are prepared to make informed decisions that impact their future. The school fosters an environment where pupils can explore their interests and develop their skills, preparing them for successful transitions to their next educational settings.
Overall, The Beacon School is committed to providing a high-quality education that not only focuses on academic achievement but also prioritizes the personal development and well-being of its pupils. The positive inspection outcomes reflect the school's dedication to maintaining high standards and continuously improving its practices to meet the needs of its students. The school’s ethos of kindness, respect, and a strong moral foundation is evident in the behavior and attitudes of its pupils, contributing to a nurturing and supportive learning environment.
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Last Updated: 8 October 2024