The Beacon School
Set in the beautiful Chilterns countryside, the school prides itself on both its strong pastoral focus and on the broad range of opportunities it offers.
The passionate teachers and small class sizes ensure that no boy is ever overlooked, and each child’s learning is tailored to their needs.
While academic skills are at the heart of the school and reflected in the outstanding Senior School entrance exam results, The Beacon is also dedicated to teaching boys how to learn, instilling key core learning skills such as independent thinking, teamwork and resilience, preparing them for this ever-changing world.
Specialist teachers in PE, Games and Music inspire Beacon boys from their first day in Nursery upwards, increasing to further specialist teaching throughout their time at the school.
Beacon boys are nurtured to thrive and acquire exemplary learning and social skills that will last them a lifetime.
Category: Nursery, Pre-Preparatory, Preparatory
Pupils: Boys
Type: Day
Religious Affiliation: Non-Denominational
Roll: 510 Boys / 0 Girls
Day pupils: 510
Age Range: 3-13 Years
Founded: 1933
Location Description
The Beacon is located in a beautiful 18 acres of the Chilterns. Situated in Chesham Bois, between Amersham-on-the-Hill and Chesham, with Amersham Station (London Underground and National Train Station) only a 7 minute journey by car or a 15 minute walk.
School Contact Details
Headteacher: Mr Nick Baker BA PGCE
Amersham, Buckinghamshire, HP6 5PF
Tel: 01494433654
Email: admissions@beaconschool.co.uk
Facilities
The Beacon offers outstanding facilities and opportunities for boys to embrace as they develop throughout their Beacon journey.
Little Beacons Nursery – The school welcomes boys aged 3 to 4 in the newly launched inspiring educational Nursery. Located within a wonderfully spacious Early Years setting, Little Beacons take their first steps on their educational journey, supported and encouraged throughout by a dedicated Nursery team. The early school experiences in Nursery encourage development of a love and curiosity for learning. For more information on Little Beacons, please click here.
Academic – The recently installed ‘Maths Hub’ is an inspiring and stimulating space for The Beacon Mathematicians. It has state-of-the-art audio-visual technology and professional presentation technology, whilst the impressive ‘write-on’ walls can be used in intimate tutorials and offer a less formal environment for group work and lessons. Beacon boys often use online platforms such as ‘Mangahigh’ to apply and test what has been learned in the classroom. The new room gives Mathematics more of a collaborative feel.
Boys from Year 4 upwards enjoy four fully equipped Science labs giving every boy the opportunity to engage in a hands-on learning experience.
The Beacon has two libraries, one catering for Pre-Prep and the other for Lower, Middle and Upper School, both managed by the school librarian. The Beacon aims to promote and develop a love of reading and in older boys also to develop their information literacy skills. There are bookable sets of iPads and Thinkpads in addition to the paper book stock.
Sport – In Sport, whatever the level boys play at, they are coached and encouraged to develop a love for Sport which will last a lifetime. All boys in Years 3 to 8, regardless of ability, represent The Beacon in team matches. With over 40 Sport teams, there are over 750 fixtures played over a year.
Incredible sporting facilities include a 540m2 Sports Hall where boys enjoy an array of sports including basketball, indoor football, and cricket with full nets. There is a large AstroTurf area and a vast 16 acres of playing fields. The Beacon also boasts a 25m covered swimming pool where boys enjoy swimming all year round. Boys are introduced to weekly swimming lessons from their first day in Nursery.
Performing Arts – Music and Drama are real strengths at The Beacon, with over five choirs, eight ensembles and numerous opportunities for all boys to perform. The school proudly teaches a range of musical instruments, recently introducing the Harp. Over 250 boys currently receive individual weekly Music tuition for over 20 different instruments.
There is a 220-seat theatre and large Drama studio for Performing Arts. Music facilities include a dedicated LAMDA teaching room, mac-packed music technology suite, eight music practice rooms and a drum pod.
Creative Arts – Creative Arts are taught from Year 4, with the boys enjoying a fully equipped Design Technology lab including a laser cutter, CNC router, vinyl cutter, 3D printer computer-aided design programmes and traditional tools.
The Cooking & Nutrition room features top-of-the-range equipment, individual stoves with gas and electric hobs as well as workstations. There is also a Kitchen Garden, tended to by the Gardening Club where the school grows herbs and vegetables for use in lessons.
The Art Studio has recently been refurbished into a creative haven. There is a wealth of exciting resources, including spray paints, acrylic paint, batik wax resist, silk painting, lino printing, willow sculpture and clay. The Art department also has its own set of iPads and 5 DSLR cameras, a new printing press and kiln.
Pastoral Care & Medical Centre – Pastoral care is central to the ethos of The Beacon. The School has a strong pastoral system involving a multi-disciplinary and dedicated Wellbeing Team that creates a happy and healthy environment for all to thrive.
Pastoral care is central to the ethos of The Beacon and the incredible on-site School Counsellor provides support for both boys and their families where needed. The health and care of the boys is of utmost importance. The Beacon runs a mindfulness programme and a hugely successful peer-mentoring scheme. There is also a permanently staffed Medical Centre with nurses that are Paediatric first aid trained.
Dining – Located in one of the stunning 17th century, Grade II listed barns are the dining rooms, with a dedicated area for the nursery boys. The Beacon offers the boys an extensive and varied menu where the team of chefs constantly devise inventive ways to encourage the boys to try new tastes, flavours and cuisines.
Wrap-Around Care & Clubs – The Beacon understand that parents often need flexibility with wrap-around care. There are options available both before and after school.
Breakfast Club operates from 07:30 offering a choice of continental or cooked breakfast and in After School there are Clubs, Prep and Late Stay tailored to the age of the boys. The range of after-school clubs is extensive and provides further exciting opportunities for boys. From cookery and choir to hockey and Warhammer, there is a club for everyone.
Transport – The Beacon operates extensive transport routes for families living in Beaconsfield, Gerrards Cross, Chorleywood, High Wycombe and surrounding villages. The school recently introduced a brand-new electric vehicle offering a car service fully fitted with ISOFIX car seats to transport boys under 6 years.
Scholarships
Bursaries are available from Year 3, click here to find out more.
Entrance Requirements
Early registration advisable as places fill very quickly. There are 4 intakes:
- Little Beacons Nursery for boys aged 3-4 years
- Reception for boys aged 4, with an informal play assessment for entry
- Year 3, when an additional class is added. Taster Day including assessments for entry
- Year 7, taster Day including assessments for entry
Places are occasionally available in other years.
Fees
2024/2025. All per term.
Nursery: 5 mornings £2,075, per afternoon £405 , full time £3,875.
Reception: £4,740
Years 1 & 2: £5,500
Years 3 & 4: £6,970
Year 5 : £7,275
Years 6, 7 and 8: £7,620
For a full breakdown view Fees
Affiliations/Memberships
IAPS, Schools Together, ISC, TES
Downloadable Resources
OPEN DAYS
All visits are welcome, please contact the school
Should you wish to arrange a private tour at a convenient time please register your interest by emailing Admissions on admissions@beaconschool.co.uk or call 01494 432764.
View our Virtual Tour.