Age Range. 3–13.
Number of Boys. 510.
Fees per term (January-July 2025). Nursery: £2,075 (5 mornings/week), £405 (one afternoon/week), £3,875 (reduced full-time fee). Reception: £5,351; Years 1 & 2 £6,212; Years 3 & 4 £7,870; Year 5 £6,950; Year 6 £8,604, Years 7 & 8 £8,604.
The Beacon is a leading independent prep day school for boys aged 3 to 13 years, set in the heart of the idyllic Chiltern countryside in Amersham. The ISI inspection report rated The Beacon ‘Excellent in all areas’ and the school has as a well-founded reputation in Buckinghamshire and the surrounding counties for being exceptional. The Beacon is a happy school where no boy is overlooked and each individual is inspired to fulfil his own academic, creative and physical potential, both in and beyond the classroom.
Guiding the next generation. The Beacon guides and prepares boys for what’s now, what’s next and wherever life may take them. From the earliest steps in initial learning, The Beacon prepares boys for secondary education through a curriculum that offers both richness and diversity of opportunity. The Beacon is proud to have a long-standing success with senior school transition, and formidable reputation of scholarships offered. In recent years, Beacon Boys have been fortunate to receive Academic, Music, Drama, Performing Arts, Art, Design Technology and Sports scholarships at some of the most highly esteemed independent senior schools around the country. The school also enjoys impressive success at 11+ for entry into Grammar Schools.
Life at The Beacon. Beacon Boys are educated in extremely well-resourced buildings with spectacular facilities; a beautiful blend of old 17th-century farmstead and barns with new, including a 220-seat Theatre, a Design and Technology Suite, recently refurbished Cooking and Nutrition Room, Science Labs, a 25m Swimming Pool, Drama Studio, Music Technology Suite, two Libraries, a large Sports Hall, two AstroTurfs and 16-acres of playing fields.
All class sizes are small and whilst academic excellence is at the heart of the school, The Beacon is dedicated to teaching boys ‘how to learn’, instilling core learning skills such as independent thinking, communication, teamwork and resilience, preparing them for this ever-changing world.
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, including a range of weekly Music and Drama clubs for all ages.
There are 21 visiting Music and Drama specialists with over 400 weekly lessons taking place. Every boy at The Beacon is given a chance to perform throughout the year in a range of musical productions, playlets, showcases and concerts, with international choir tours and performances at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe being a particular highlight.
Sport For All. Sport is all-inclusive and exemplifies teamwork, emphasising the school ethos that everybody matters. Boys regularly compete at County level in cricket, hockey, tennis, athletics, cross country, swimming and rugby. The Beacon has an excellent record of success in many national and regional competitions.
Pastoral Care. The welfare and wellbeing of all Beacon Boys is a primary focus. With a full-time Wellbeing Coach and Counsellor, two Mental Health First Aiders and a team of 16-trained Mental Health Champions across the school, there is comprehensive support for the whole Beacon Community. The school’s mindfulness programme and peer-mentoring scheme is hugely successful.
Little Beacons Nursery. Little Beacons is an inspiring and nurturing educational Nursery welcoming boys from the age of 3, offering early school experiences to encourage development of a love and curiosity for learning. 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. They enjoy weekly lessons with specialised staff in Music, French, Swimming, Outdoor Learning and Games.
Wrap-Around Care. Wrap-around care is available for all boys from 7.30 am (Breakfast Club) until 6 pm (Prep and After-School Care and Clubs). There is also a programme of courses and activities available to children aged 3-13 during the school holidays and half-terms.
Transport. The Beacon also offers a wide range of minibus routes as well as an under 6 car service (fully fitted with ISOFIX car seats) for families living in Beaconsfield, Gerrards Cross, Chorleywood, High Wycombe and the surrounding villages.
Charitable Status. The Beacon Educational Trust Limited is a Registered Charity, number 309911.