Davenies Boys School in Beaconsfield, Bucks

[SusieSan]

Can anyone offer feedback, views or opinions on Davenies Boys School in Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire? Got a DS whom I'm looking for a school for - Sept 2010. Davenies is an option. Recommendations or warnings, please?

[SusieSan]

Can anyone offer feedback, views or opinions on Davenies Boys School in Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire? Got a DS whom I'm looking for a school for - Sept 2010. Davenies is an option. Recommendations and/or warnings, please?

[bellissima]

Wasn't there a thread on this school - or somebody comparing it to Caldicott, recently? Maybe try that or Bucks Preps on search.

(I'm in Bucks but have girls so can't really help)

[Rocky12]

It was me, had a son at Davenies and now at Caldicott....

I didnt rate Davenies although that was 5 years ago. I believe the Head has changed since my son was there. Davenies is a very glossy school, it is beautifully presented, not a bit of rubbish anywhere but it had no heart. Most of the parents were fully expecting their boys to go to the grammar schools in Bucks but Davenies didnt do anything to prepare them. They wanted the boys to stay until 13. Head never knew the names of the boys.

Big difference is that Caldicott doesnt take boys until 7 and has complusory boarding from 11-13. Caldicott has been the making of my son so you can tell I am a fan!

Let me know what your son is like and I might be able to come up with some other info/schools.

Dair House also worth looking at for their outstanding caring attitude.

[spottedandstriped]

I have to say I have heard mixed views about Davenies - some say that it has a streak of arrogance to it? Have you looked at Gayhurst in GX or Caldicott?

[spottedandstriped]

Rocky12 - would you say that Caldicott was suitable for a boy who was going to go on to a private school but not boarding? Or, are they primarily geared up for boys going on to the main public boarding schools?

[Rocky12]

Spottedandstriped, there are few day schools around here which is why Caldicott is popular but I do think it is geared up for boys going to senior boarding schools. However approx 5 boys leave at 11 to go onto either a grammar or somewhere like Merchants Taylors (about the only senior day school within striking distance).

[SusieSan]

Thanks to all, for feedback provided on Davenies School in Beaconsfield. Especially the comment about not preparing the boys for the 11+ exam. This is very useful information. Not visited Dair House or Gayhurst yet. But definitely will do! Thanks!

[SusieSan]

.....Will also visit Caldicott, as suggested.

[MollieO]

If you are looking for a boys only school I can highly recommend Ridgeway in Maidenhead (head knows the names of all the boys!).