Swanbourne House School near Milton Keynes

[Totem2018]

Hi all,
I am currently looking at potential options for moving DS currently at year 2 to a private school. We’re lucky to be in a grammar area and he is currently happy at school so not desperate for a move yet just looking.
Swanbourne House school has interested me for a while now. It’s the only private school within half an hour’s drive for us (~15 minutes) vs other options between 30-60 minutes e.g. Bedford School, Oxford schools and a few in Milton Keynes. In addition, I also heard/read good feedback about it although most posts on MN dated back to a few years.

Wondering if there are any current parents around for some updated thoughts? I am a bit concerned about the relatively short period the outgoing head has stayed and the choice of a barrister with no education background at all as the new head.

Also a general question to all on your experience/thoughts on non-selective private schools?

Thanks!

I have 2 in pre-prep. Fantastic facilities and very small classes. Lots of speaking practice in front of audiences. Parents very friendly and down to earth. We looked around most other local options. Most rounded education in our opinion. The prep fees are very high though and we would consider Bedford schools at this point. Although the aim is to keep them at SHS at least until 11. Lots go on to boarding schools but also local Day options.

Your thoughts about in-coming head teacher is shared by many parents!

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. We attended an open day last year and generally liked the overall environment and feel of the school. Positive points included the wraparound care, flexi boarding, strong sports, facilities, students seem happy and relaxed, didn’t get much on the academic side but I guessed the school focuses on that quite a lot ( judged by the Saturday morning school?). On the other hand, in addition to the change of head, I somehow met quite a few new ish teachers so not sure if a reflection of high turnover. A teacher joined for a few months by then but her children hadn’t moved there yet (from state I think) -she said she wanted to wait and see...
I liked Bedford School a lot when visited and the fee is surprisingly cheaper than many including SHS in the area. But the distance (an hour’s drive one way) has put me off . Same for oxford schools.

A bit tricky...

It's not my understanding that there is a high turn over of teaching staff, certainly not in pre-prep. There is Ashfolds and another in Markyate (name escapes me) which are supposed to be good. I hear the academics are pretty intense in Prep school. I really liked Broughton Manor - and my dd attended an affiliated nursery- but very different feel. More pushy academic in pre-prep but little outdoor space. But as a school, I really warmed to it. Have a look.

Ashfold seems also a good option to consider. I did some search and it seems to have often mentioned with SHS. Will take a look thanks so much!

New head seems to be making a largely positive impression so far.

Did your child start?

What do others think?

Hi OP - where did you send your kids in the end? Also comparing Swanbourne and the Bedford schools...

I wondered if anyone had any thoughts?!

My DS is in his last year at Swanbourne and I can't recommend it enough. Great all round education - excellent sports, music, art and drama alongside very solid academics. Children are allowed/encouraged to be children - dens in the woods, tree climbing etc.

Thank you @negrilbaby - that is good to hear! Glad your DS has enjoyed it. Do you think it would cater for a very academic but less sporty kid too?

There are plenty of kids in his year who are not 'sporty' but still fully enjoy it - there is so much choice. The scholars groups in years 7 and 8 are small and so academically they are all stretched and challenged. Over lockdown I was really impressed with the standard of the work I could hear going on.

Fantastic school, have two children there who love it. Caters for all. Head had a rocky start but really making an impact on the school and its direction of travel. Forming a trust with Stowe and another prep school which everyone seems to be very excited about. We love it!