Bucks Preps

[BucksNewbie]

Morning all
We are looking at buying just outside Beaconsfield and I'm interested in advice from local-ish parents on the Preps in the area. I've not heard great things about Davenies and the leavers' destinations don't really resonate. Caldicott is definitely an option but I'd like some others to compare. Don't mind a bit of a drive but not too far. We may look at flexi / weekly boarding later but not to begin with. Ideally all boys. 4-13. Thanks in advance.

The Beacon is an excellent school and good onward senior schools.

@todayiwin thanks that looks like a great option

Just bumping to see if anyone knows of any other options. Beacon looks fabulous but ideally we'd like a school with a boarding option later. Along the lines of Caldicott, which we are looking at.
Within 30 mins drive of Beaconsfield ideally. Tia.

Honestly, you’re very much limiting yourself if you will only look at preps with a boarding option. Especially with the 30 minute restriction too.

Yes I think you're right. If I widen the search by 15 mins it takes in Ashfold which looks like a good option though we'd really prefer all boys. Might have to rethink location of house though. Hmmmm.

Caldicott is a good option, but only goes from Year 3, so if your child's younger you need another school first.
There isn't another boarding option in the local area, unless you want to drive out to Oxford.
My boys both went/are at Davenies and I think its a great school, we've been through a few both in and out of London and its by far my favourite. I also have friends who are happy with The Beacon, but I think its grown too big personally.

Boys used to go to Godstowe Prep in High Wycombe before transferring to Ashfold is not in the same league as Caldicott. There is also Swanbourne Prep if you want the “frozen” North of Bucks!

Before transferring to Caldicott - a bit went missing. It’s a different type of school to Ashfold.

Thanks. Yes Swanbourne is another good option. I hadn't heard of it. We really are hoping for all boys though. I don't know what it is about coed for me at this age. I just worry about girls overshadowing boys a little in things like singing and drama for example . DS1 loves singing and is pretty good so I'd hate for him to become self conscious about it being 'girly' as I see happening with friends' sons at coed preps.
Anyway - Caldicott definitely the front runner at the moment. Hoping to visit next month. We'd be looking to start the boys in Yr 3 and Yr 4. Do you know much about it?
We were previously to be based in Ascot so had Papplewick in mind and Caldicott seems the closest as a true prep. Im surprised there aren't more in Bucks though!

I think the focus for many parents in Bucks is 11plus entry to grammar schools hence not much demand for 7-13 schools...Also the troubled history of Calidicott in particular may have curtailed demand for boarding prep schools locally (I’m not saying in any way there are concerns now or in recent years)

Also worth considering if you want boarding for boys 11plus that RGS in Wycombe has boarding facilities and also something where boys can stay until late evening some days

Thanks everyone. I feel a lot more informed than I was!

There is St John's Beaumont in Windsor, if you can handle the Jesuit aspect. That is a 'proper' Prep school.

Take a look at St. John’s in Northwood 👍

I was going to suggest Merchant Taylors' (and St Johns) but OP said she wants the option to board.

Most of these other schools mentioned would take 1hour+ to commute to in rush hour traffic from Beaconsfield, Seer Green or Jordans though.
Unless you want them to board straight away OP.

Yes I think the only one that really suits our needs is Caldicott at the moment. Things can change of course but I'll start the process with them if we like what we see when we visit. Definitely can't let them board yet so would be thinking Yr 5/6 earliest. And then not fully. Anyway thanks very much all. You've been really helpful.

The other place to consider if your DS may want to pursue singing is St George's Windsor as it is a choir school.

Agree with PP that you would want to buy further South than Beconsfield to use Windsor schools though. Windsor is much nicer.