Buckingham College Prep, Pinner

[recreationalcalpol]

Does anyone have DC at this school? It’s really local and looks like the right kind of environment for my DS, with its focus on pastoral care. I’m planning to start him in the pre-school at age 3 and am meeting the head in a few weeks. However I’d love to hear from people who have DC at BCP, and to know what their views are

Hi,

My DC's are at this school. It's an excellent school, the pastoral care is very, very good. The nursery I have to say is probably the best I've come across. My DC has thrived in the nursery, it's so supportive and nurturing. Its really changed the last few years and I think the new structure means it's going to be very hard to get into this school soon as it's becoming very sought after. The academic results are starting to speak for themselves so if high academia is what your after, this is the school, you get excellent value for your money. The teachers are really wonderful in both nursery and school. Hope that helps.

Hi OP did you decide on the school?
I am also looking at the school but have heard it is a nice school with a terrible head...so not sure. Also heavily tutored like most of the schools in the area. Would be good to get some recent views from parents.

Why would you chose to pay to send your child to a school with a “terrible head”? When you pay you get an element of choice.

I think there was a change in management so some parents who are already there would not choose it again. Just wanted more feedback of others who are there? Do have children at the school? Or know of it?

The school got a wonderful new young headteacher in 2022. The school is more welcoming and happy and the results have continued to soar. Staff are highly committed to pastoral care and children thrive and are happy.

The school is not what it used to be

Based on what? Be specific!

I think the previous head had a lot more experience than the new one. My friends son is there and has said lot of good teachers have left (most join and leave in a year). Before 2020 they had a lot of more experienced staff.

I live 15 mins from there and used to have a DC there but now but have friends' boys there. (Mine in secondary)

Older but also a new head when started. You should visit and make a personal decision

My DS is at this school currently and my DD went to the nursery and is now at another independent school around the corner (which I won't talk about as I have nothing positive to say about it). I can say, coming from a family of lots of teachers and working with children myself this school is absolutely brilliant. There have been some staff changes but that is always expected in the education system. Most of the staff have been there for many years! The new Head is brilliant and pastoral care is a big thing at the school. Yes, the school is very academic but that's what you should expect from a prep school. I've felt so supported by all the teachers, who are always in hand to discuss issues and progress. I agree with Izzie74, you have to go see it to know how great it is.

Pastoral care is good no doubt. They have really small class sizes. One of the reasons for me to send DC there many years ago. But I was surprised to find out that the current y5/6 boys are being tutored outside to get the 11+ results. This was never needed before as we got guidance from school. Our batch had excellent results and the maths teacher (who is no longer there) was fantastic.

If I wanted to tutor and pay extra I would rather use the free state school in the same road and get a tutor as I save on fees. Of course go and see the place and see how you feel about it.