Boys private secondary school

[Numy]

Hi mums,
I’m currently exploring good private secondary schools for boys in Bucks, Herts, and surrounding areas, ideally within 30–40 mins travel from Amersham.

I’d love recommendations for schools that are good academically, but also offer well-rounded sports and extra-curricular opportunities to all students, not just the top few.

Also, I’d really appreciate any insight into how the entrance process works — is it very competitive? And if you have two very different kids (e.g. one academic, one less so), how did you approach preparation and find the right fit for each?

Thanks so much in advance — all advice, names of schools, or personal experiences would be a huge help!

@NumyYou are looking for a needle in a haystack. Realistically you have Berkhamsted. There’s a “grammar” private school at Chalfont St Peter but it’s tiny. And a bit odd. My DD went to Godstowe and the brothers of girls boarded. Bucks just doesn’t have boys schools. Aldenham in Herts would be an utter slog. Don’t know about train to John Lyon in Harrow? You could look.

Otherwise it’s Berko or you take The Amersham school if you cannot afford boarding. If you can afford boarding, go to The Beacon in Amersham and take it from there in y9. They would also prep for Berko. Or look at Berko’s own prep but I’ve no idea if it’s full.

You could have a look at Westbrook Hay and St. Columbas. They're mixed schools but very boy heavy. Otherwise Merchant Taylors and Berkhamsted are the only ones that comes to mind.

Oh yes. Merchant Taylor’s. Worth a look. Berko is separate boys and girls until 6th form. Probably a reasonable compromise.

Berkhamsted definitely.

Entrance exam is not as difficult as MT and DS didn't find it that taxing, but he is very strong academically. It's English and Maths mainly (depending on entry point). Sport is fairly inclusive and there are lots of options and the teaching is uniformly excellent.

My three kids all went to different schools, which as long as there is a bus was fine. They all had different strengths and needs and there wasn't one school which suited them all.