Private Schools in Maidenhead/High Wycombe area

[TomHollyHamish]

We are moving to Marlow/Maidenhead area due to husband's job relocation and would really like our kids to go to William Borlase at secondary level.
I need primary places for them in September and all state primaries in area are telling me they are full.
We want them to go somewhere they will be with other kids who are going on to William Borlase and can afford private education for a couple of years max.
Does anyone have any views on St Pirans, The College/Ridgeway, Herries or any other recommendations?
Thanks.

Have you considered Davenies in Beaconsfield for boys? It comes with an excellent reputation.

Oh, and a friend was in a similar position to you (e.g. just moved into the area). She found it much easier to get her children into State primary at the October half term, rather than the September intake.

Of course, that only worked for her because their old school was close enough for them to keep attending in the short term (it was a horrible commute, but worth it in the end).

My two go to Herries and my son passed the 11+ (a year early). Our catchment school is SWB in Marlow but we really wanted JHGS which he got!

Herries had a good pass rate for 11+ this year as did St Piran's. I'm not sure on Ridgeway.

Herries is smaller than the other two schools you mention (it's in the former home of author, Kenneth Graham) but for us, that was the reason for choosing it. The children come out extremely confident and able individuals. Probably very idyllic (I can honestly say, I would have loved to have been a pupil there!) but equally academically the children work hard and achieve good results. It's a very nurturing environment and having looked at the other schools in question, we much preferred it for our children. Horses for courses though. Many don't like the idea of a smaller school (my DD is in a class of 14) but we have absolutely no regrets choosing Herries. I've looked at a lot of schools in the local area (state and private) and went to a state primary and secondary in Maidenhead so do have a considerable knowledge in this area.

HTH

I recently moved my son to Herries (following concerns about teaching quality and pastoral care at his previous school) and have been absolutely delighted. I didn't realise how close it was (only 10 minutes from Maidenhead town centre) or that they coach for the 11+ as part of the curriculum, which is a major plus. The fact that the school is small is a real strength, creating strong bonds and giving the pupils confidence and the sense that that their opinions count. The curriculum is broad and stimulating, the staff create a caring and positive environment, and they use the world-class sports facilities at Bisham Abbey. It is a real gem and I only wish I'd know about it when my son started school.