Opinions on Gayhurst school Gerrards Cross

[Chocisbest]

Hi, my son has had an awful time at our local primary and we are thinking of moving him to a private school. I wondered if anyone had any 'insider' knowledge about Gayhurst as I am keen not to repeat the same mistakes again as regards type and personality of school. I have been on a school tour but it is hard to make out what a schools culture is like based on an hours tour. Any info will be much appreciated. Thanks

It's a tricky one. A lot depends on whether you want him to go to grammar or not.

My boys have gone to the Beacon and it's worked vvv well for them. How far down the list would he be? The school is pretty full from Yr3 up and they generally have a large cohort who go through to 13+ after the 11+ boys have gone.

I agree completely with the pp who described Gayhurst as Marmite. I know some boys who've loved it, several have had far less positive experiences. Maybe adding girls will have helped the mix. However there will be some flux as people looking to CE move elsewhere.

Another option to think about might be Thorpe House. 11+ isn't a traditional exit point as they usually look to boys to stay on but it's a smaller environment which might work.

Have you actually tried Lee Common or Little Missenden Schools to see if they might have a place. They traditionally take children from further afield as they do not fill up with local children. Both feed through to Great Missenden School. Or maybe Little Kingshill? What state schools have you contacted?

have you had any luck OP?

As a side point - does anyone think that other schools in this area "interview the parents" directly or indirectly! ?

We have two children at Gayhurst (boy and girl) and another joining next year - delighted with the school and would highly recommend.

Gxmummy - we were shown around Caldicott last year by the headmaster and he said that my son would have to start boarding a couple of months after he turned 9. So for him year 5/6.

Must have been a misunderstanding as there are no boarders at age 9. Boarding starts in year 7, ie September after they turn 11. Boys board for 2 years only but Everyone boards even if they live 5 mins away.

MrsMot, we are first in the queue for Beacon, however there is no way of telling if a place would become available. Am going to look at Gateway in the new year. There are loads of places available over the border in Herts but distance is putting me off, I dont fancy 40 minute commute each way, also my son is keen on the grammar school.
We had to make a formal complaint at my sons former school because of some shocking practices, now whenever a prospective school asks for a school reference, his old headteacher has taken to completely false and unflattering reporting. None of her statements have any merit nor can they be proved but it does mar the new school selection process. We have complained to the education authority, but is there anything else we can do? Any ideas from anyone who may have had similar would be most welcome.