Bucks School

[34ransum]

We're looking at schools for next year for DS4. He'll be starting reception.

We'll be living in Chalfont St Giles from next summer.

Schools wise, I'm going to visit Gayhurst, Thorpe House and The Beacon.

I'd love to hear feedback from parents- good, bad and ugly.

I am German and I do not have a huge amount of experience with the UK school system. DH is from Yorkshire, so is not much help either.

Our son is very active, switched on and also very kind. He is shy in new places. He is not yet reading.

We would value a school that is not a "hot house" and that is more nurturing for the children.

Hopeful little bump

Gateway in Great Missenden is worth a visit.

I wouldn't try and get from Chalfont St Giles to Chesham or Great Missenden in school traffic. It sounds odd at age 4 but people generally say to think about what you might want for secondary eg are you aiming for grammar and do these independent schools prepare for that or focus more on 13+.

I have a friend who has sent multiple children to the Beacon and said very positive things about it.

Thanks for replies so far

Good point Re traffic, I may do a few dummy runs to see what works well.

I've also heard good things about The Beacon but I'm not sure if it's a bit too sport focused?

Avoid Gayhurst. They are not nurturing and a lot of families have pulled their children out. Current Thorpe and Beacon families have a lot of good things to say.

I would highly recommend Gayhurst School. Both my children went to the school and it was an absolutely amazing experience. My children are now Y11 and Y8 and still talk about how amazing the school was and still is. One of my children is severely dyslexic and the school was so supportive. He left full of confidence, which really did help him transition to secondary school. My children have returned a few times to Alumi events and the school has just completed some major work and now have some fantastic additional facilities. As a parent I felt listened to and welcomed. I would suggest contacting any schools that you are interested in and arranging a tour. You'll get a gut feeling when you tour the school that is right for your child. I hope your move and search for a school goes well.