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Secondary education

Connect with other parents whose children are starting secondary school on this forum.

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Original poster

The beacon school

22 replies

covespring · 28/12/2013 10:06

Looking at this school as a potential next move for my son. Had a look at the website and prospectus, they mention a new headmaster in 2015 but I can't seem to find a name. Does anyone know about this new headmaster? We thought it is a bit strange to keep his name a secret, if that is the case!

OP posts:

LIZS · 28/12/2013 10:06

whereabouts ?

Original poster

covespring · 28/12/2013 10:08

Sorry. The one in Banstead, Surrey.

OP posts:

LIZS · 28/12/2013 10:11

Maybe they haven't appointed yet or he/she hasn't given notice and that position been reappointed?

antimatter · 28/12/2013 10:16

Current head perhaps given a notice. Usually appointment happens in the academic year preceding retirement so in this case it would be starting Sept 2014.

Beacon school had some problems with old Head ffew years ago so I guess that is the reason for very early announcement.

Original poster

covespring · 28/12/2013 10:20

It sounds like they have appointed a new head, just haven't named him? Would current parents know, do you think, or not?

OP posts:

AnnBryce · 28/12/2013 10:22

Since Mr d there do seen to have been lots of Heads.

Original poster

covespring · 31/12/2013 13:02

Ok, aside from the new head, does anyone have any information about this school? Have you sent your children there? What did you think of it?

OP posts:

CinnabarRed · 31/12/2013 13:07

Are you sure you're not getting confused with The Beacon in Bucks? That school is definitely getting a new head in 2015 (DS1 is a pupil there) and I can dig out the info on the Bucks one, if you like.

Original poster

covespring · 31/12/2013 17:18

Oops, now that I have checked, yes, you are right, the one in Bucks! So, do you know who the new head will be? That would be great to know.

OP posts:

MrsMot · 01/01/2014 13:35

Beacon in Amersham's new head will be William Phelps, he's currently head at the British International School in New York but can't be released from contract until 2015.

CinnabarRed · 01/01/2014 13:38

Was just coming back to post what MrsMot wrote!

CinnabarRed · 01/01/2014 13:45

Oh, and so far we've been very pleased with the school. DS1 is in Y1, so not too much experience, but both his YR and Y1 teachers have been excellent, and I have a lot if time for the Head of Lower School, who really seems to get smallish boys. (In a good way!). The school is set up with boys' specific educational needs in mind, so for example the timetable has been structured into shorter periods and with more physical activity than might be usual in a mixed school. Although it has a reputation for sports, our observation is that the teachers do their best to nurture whatever talents are there and at all levels - academic, music, art, etc. The occasional nastiness you expect between young children has consistently been dealt with firmly, fairly and kindly.

MrsMot · 01/01/2014 13:54

My boys are older: ds1 did yrs 3-6 there, he's now at DCGS, ds2 is in yr5 and ds3 will start yr3 in 2015.

If there's anything specific you want to know please PM me.

CinnabarRed · 01/01/2014 14:53

Your DS3 will be in the same year as my DS1!

My DS2 will start YR in 2014, and DS3 in 2016.

Original poster

covespring · 01/01/2014 16:55

Thank you for all your comments, think I will have to book a visit in the new term. Sounds great!

OP posts:

MrsMot · 01/01/2014 18:23

It's a lovely school, suits all sorts.

Banter · 02/01/2014 08:40

Covespring - you've confused me (easily done!) You've posted "The one in Banstead, Surrey", which is a secondary school www.thebeaconschool.co.uk/. As this is a secondary thread and the school being discussed by the posters above is a primary school in Bucks, have you had useful feedback on the school in which you are interested?

TurnOffTheTv · 02/01/2014 08:43

I took my child out of The Beacon School in Banatead! Can you clarify which school you meant? You must know where you are living

CinnabarRed · 02/01/2014 09:48

The Beacon in Bucks does go to 13.

MillyMollyMama · 02/01/2014 10:48

Most independent prep schools in Bucks will have lots of children going for the grammar school places and they leave at 11. If you want a senior school place at 13, check how many actually stay until 13 and check they are not just grammar school rejects, ie not the brightest. If you want a senior independent school, you may need to look elsewhere.

CinnabarRed · 02/01/2014 12:57

Around half of the pupils left at the end of Y6 this Summer. Of the ones that didn't, very few are grammar school rejects; a sizeable contingent are off to Stowe, Radley, Marlborough, etc etc, with several of those on academic, sporting or drama scholarships.

pokito · 22/01/2015 14:00

We've just moved to the area and was wondering how far people travel to The beacon. We're half an hr away but I wasn't wowed by davenies which is closer. Both getting new heads this year so perhaps it's a wait and see game.

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