The Beacon School

**The Beacon. Guiding the next generation. ** The Beacon is a leading independent prep school for boys and girls aged 3 to 13 years, set in the heart of the Chiltern countryside in Amersham. The school has as a well-founded reputation for being an exceptional happy school where no child is overlooked, inspiring pupils to fulfil their own academic, creative and physical potential, both in and beyond the classroom. The Beacon successfully met standards across all categories in the ISI Inspection 2025. Inspectors highlighted that school leaders have a clear vision of ‘guiding the next generation’, preparing pupils for the future. They praised The Beacon for its broad and inclusive curriculum, including extra-curricular opportunities, and its expertise in promoting pupils’ welfare by ensuring physical, mental health and emotional wellbeing is met. All class sizes are small and whilst academic excellence is at the heart of the school, The Beacon is dedicated to teaching pupils ‘how to learn’, instilling core learning skills such as independent thinking, communication, teamwork and resilience, preparing them for this ever-changing world. From the earliest steps in initial learning, The Beacon prepares children for secondary education through a curriculum that offers both richness and diversity of opportunity. The Beacon is proud to have a long-standing success with senior school transition, and a formidable reputation of scholarships offered. In recent years, pupils have been fortunate to receive Academic, Music, Drama, Performing Arts, Art, Design Technology and Sports scholarships at some of the most highly esteemed independent senior schools around the country. The school also enjoys impressive success at 11+ for entry into Grammar Schools. Children are educated in extremely well-resourced buildings with spectacular facilities; a beautiful blend of old 17th-century farmstead and barns with new, including a 220-seat Theatre, a Design and Technology Suite, recently refurbished Cooking and Nutrition Room, Science Labs, a 25m Swimming Pool, Drama Studio, Music Technology Suite, two Libraries, a large Sports Hall, two AstroTurfs and 16-acres of playing fields. Music and Drama are real strengths at The Beacon, with over five choirs, eight ensembles and numerous opportunities for children to perform, including a range of weekly Music and Drama clubs for all ages. There are 21 visiting Music and Drama specialists with over 400 weekly lessons taking place. Every child at The Beacon is given a chance to perform throughout the year in a range of musical productions, playlets, showcases and concerts, with international choir tours and performances at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe being a particular highlight. Sport is all-inclusive and exemplifies teamwork, emphasising the school ethos that everybody matters. Pupils regularly compete at County level in cricket, hockey, tennis, athletics, cross country, swimming and rugby. The Beacon has an excellent record of success in many national and regional competitions. The welfare and wellbeing of all children is a primary focus. With a full-time Wellbeing Coach and Counsellor, two Mental Health First Aiders and a team of 16-trained Mental Health Champions across the school, there is comprehensive support for the whole Beacon Community. The school’s mindfulness programme and peer-mentoring scheme is hugely successful. Little Beacons is an inspiring and nurturing educational Nursery welcoming boys and girls from the age of 3, offering early school experiences to encourage development of a love and curiosity for learning. Located within a wonderfully spacious Early Years setting, Little Beacons take their first steps on their educational journey, supported and encouraged throughout by a dedicated Nursery team. They enjoy weekly lessons with specialised staff in Music, French, Swimming, Outdoor Learning and Games. Wrap-around care is available for all pupils from 7.30 am (Breakfast Club) until 6 pm (Prep and After-School Care and Clubs). There is also a programme of courses and activities available to children aged 3-13 during the school holidays and half-terms. The Beacon also offers a wide range of minibus routes as well as an under 6 car service for families living in Beaconsfield, Gerrards Cross, Chorleywood, Berkhamsted, High Wycombe and the surrounding villages.