The Beacon School
School summary
Founded in 1933, The Beacon School in Amersham is an independent preparatory school taking children from age three through to thirteen. With around 500 pupils, it sits in the medium-size band and is comfortable rather than crowded. Its Independent Schools Inspectorate rating is 'excellent' across the board, including for pupils' personal development, and all compliance standards were met. A notable feature is the breadth of bursary support, with awards of up to 100 per cent of fees available according to need.
Where every mark matters.
Places are limited and demand is high, so exam performance is what sets candidates apart. Passmate turns the months ahead into ten focused minutes a day on the exact topics this school tests.
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Inspection reports
- ISI rating
- excellent
- ISI personal development
- excellent
- Last inspected
- 21 January 2025
Teaching & academics
The ISI judged the school 'excellent', the inspectorate's highest standard, reflecting strong outcomes for a prep school preparing children for senior school entry at 13. Almost a fifth of pupils receive SEN support, suggesting a school accustomed to identifying and meeting a range of learning needs. Academic scholarships are among the awards offered, recognising able pupils as they progress.
Headmaster · Nick Baker
Beyond the classroom
Sport is a clear strength, with cricket, hockey, rugby, tennis, athletics, cross country and swimming all on offer. Scholarships in sport, drama and art point to a school that values achievement beyond the classroom and rewards talent across several fields.
Main sports
School life & ethos
- Founded
- 1933
- Boarding
- No
- SEN support
- 19.72%
- EHC plans
- 0.2%
Fees & bursaries
- Day fees (per year)
- £11,625 - £26,586
- Bursaries up to
- 100% of fees
Bursaries offered (usually in years 3-6) up to 100 per cent, according to financial need. Short-term assistance can be given if financial situation changes.
Schools nearby
High March School
Beaconsfield, South East
Berkhamsted Pre-Prep and Prep School
Berkhamsted, East of England
Pipers Corner School
High Wycombe, South East
Royal Masonic School for Girls
Rickmansworth, East of England
Thorpe House School
Gerrards Cross, South East
St Mary's School
Gerrards Cross, South East
Watch Passmate decide how to teach.
Answer as a child would. Left: what they see. Right: what it learns about them.
A well-regarded co-educational prep with excellent inspection results and genuinely generous bursaries, making it worth a look for families who might assume independent fees are out of reach.
That’s where Passmate comes in. Tutoring is the most effective thing in a child’s preparation - a well-tutored child can outperform the vast majority of their peers. Passmate works alongside your tutor, not instead of them: it learns how your child thinks, finds the gaps, and shows the tutor exactly where to spend each session - so the limited time you have lands on what actually decides a place.
Works alongside your child’s tutor - not instead of them.
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The Beacon School 11+: frequently asked questions
Compiled from public data. Last checked 5 June 2026.