‘Glowing’ School Review

We are delighted that The Beacon has received a truly “glowing” school review from the UK’s Best Schools team at Muddy Stilettos (Bucks and Oxon).

After extensive local research and an extended visit to our School in early March, their editor, Hero Brown, writes: “The largest single sex prep school in the UK, The Beacon still has an impressively inclusive, family feel to it, with a focus on pastoral care and turning out well-rounded boys.”

Pastoral Care

The Beacon’s focus on our Community’s wellbeing and pastoral care is mentioned throughout the review: “This is an area The Beacon delivers particularly well on. The core message of ‘be kind, be kind, be kind’ as the school ethos is a powerful starting point (compare to other schools and their mottos of ambition, strive, success etc.), and this is backed up with active teaching of life skills like mindfulness from Reception upwards, Years 7 & 8 mentoring the younger boys and the permanent school counsellor.” Pre-Prep’s Hot Chocolate treats even get a mention! “…kindness starts early here – the children who are recognised for being thoughtful to others get a hot chocolate with Mr Steward.”

Our Parents’ Views

Their School Reviews team has also been listening to current Beacon parents’ views, which have been described as “glowing“. “The view from parents is that it’s strong across the board, academically… but also across the arts which are seen as just as ‘cool’ as sports.”

Lockdown Learning

Muddy Stilettos’s review even examines how we as a School have responded to the recent global pandemic: “The Beacon seems to have adapted smartly with online learning – its #BeaconExcellence:Online has done what the best schools have managed with continued normal time table, live lessons where possible, tutor time every morning, interactions with classmates and assemblies.”

“One thing I’ve not heard offered elsewhere is access to the school counsellor every day for boys and their families – that must be a real helping hand for many.”

Added Extras

Even The Beacon’s legendary lunches get a mention! “These are the best school lunches I’ve ever come across. The breadth on offer, but also the thought that’s gone into Taste Buddies, a kitchen-led initiative getting the kids to try British seasonal food… was seriously impressive.”

A big thank you to Muddy Stilettos for visiting The Beacon and listing us as one of their UK’s Best Schools. To read the full review, please click here.