FAQS

The Beacon welcomes both boys and girls from age 3 through to 13. Our Little Beacons Nursery welcomes children from age 3, with pupils then progressing through the Prep School from Reception to Year 8.

There are four main entry points at The Beacon; Nursery (aged 3), Reception (aged 4), Year 3 (aged 7) and Year 7 (aged 11). However, places in other year groups do become available.

Yes. The Beacon is co-educational, welcoming girls alongside boys at our key entry points from September 2026. We are delighted to have recently appointed Liz King as our new Head of Girls, who will play an important role in supporting and shaping this exciting new chapter for the school.

Our admissions process is designed to give us a rounded understanding of each child and their potential. The process varies depending on the year of entry. New joiners are invited to an Assessment Day in the year prior to starting. Children entering Nursery or Reception are invited in for a short observation and assessment session with our Early Years team. Boys and girls looking to join Years 1-8 spend the days with us and attend a variety of lessons, meet their teachers and peers, and enjoy lunch in the Dining Hall. For Years 1-8, assessments are age appropriate in Maths and English. References and a school report are requested.

Our Registrar is always happy to talk families through the process and answer any questions.

Our pupils go on to a wide range of leading senior schools across the country. We work closely with each family to help pupils identify the school that best suits their individual strengths, interests and ambitions. Pupils are supported throughout the process, including preparation for entrance assessments and interviews. Our main feeder

schools include Berkhamsted, Dr Challoner’s, Merchant Taylors’, Harrow School and Eton College.

You may register your child at any time from birth using our online registration form, accompanied with a non-refundable registration fee. Early registration is advised as children are placed on a waiting list in order of date of registration.

Yes, children joining The Beacon in September take part in a Moving-Up Morning in July prior to starting and an Induction Afternoon (Years 1-8) the day before term starts. We find this really supports our new joiners and helps the children settle in at the school.

Yes. We are committed to broadening access to the school and the wonderful opportunities available to Beacon boys and girls by offering school fee assistance. Two types of Bursary Funds are available at The Beacon; one for prospective pupils and one for existing pupils. Each bursary remains means-tested and on an individual basis, accounting for financial, compassionate and other relevant circumstances. A Headmaster’s Bursary is typically offered to children in Year 3 to Year 6 and can range in value up to 100% off fees. Our Registrar can provide further information about the opportunities available and the application process.

Yes. We strongly encourage prospective families to visit The Beacon and experience school life for themselves. We offer individual tours of the school all year round in addition to a Whole School Open Morning per term and Stay & Play Sessions for prospective pupils in Nursery and Reception. Visits to the school provide a great opportunity to explore our facilities, meet our staff and pupils to get a feel for life at The Beacon.

Pupils have access to a wide range of clubs and activities alongside their academic studies. These range from Sport, Music, Performing Arts, Creative Arts, STEM and many

other interests. We also offer several wrap-around care options including Breakfast Club, After-School Clubs, Prep and Late Stay.

Yes. The Beacon offers a programme of courses and activities for boys and girls from all schools aged 3 to 13 during the school holidays and half term breaks. Our Beacon staff strive to provide a range of specialist clubs to develop pupils’ skills coupled with fun activities in an enjoyable environment. Some of these include Multi-Sports, Art, Cooking, Design & Technology, Drama and more.

Sport is a major part of life at The Beacon, with pupils able to participate in a broad range of sports both recreationally and competitively. We provide opportunities for pupils of all abilities to develop their skills, represent the school and compete at local, regional and national level. Our pupils regularly take part in fixtures, tournaments and competitions across a variety of sports.

Pupil wellbeing is at the heart of life at The Beacon. This is supported by our full-time Wellbeing Coach and Counsellor, 2 Mental Health First Aiders, 16 trained Mental Health Champions, 2 therapy dogs and a whole-school approach to emotional and physical health.

Yes, Little Beacons Nursery accepts childcare vouchers from accredited companies and Tax-Free Childcare. We are now registered for the Early Years Government Funding so that parents can access 15 hours of free childcare per week (term time) for pupils aged 3-4 years in our Little Beacons Nursery.

Yes, children do not need to register full days, 5 days a week in Nursery. There is a weekly requirement to attend a minimum of five sessions during the Autumn term, increasing to seven sessions for the Spring term and eight sessions for the Summer term to ensure that our Little Beacons are fully prepared to start Reception.

We are proud to operate a wide variety of transport routes to travel to and from The Beacon, including a chauffeur-driven under 6 car service. Our routes include High Wycombe, Beaconsfield, Chorleywood, Gerrards Cross, Berkhamsted and surrounding villages.