Our Journey
History of creating great contemporariesProudly celebrating over 90 years of excellence in educating and guiding generations of Beacon Boys
It began with our original five boys and continues with all our boys today. We ensure every experience at The Beacon is about becoming a Beacon Boy for life.
Pre 1930s
Before The Beacon BeganThe current Beacon site was a 17th century farm called Bois Farm. Its timbered barns still remain in use today around The Beacon’s Quad. These barns once housed a repertory theatre and a dance hall. During the Second World War, the army were billeted in the buildings. There is evidence of this in our Dining Hall where ‘Sgts Mess’ has been carved over the doorway.
1933
Early BeginningsThe Beacon was founded in 1933 as a school for boys by its first Headmaster, Stanley Fieldhouse. The school was opened on its current site with just five pupils, which is the origin of the five-pointed star on the school crest. By 1937, the number of pupils had grown to 35.
1950s - 1960s
A Growing SchoolIn the 1950s, Bois Farm was bought by the late Pip Masters to accommodate The Beacon’s 60 pupils, made up of boarders and day boys. He introduced rugby to the syllabus and in 1959, Beacon parents presented to the school the main playing field used for sport today Willsfield. During his time at The Beacon, Headmaster ‘Pip’ Masters moved the school to a day prep school and eventually retired in 1972 with around 300 boys on the school roll.
1970s - 1980s
In Safe HandsPip Masters was succeeded as Headmaster of The Beacon by his son-in-law Hugh Davies-Jones and The Beacon Educational Trust was formed. John Cross, formerly Head of French, renewed his association with the school by returning to take up headship in 1986, shortly before the introduction of the National Curriculum in 1988. The Beacon was also briefly led by its Head of English and Beacon Old Boy, Christopher Copeman.
1990s - 2010s
Hitting MilestonesIn 1999, Michael Spinney was appointed as Headmaster of The Beacon and the school grew to over 400 pupils. Under his leadership, The Beacon became one of the founding schools of the Pre-Senior Baccalaureate (PSB). In 2008/2009, The Beacon proudly celebrated its 75th anniversary. Paul Brewster took up the baton from Michael Spinney in September 2009.
2010s - 2020s
Solid LeadershipIn September 2013, after 4 years of Headship, Paul Brewster left The Beacon and Michael Spinney returned as interim Headmaster for two years until William Phelps took over as our Headmaster in September 2015. He led the school for 7 years until April 2022 when Simon Detre took over as Interim Headmaster for the Summer Term 2022.
2024
Today’s SchoolAt the end of the Summer Term 2022, we welcomed our current Headmaster Nick Baker, formerly Headmaster at Wetherby Prep School in London. Today, Nick continues to guide The Beacon forwards as a leading independent day prep school for over 500 Beacon Boys.
Alumni Magazine
Adventures of our Beaconians
Discover more about The Beacon and its journey with our digital magazine, published in November 2024! It is packed with news and interesting articles written by our former Beacon Boys.
Keep in Touch
Were you part of our Beacon community?
We are delighted to welcome our former Beacon Boys, staff and families who were previously part of our Beacon community to enjoy shared memories of life at The Beacon over the years.