By Eddie Franklin Finding the right private school for your child is an important decision. Parents looking for private schools in Amersham have access to several independent schools in the town itself, as well as a wider selection in nearby areas such as Chesham, Beaconsfield, Gerrards Cross, Great Missenden, Berkhamsted and High Wycombe.
These schools offer different educational approaches, age ranges and admission processes. Some specialise in early years and preparatory education, while others provide education through secondary school and sixth form. There are also schools specifically for boys or girls, alongside co-educational options.
This guide explores 20 private schools in and around Amersham, including their locations, school types, age ranges and general admission requirements.
Top 20 Private Schools in Amersham
1. Heatherton School
Heatherton School is one of the independent schools located directly in Amersham. It provides education for younger children and is particularly known as a preparatory school for girls, while its early-years provision includes younger pupils.
The school provides a structured environment designed to support children’s academic, social and personal development.
Typical admission requirements include:
- Registration with the school
- Meeting the age requirement for the relevant year
- An age-appropriate assessment
- Previous nursery or school information where applicable
- Availability of a place
- Completion of required admission forms
- Payment of applicable registration and school fees
Parents considering Heatherton should begin the process early, especially for popular entry years.
2. The Beacon School
The Beacon School is another well-known independent school situated in Amersham. It is a preparatory school with a long-established reputation for educating younger pupils.
The school provides education across several age groups and is particularly relevant to families looking for an independent preparatory education within Amersham itself.
Typical admission requirements include:
- Registration
- Appropriate age for the intended year group
- An entrance assessment or observation
- Previous school or nursery information
- Availability of places
- Completion of school documentation
- Payment of applicable fees and deposits
The exact assessment process depends on the child’s age and year of entry.
3. Chesham Preparatory School
Located in nearby Chesham, Chesham Preparatory School is an option worth considering for families living in Amersham and surrounding communities.
The school provides co-educational independent education for younger pupils and can appeal to parents who want a smaller preparatory-school environment without travelling far from Amersham.
Typical requirements include:
- Registration
- Age eligibility
- Assessment or observation
- Previous educational records
- Parent or guardian information
- Availability of a place
- Payment of applicable fees
4. High March School
High March School is an independent school in Beaconsfield that provides education primarily for girls.
Its location makes it a potential choice for families in Amersham who are willing to travel a short distance for a girls’ independent-school education.
Typical requirements include:
- Completed registration
- Appropriate age
- Entrance assessment
- Previous school reports where applicable
- Possible interview or admissions meeting
- Availability of a place
- Payment of required fees
Parents should check the school’s specific entry requirements for their child’s year group.
5. Davenies School
Davenies School is an independent school for boys in Beaconsfield. It provides preparatory education and caters to boys across several age groups.
For families who prefer a boys-only educational environment and live in or around Amersham, Davenies is one of the nearby schools worth considering.
Typical requirements include:
- Registration
- Meeting the relevant age requirement
- Entrance assessment
- Previous school reports
- Interview or meeting where applicable
- Availability of a place
- Payment of school fees
6. Gateway School
Gateway School is an independent school in Great Missenden, making it another relatively close option for families in the Amersham area.
The school focuses on younger pupils and provides an environment where children can develop academically and socially.
Typical requirements include:
- Registration
- Appropriate age
- Assessment or observation
- Previous nursery or school records
- Parent/guardian documentation
- Availability of places
- Payment of applicable fees
7. Berkhamsted Prep and Pre-Prep School
Berkhamsted Prep and Pre-Prep School is located in nearby Berkhamsted and offers education for younger children.
Its proximity to Amersham makes it an option for parents willing to consider schools outside the immediate town.
Typical admission requirements include:
- Registration
- Appropriate age for the relevant year
- Assessment
- Previous school information
- Possible meeting or interview
- Availability
- Payment of required fees
8. Maltman’s Green School
Maltman’s Green School is an independent girls’ school in Gerrards Cross. It focuses on younger pupils and provides a structured environment for girls during their early educational years.
Its location makes it accessible to families considering private education beyond Amersham itself.
Typical requirements include:
- Registration
- Age eligibility
- Assessment
- Nursery or school records
- Parent/guardian documentation
- Availability
- Payment of applicable fees
9. Gayhurst School
Gayhurst School is an independent school in Gerrards Cross serving younger children. It offers families another option for preparatory education within travelling distance of Amersham.
The school is particularly relevant to parents seeking an independent education for children in the early years and primary stages.
Typical requirements include:
- Registration
- Appropriate age
- Assessment
- Previous school information
- Availability of a place
- Completion of admission documentation
- Payment of applicable fees
10. Thorpe House School
Thorpe House School is an independent boys’ school in the Gerrards Cross area. One of its notable features is the broader age range it serves compared with many preparatory schools.
This can be useful for families who want their child to remain within the same independent-school environment for a longer period.
Typical requirements include:
- Registration
- Appropriate age
- Entrance assessment
- Previous school reports
- Interview where applicable
- Availability
- Payment of required fees
11. St Mary’s School, Gerrards Cross
St Mary’s School in Gerrards Cross is an independent girls’ school offering education across a broad age range.
For families searching for a girls’ private school near Amersham, its location and wider age range make it an option to investigate.
Typical requirements include:
- Registration
- Age eligibility
- Entrance assessment
- Previous school reports
- Interview for relevant entry points
- Academic requirements for older students
- Availability of a place
12. Pipers Corner School
Pipers Corner School is an independent girls’ school in High Wycombe. It provides education across several stages, including senior education and sixth form.
This makes it potentially suitable for families looking beyond primary education and seeking a longer-term independent-school pathway.
Typical requirements include:
- Completed application
- Registration
- Entrance assessment
- Previous school reports
- Interview
- Academic requirements for certain year groups
- Availability
- Payment of school fees
13. Westbrook Hay School
Westbrook Hay School is an independent co-educational school in Hertfordshire. It provides education for children across several age groups.
For families in Amersham who are prepared to travel outside Buckinghamshire, it offers another independent-school option.
Typical requirements include:
- Registration
- Appropriate age
- Assessment
- Previous school records
- Interview where applicable
- Availability
- Payment of applicable fees
14. York House School
York House School is an independent school in Hertfordshire serving younger pupils. Its location puts it within consideration for families searching for private schools around Amersham rather than restricting their search to the town itself.
Typical requirements include:
- Registration
- Age suitability
- Assessment
- Previous school reports
- Possible interview or meeting
- Availability of a place
- Payment of applicable fees
15. Egerton-Rothsay School
Egerton-Rothsay School is an independent co-educational school in Berkhamsted. It caters to a wider range of ages than many traditional preparatory schools.
The school can therefore be considered by parents looking for independent education for older children as well as younger pupils.
Typical requirements include:
- Completed application
- Registration
- Assessment
- Previous educational records
- Interview
- Appropriate year-group requirements
- Availability
- Payment of required fees
16. Berkhamsted School
Berkhamsted School is one of the established independent schools in the wider area. Located in Berkhamsted, it offers education for older pupils and also has boarding options.
Its wider educational offering means it may appeal to families seeking an independent school that can accommodate children through several stages of their education.
Typical requirements include:
- Registration
- Appropriate age/year group
- Entrance assessment
- Previous school reports
- Interview where applicable
- Academic requirements for specific entry points
- Availability
- Payment of fees and deposits
17. Crown House Preparatory School
Crown House Preparatory School is located in High Wycombe and provides independent education for younger pupils.
It can be considered by Amersham families looking for a preparatory school within the wider Buckinghamshire area.
Typical requirements include:
- Registration
- Appropriate age
- Assessment
- Previous school or nursery information
- Parent/guardian documentation
- Availability
- Payment of applicable fees
18. Godstowe Preparatory School
Godstowe Preparatory School is an independent school in High Wycombe. It provides education for younger pupils and also offers boarding arrangements.
The school may therefore appeal to families looking for either day-school or boarding opportunities.
Typical requirements include:
- Registration
- Age eligibility
- Entrance assessment
- Previous school reports
- Interview where applicable
- Availability
- Payment of tuition and relevant boarding fees
19. The Chalfonts Independent Grammar School
The Chalfonts Independent Grammar School provides independent education across a broader age range.
For families searching beyond the immediate boundaries of Amersham, the school provides another option to investigate, particularly for parents looking for a private education pathway extending beyond the primary years.
Typical requirements include:
- Application and registration
- Entrance assessment
- Previous school reports
- Interview
- Appropriate academic requirements
- Availability of a place
- Payment of applicable fees
20. Royal Masonic School for Girls
Royal Masonic School for Girls is located in Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire, and is another independent-school option within the wider area around Amersham.
The school provides education for girls across several stages and also offers boarding.
Typical requirements include:
- Registration
- Appropriate age
- Entrance assessment
- Previous school reports
- Interview where applicable
- Academic requirements for older pupils
- Availability
- Payment of applicable fees and deposits
Common Requirements for Private Schools in Amersham
Although every independent school has its own admissions policy, there are several requirements that parents are likely to encounter.
Registration
Most private schools require parents to register their children before they can be considered for a place. Registration may need to be completed considerably earlier than the intended admission date.
Age Requirements
Children must meet the school’s age requirement for the year group they are applying for. Entry ages vary significantly between schools.
Entrance Assessments
An entrance assessment is common in independent schools. Younger children may undergo an informal observation, while older pupils may complete tests in subjects such as English, mathematics and reasoning.
Previous School Reports
Schools may ask for reports from the child’s current or previous school. These provide information about academic progress, behaviour and general development.
Interviews
Some schools interview prospective pupils. At certain entry points, parents may also be invited to an admissions meeting.
Availability of Places
Passing an assessment does not always mean that a child will automatically receive a place. Schools may have a limited number of spaces in particular year groups.
Fees and Deposits
Parents should consider the full cost of private education, including tuition, registration, deposits, uniforms, meals, transport, extracurricular activities and, where applicable, boarding.
Scholarships and Bursaries
Some schools provide financial assistance through scholarships or bursaries. Eligibility and application procedures vary, so parents should ask each school about the assistance available.
Comparison Table: Private Schools in Amersham
| School | Location | School Type | Main Age Range | Admission Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heatherton School | Amersham | Independent | Early years–11 | Registration, assessment |
| The Beacon School | Amersham | Independent Prep | Early years–13 | Registration, assessment |
| Chesham Preparatory School | Chesham | Co-educational | Early years–11 | Registration, assessment |
| High March School | Beaconsfield | Girls’ Independent | Early years–11 | Registration, assessment |
| Davenies School | Beaconsfield | Boys’ Independent | 4–13 | Assessment, reports |
| Gateway School | Great Missenden | Independent | Early years–11 | Registration, assessment |
| Berkhamsted Prep & Pre-Prep | Berkhamsted | Independent | Early years–11 | Registration, assessment |
| Maltman’s Green School | Gerrards Cross | Girls’ Independent | Early years–11 | Registration, assessment |
| Gayhurst School | Gerrards Cross | Independent | Early years–11 | Registration, assessment |
| Thorpe House School | Gerrards Cross | Boys’ Independent | Early years–18 | Assessment, interview |
| St Mary’s School | Gerrards Cross | Girls’ Independent | Early years–18 | Assessment, reports |
| Pipers Corner School | High Wycombe | Girls’ Independent | 4–19 | Assessment, interview |
| Westbrook Hay School | Hertfordshire | Independent | Early years–16 | Registration, assessment |
| York House School | Hertfordshire | Independent | Early years–11 | Registration, assessment |
| Egerton-Rothsay School | Berkhamsted | Independent | School age–19 | Assessment, interview |
| Berkhamsted School | Berkhamsted | Independent | Senior age–19 | Assessment, reports |
| Crown House Prep | High Wycombe | Independent | Early years–11 | Registration, assessment |
| Godstowe Prep | High Wycombe | Independent | Early years–14 | Assessment, registration |
| Chalfonts Independent Grammar | Buckinghamshire | Independent | Early years–18 | Assessment, interview |
| Royal Masonic School | Rickmansworth | Girls’ Independent | Early years–19 | Assessment, interview |
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Conclusion
There are several private schools in Amersham and the surrounding areas for parents to consider. Heatherton School and The Beacon School are the most direct options for families specifically looking within Amersham, while nearby towns such as Chesham, Beaconsfield, Gerrards Cross, Berkhamsted and High Wycombe provide many additional choices.
The right school will depend on the child’s age, educational needs, preferred school environment, location and the family’s budget. Parents should also consider whether they want a co-educational, boys-only or girls-only school and whether they need education that continues through the senior years.
Most importantly, do not wait until the last minute to apply. Independent schools can have limited spaces, particularly at popular entry points. Start by identifying several suitable schools, visiting them where possible, understanding their admission requirements and preparing the necessary documents well ahead of the intended admission year.
With careful research and early preparation, families searching for private schools in Amersham can find an educational environment that matches their child’s needs and long-term goals.
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