Are you considering a private school in Buckinghamshire for your child? There are 8 senior schools to choose from – including some of the best in the country.
Find out everything you need to know about private schools in Buckinghamshire, including fees, exam results, and how to apply for a place.
What are the best private schools in Buckinghamshire?
The following 3 private senior schools were ranked the best in Buckinghamshire in 2024 based on recent exam results.
- Wycombe Abbey
- St Mary's School Gerrards Cross
- Pipers Corner School
Find out more about the top private schools in the UK.
How much do private schools cost in Buckinghamshire?
The fees for private schools in Buckinghamshire vary. Day fees range from just under 5,000 to £12,000 per term for day pupils, and boarding fees range from just over £11,000 to nearly £16,000.
The cheapest private school in Buckinghamshire is The Webber Independent School in Milton Keynes. The most expensive is Wycombe Abbey, where boarding costs £15,900 per term.
What's included in the school fees?
Independent school fees always include the cost of teaching. Some of the fees which might be charged separately include school lunch and exams (e.g. GCSEs, A levels and the IB Diploma). If your child goes to a boarding school, the fees usually include the full cost of boarding (lodging, meals etc.).
Before you register your child for a school, it's best to check exactly what's included in the fees. You will usually need to pay a non-refundable registration fee on application (often £100–£300) and a deposit when you accept an offer.
Help with school fees in Buckinghamshire
Most private schools in Buckinghamshire offer financial assistance to children who meet certain criteria. The most common type of assistance is a bursary, which is means-tested. Lots of schools also offer scholarships, but these are based on talent and are not means-tested.
Bursaries
Bursaries are a type of means-tested financial assistance. They're normally offered on a sliding scale, so children from lower-income families receive more support. Eligible children still need to meet the school's entrance criteria.
Most private schools in Buckinghamshire offer bursaries, with some covering up to 100% of school fees in exceptional circumstances.
If you think your child might be eligible for a bursary, you'll need to complete a bursary application form for your target school. This will involve supplying detailed financial evidence. You might also have a home visit from a member of the bursary team, or an independent advisor.
Scholarships
Scholarships are awarded to children who show talent in a particular subject or a co-curricular activity. Common scholarships include academic, art, drama, music, and sport.
Most private schools in Buckinghamshire offer scholarships. Many come with a financial reward, including up to 50% fee-reduction at some schools.
Academic scholarships are usually awarded based on the results of entrance exams. Co-curricular scholarships are applied for separately. Your child will have extra assessments and/or interviews alongside the main admissions process.
Sibling discounts
Some private schools in Buckinghamshire offer discounted fees to families with multiple children attending the same school. Discounts usually range from 5–20%, depending on the number of children in the family.
Armed Forces discount
Thornton College is the only school in Buckinghamshire to offer an Armed Forces discount. The fee reduction is 10%.
