Long regarded as one of England’s most desirable counties, Buckinghamshire offers more than its chocolate-box villages and grand country estates; it’s also home to around 40 independent schools. The county is served by a mix of single-sex and co-educational establishments that are well regarded for preparing pupils for both leading senior independent schools and the competitive grammar system, with many educating children through to the age of 13.
Private education in the UK dates back to the Middle Ages, when schools such as The King’s School, Canterbury – founded in 597 – and St Peter’s School, York were established by the Church. By the 14th to 16th centuries, grammar schools evolved into the famous ‘public schools’ like Eton College and Winchester College, which still flourish today. In the 20th century, independent education further expanded to include girls’ and day schools that sat alongside the traditional boarding model.
Today, over 2,600 independent schools educate over 600,000 pupils, which is approximately 6–7% of UK schoolchildren, best known for their academic standing, rich traditions and exceptional university progression rates.
In this guide, we reveal the five best private schools Buckinghamshire has to offer.
Wycombe Abbey, High Wycombe
Founded on the day of Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee in 1896, Wycombe Abbey sits on a 170-acre estate and is widely regarded as one of the best girls’ boarding schools in the world.
Academically, Wycombe Abbey is peerless; in 2025, almost all GCSEs were graded 7–9 and the school routinely tops national league tables for A-level performance. Yet, beyond the statistics lies something harder to measure, a confident culture that encourages girls to be leaders in thought and action. Life outside the classroom is equally rich, with extracurricular activities such as rowing, drama and debating, while weekends bring a whirl of trips, socials and sports.
Each year, pupils secure places at highly selective universities on competitive courses and while Oxbridge remains a popular destination for many, an increasing number are exploring a wider range of options and thinking more broadly about the experiences they seek. In particular, their outlook is becoming increasingly global, with universities in the United States proving especially attractive.
St Mary’s School, Gerrards Cross
Located just 30 minutes from London, St Mary’s combines a friendly village feel with impressive academic credentials. This all-through day school for girls aged 3 to 18 aims to help every girl challenge herself and achieve her full potential while taking pleasure in the learning process. Academic results are consistently strong; at English GCSE, 71% of grades were the top grades 9–7.
Rooted in its Anglican foundation and guided by the motto “Embrace, Empower, Excel”, lessons are lively and teachers are invested in bringing out each girl’s confidence and curiosity. Facilities are excellent and boast a new Sixth Form Centre, modern science labs and an extensive performing arts programme.
Stowe School, Stowe
Opened in 1923 and housed within one of Britain’s most spectacular stately homes, Stowe School sits amid 750 acres of landscaped parkland, a living work of art designed by Capability Brown. However, Stowe’s appeal extends beyond its campus; it is a school that has reinvented itself for the 21st century. Under the leadership of Dr Anthony Wallersteiner, its vision is to develop “Change Makers”: pupils who are intellectually curious, ambitious and ready to make a positive impact on society.
Stowe School demonstrates exceptional academic achievement with more than 80% of students in Biology, Chemistry and Physics attaining grades 7–9 and a significant number of students securing grades 8–9 in these core subjects. In comparison to many other independent schools in Buckinghamshire, Stowe not only matches but frequently surpasses regional academic benchmarks.
Co-curricular programmes, such as the Stowe Award, further encourage student development by advancing participation in sports, the arts and community service. Rooted in an Enlightenment tradition and a strong ethos of pastoral care, Stowe's educational model is designed to develop not only intellectual proficiency but also the confidence, resilience and empathy essential for navigating and contributing to a rapidly evolving society.
Pipers Corner School, Great Kingshill
Tucked between beech woods and winding country lanes and set within 36 acres of Chiltern countryside, Pipers Corner is a girls’ day school that encourages an atmosphere of mutual respect and family values, where good manners and courtesy are central to daily life.
From Pre-Prep through to Sixth Form, pupils are encouraged to explore their interests, challenge themselves and develop confidence in all areas of school life. Almost a third of all A-level results were awarded the top grades of A* or A in 2025. With specialist facilities for art, science, sport and the performing arts, Pipers Corner leads an environment where every girl can flourish both academically and personally, encouraging them to achieve their personal best.
Akeley Wood School, Buckingham
Akeley Wood offers a different rhythm altogether, a co-educational and all-through day school set amid woodland on the edge of Buckingham. Part of the Cognita group, it provides a journey from nursery to Sixth Form within three distinct sites that are each tailored to age and educational stage.
With exceptional facilities, a broad curriculum and dedicated teachers, pupils are supported to achieve their academic best while developing confidence, independence and a lifelong love of learning. Under the leadership of Executive Head Teacher Mrs Vanessa Conlan, Akeley Wood emphasises education as an adventure, helping every student to “Be You. Brilliantly.” The school recorded exceptional outcomes across the curriculum in 2025, with over 88% of core science subjects graded at 5 or above, alongside 79% in English Literature, 91% in French and 100% in Further Mathematics.
From the long history of private education in Britain to the vibrant independent schools of today, Buckinghamshire continues to uphold the very best standards of private education. From boarding or day, single-sex or co-ed institutions, the county's independent schools still carry that unmistakable English promise of ambition, intellect and a lifelong love of learning to help pupils grow in confidence and character.
