Choosing a primary school is a big decision, and High Wycombe families have good options in both the state and independent sectors. Because Buckinghamshire is fully selective at 11, many parents also think ahead to the 11 plus when they make their choice. This guide sets out the key differences between independent and state primary schools, so you can decide what is right for your child and your family.
Funding and Fees
State primary schools are funded by the government and free to attend. Independent schools are funded mainly by fees. When comparing costs, look at what fees include, and remember that all three and four-year-olds can use government-funded early education hours, which many independent pre-schools accept.
Class Sizes
State infant classes (Reception to Year 2) are legally limited to 30 pupils per qualified teacher, and many junior classes are similar in size. Independent schools set their own limits and usually keep classes much smaller.
Why class size matters
In a smaller class, teachers can spend more time with each child, spot difficulties early, stretch children who are ready and give quieter pupils more chances to contribute.
Curriculum and Teaching
Most state primaries follow the National Curriculum. Independent schools are free to design their own. Most build on the National Curriculum and add breadth through extra subjects, trips, clubs and enrichment.
Independent schools are also more likely to offer specialist teaching from the early years, in subjects such as music, drama, PE and Forest School. Our guide to specialist teaching in the early years explains why this matters.
Early Years
All registered early years settings, state and independent, follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The framework is the same, but experiences differ. Independent pre-schools often offer smaller groups, specialist sessions and a seamless move into Reception on the same site.
Preparing for the Buckinghamshire 11 Plus
In Buckinghamshire, children who want a grammar school place sit the Secondary Transfer Test in September of Year 6. There is an important practical difference between the sectors:
- Children at state-funded Buckinghamshire primary schools are entered automatically unless parents opt out
- Children at independent schools must be registered by their parents during the summer term of Year 5
Independent schools often build the skills the test assesses into everyday teaching. Read our guide to the Buckinghamshire 11 plus for High Wycombe parents.
Inspection
State schools are inspected by Ofsted. Most independent schools in recognised associations are inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI). Early years provision is inspected too. Reading a school’s latest report is a helpful starting point.
Wraparound Care
Many independent schools offer breakfast clubs, after-school care, clubs and holiday provision on site. Provision in state schools varies, so ask each school what is available.
Pastoral Care and Community
Smaller independent schools often have a close community feel, where staff know every family. This can make it easier to spot and respond to worries early.
Making the Right Choice
There are excellent schools in both sectors. Think about your child’s personality and needs, what matters most to your family and the practicalities of the school day. Visit several schools and trust your instincts.
Why Families Choose Crown House
Crown House Preparatory School in High Wycombe offers an independent education for children aged three to 11. Families choose us for our small classes, specialist teaching from the early years and our caring, inclusive community. We are non-selective, and around 80% of our pupils go on to local grammar schools, with the rest moving to excellent maintained and independent senior schools.
Our wraparound care runs from 7.45am to 5.30pm, with clubs, a free homework club for Prep pupils and holiday provision. Our October 2023 Independent Schools Inspectorate report found that “pupils throughout the school make good progress and many are successful in gaining a place at local selective schools when they leave.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Not automatically. Both sectors have excellent schools. The right choice depends on your child’s needs and your family’s priorities.
Yes, many do. Parents must register them for the test during Year 5, as they are not entered automatically.
Generally, yes. Independent schools usually keep classes well below the 30-pupil limit that applies to state infant classes.
Many independent pre-schools accept government-funded hours for eligible children. Ask each school how it applies them.
