In a city famous for its grid system and forward-looking planning, The Webber Independent School fits right in. This is not a school of ivy-clad cloisters or centuries of tradition. Instead, it offers a sharp, modern education for boys and girls aged 6 months to 16 years. Part of the Bellevue Education group, it sits on a functional campus in Stantonbury, focusing explicitly on "Real World Ready" skills rather than nostalgia.
The decision to stop at age 16 is strategic. By not having a sixth form, the school concentrates entirely on the journey to GCSEs, ensuring students are the oldest and most responsible in the community before they launch into specialist colleges or grammar sixth forms. With around 500 students, it is small enough for every face to be known but large enough to resource a serious curriculum.
The atmosphere is purposeful and business-like. Students wear smart blazers and move with a confidence that suggests they view school as their workplace. The buildings are modern and bright, maintained to a high standard that signals a contemporary learning environment.
Mrs Hilary Marsden has led the school since 2016. Her leadership is defined by a move away from insular private schooling towards outward-facing engagement. She speaks frequently about "future-proofing" students, a philosophy that permeates the school’s culture. Parents describe her as approachable but driven, with a clear vision that academic success must sit alongside personal resilience.
The school values—Personalised, Innovation, and Community—drive the daily routine. The "Webber Edge" programme exemplifies this, offering a curriculum extension that focuses explicitly on soft skills such as public speaking, critical thinking, and digital literacy.
The school consistently achieves strong academic outcomes. In 2025, 45.7% of GCSE grades were 9-7 (equivalent to A*-A). This significantly outperforms the England average and places the school among the top performers in the region.
Because the school is non-selective, these results represent significant value-added progress. The Webber Independent School ranks 424th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking) and 1st among secondary providers in Milton Keynes for this metric. This places it in the national high band, outperforming 90% of schools in England.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
GCSE 9–7
48.27%
% of students achieving grades 9-7
Class sizes are kept small, typically under 20, allowing teachers to monitor individual understanding closely. In the Prep School, specialist teaching is introduced early; by the time children reach the Senior School, they are accustomed to moving between subject specialists.
A defining feature is the "Real World Ready" curriculum. Lessons are often linked to industry scenarios. In Science, students might apply the periodic table to sustainable energy challenges. In English, communication skills are honed through presentations and debates rather than just written essays.
Digital learning is integrated seamlessly. The school uses a blended learning approach, with devices used as standard tools. However, this is not a screen-centric environment; technology supports rather than replaces the teacher.
As the school concludes at Year 11, post-16 guidance is robust. The school turns the lack of a sixth form into an advantage, arguing that at 16, students are ready for a change of environment.
Leavers progress to a diverse range of destinations. Many secure places at local grammar school sixth forms, such as the Royal Latin School or Sir Henry Floyd Grammar School, leveraging their strong GCSEs to gain entry. Others move to independent sixth forms with boarding provision, or to specialist colleges like Milton Keynes College for vocational pathways. "Future Fairs" and one-to-one mentoring ensure that every student has a clear plan well before exam season.
Admissions are non-selective in the traditional sense of passing a high-stakes exam, but the school is academically ambitious. The process is designed to ensure a good fit.
For Reception entry, children attend a taster session where staff observe their social interaction and readiness to learn. For Year 7 and other senior entry points, candidates sit an assessment in English and Mathematics. This is used for setting and identifying potential rather than as a strict pass/fail gate, though the school will decline a place if they feel the curriculum would not suit the child's needs.
Applications are accepted throughout the year, but families seeking Year 7 places are advised to apply by the preceding January.
The pastoral system is built around a vertical House structure. Students belong to one of four houses, creating bonds between older and younger pupils. This reduces the intimidation factor of the senior years and gives younger children role models.
Form tutors see their tutees twice daily and act as the first point of contact. The school prides itself on being small enough that no child slips through the net. "Known and grown" is a phrase often used by staff to describe their approach.
The extracurricular programme is extensive. The school day is longer than many maintained schools, allowing time for enrichment without eating into family evenings.
Sport is inclusive but competitive. The school uses its own fields and local facilities to offer football, netball, rugby, and athletics. Fixtures against other independent schools are regular.
Creativity is central. The Art and Design department is particularly strong, with student work displayed throughout the school. Drama productions are major calendar events, often involving a third of the school in cast or crew roles.
A major pillar of school life. The school participates in the F1 in Schools challenge, where students design, manufacture, and race miniature compressed-air powered cars. This combines engineering, marketing, and teamwork. The coding club and Eco-Warriors group also thrive.
For the 2025-26 academic year, fees include VAT. Day fees are £4,056 per term for Years 1-2, rising to £5,696 per term for Years 7-9 and £5,765 per term for Years 10-11.
Scholarships are available for candidates entering Year 6 to Year 10. These are awarded for excellence in Academic, Music, Art, Sport, and Drama, typically offering up to 50% fee remission. Sibling discounts are available: 10% for a second child and 15% for a third.
The Webber Nursery accepts children from six months old and operates 51 weeks a year, catering to working families. It follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) but with specialist input; children use the main school hall for PE and visit the library.
Transition to Reception is seamless as nursery children are already familiar with the "big school" staff and buildings. For nursery fees and funding options, families should visit the school website. Government-funded hours are available for eligible families; see our guide to nursery funding.
The school day runs from 8:30am to 4:00pm. Wraparound care is extensive: breakfast club starts at 7:30am, and after-school care extends to 6:00pm. Located in Stantonbury, the school is easily accessible by car from the city grid roads. A network of school bus routes serves the wider area, including Woburn Sands, Olney, and Buckingham.
No Sixth Form. The school ends at Year 11. Families must be prepared for a transition at age 16. While this avoids stagnation, it does mean another admissions round just as A-levels begin.
Urban setting. The campus is functional and located within a residential area. Families seeking acres of rolling parkland or historic stone buildings will not find them here. The aesthetic is modern and practical.
Fee commitment. Fees represent a significant investment. Families must weigh this against the free grammar school options available in nearby Buckinghamshire, though access to those requires passing the 11-plus.
The Webber Independent School offers a compelling alternative to both the local state system and traditional private schools. It is unashamedly modern, academic without being stuffy, and focused on practical outcomes. Best suited to families in Milton Keynes who want a rigorous, supportive education that treats children as individuals. The main challenge is the lack of a sixth form, but for many, the exceptional GCSE results make the journey worthwhile.
Yes. Recent ISI inspections (most recently June 2025) confirm the school meets all standards and provides a high quality of education. GCSE results consistently place it in the top 10% of schools in England, with 45.7% of grades at 9-7 (A*-A) in 2025.
For the 2025-26 academic year, fees (including VAT) range from £4,000 per term in Reception to £5,765 per term in Years 10-11. Lunch is an additional cost.
No. The school educates children up to age 16 (Year 11). Students move on to local grammar schools, independent sixth forms, or colleges after their GCSEs.
The school is not highly selective but requires an assessment in English and Mathematics for senior entry. This ensures students can access the curriculum. Reception entry involves a taster session.
Yes. Scholarships are available for entry into Years 6 through 10. Awards are given for excellence in Academic subjects, Art, Sport, Drama, and Music.
The "Webber Edge" programme includes F1 in Schools (STEM), coding, drama productions, choir, and competitive sports fixtures.
Get in touch with the school directly
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