WHAT? WHERE?

Set in the storybook village of Great Missenden – home to Roald Dahl and his much-loved “Red Pump Garage” from  Danny the Champion of the World – Gateway School is a non-selective Prep and Nursery for ages 2–11 yrs. The school sits on a compact 3-acre site, with a handsome Victorian main building at its heart and small class sizes of 14–18 pupils. Around 250 children are currently on roll, split evenly between boys and girls.

There’s a real family feel here. It’s friendly and unpretentious, with the kind of warm, community-led spirit you’d expect from a village school — but with the standards, structure and results of a serious contender in Bucks’ fiercely competitive prep scene.

FACILITIES

For a relatively small site, Gateway makes every inch count. The Grade II-listed main building brings the charm, while modern additions keep things fresh – a spacious multipurpose hall (for assemblies, indoor PE and lunch), bright science labs, and a surprisingly well-equipped music room.

Upstairs, art and DT share a light-filled loft studio, complete with a rather impressive 3D printer. The library (cosy, creaky and soon to be revamped) sits at the top of a narrow staircase, packed with break-out nooks for bookworms.

A new, PTA-funded Wellbeing Hub is a real highlight: a peaceful, garden-inspired space filled with plants, beanbags and soft light – a haven for children who need quiet time or a chat. Outdoors, there’s a pair of astroturf courts, a small grass area and a climbing wall for breaktime adventures. It’s not sprawling, but it’s imaginative, well maintained and used to the max.

SPORT

Sport is solid, sociable and on the up. New Director of Sport Alex Lafleur (a semi-professional footballer for Chesham United) has brought fresh energy and ambition, with an inclusive approach that balances participation and performance.

Gateway fields teams in football, rugby, cricket, hockey and netball – for both boys and girls – and regularly takes part in inter-school fixtures. Recent wins include the U9s bringing home gold at the ISA regional football tournament and podium finishes at local cross-country events.

Offsite facilities include swimming at Risborough Springs, cricket and rugby at Ballinger, and athletics at Jarman Park. It’s not the vast rolling fields you’ll find at some bigger preps, but the enthusiasm and team spirit more than make up for it.

CREATIVE ARTS

Creativity runs through Gateway’s DNA. Drama is taught from Reception upwards, with specialist lessons introduced in Y5. Productions range from charming Nativity performances to slick Y6 musicals at Chesham’s Elgiva Theatre – recent hits include The Lion King and Mary Poppins.

Music is a particular strength. Around 40% of pupils learn an instrument, and 32 LAMDA students recently achieved a 100% distinction rate – a result that says everything about the school’s ethos of encouragement and excellence.

There are orchestras, ukulele and recorder groups, and choirs galore, all under the passionate direction of Rebecca Izard, Head of Creative Arts and a Guildhall-trained musician who’s been at the school for more than 20 years.

GENERAL

Beyond the classroom, enrichment is baked into school life. Around 40 extracurricular clubs (all included in the fees) range from debate, judo and gardening to anime, chess and mindful colouring. It’s a lively, varied mix that captures the school’s spirit of “have a go” learning. Y4-Y6 also have supervised study sessions every weekday, offering calm structure for busy families.

LITTLIES

The littlest Gateways start their school journey in a nurturing Nursery bursting with play-based learning and outdoor exploration. Activities change daily – from sandpits and dinosaurs to building blocks and trains – all designed to reflect the children’s own interests.

The atmosphere is joyful and relaxed, with a notably high staff-to-child ratio. By the time pupils reach Reception, they’re joining lively music sessions, rolling hula hoops in the hall and learning through hands-on discovery. There’s a lovely balance here: gentle encouragement, creative fun, and plenty of pastoral warmth.

ACADEMICS

Gateway may be non-selective, but the academic results are seriously impressive. For the last three years, the school has achieved an 80%+ pass rate in the 11+ – a figure that would make many selective preps blush.

Lessons focus on building curiosity and confidence rather than rote learning. Languages get an early start, with Spanish, French, German and even Japanese on offer. There’s a buzz of intellectual energy here, pupils are engaged, inquisitive and clearly proud of their school.

Senior school destinations reflect Gateway’s academic breadth: top Bucks grammars such as Dr Challoner’s and Beaconsfield High sit alongside independents including Wycombe Abbey, Thorpe House, Berkhamsted and Royal Masonic.

The admission process takes a more holistic approach through a taster day so everyone can see if there’s a good fit between child and school.

PASTORAL CARE & SEND

Gateway School students and head teacher

Pastoral care feels natural, not bolted on. The new Wellbeing Hub has become a central feature of school life, providing a calm, welcoming environment for reflection and emotional support. There’s also a Wellbeing Committee, an on-site nurse and a newly appointed SENCo who sits on the senior leadership team. Children are encouraged to talk – or, if they prefer, pop a note in the Worry Box at reception. Staff are approachable, and the school’s emphasis on kindness and empathy shows through in the pupils’ confidence and manners. 

THE HEAD

Headmaster Jonathan Coke joined Gateway at Easter 2025, bringing fresh ideas and a quietly determined energy. Formerly Head of St Christopher’s Prep in London and a one-time sports journalist, he combines professional polish with easy charm.

Coke has already made his mark – overseeing the new Wellbeing Hub, modernising staff spaces, and setting out plans for a full-site refurb. His focus is on academic excellence without elitism and nurturing resilience and curiosity in equal measure.

He has made two key appointments to assist this mission – Natashia Chambers as Director of Studies to oversee all things academic, and semi-professional footballer Alex Lafleur as Director of Sport. He’s also introduced a head boy and girl to the school, voted in by peers and staff.

This is a head who is visible, approachable, and even greets families at the gate each morning (bonus points for that).

QUIRKS

Farm School gets a big tick from us. Once a week, children don their wellies and head to a local working farm for hands-on learning – feeding animals, growing vegetables and generally getting muddy. Unsurprisingly, the farm dogs steal the show.

WRAP AROUND CARE

Parents juggling the London commute will love the 7.30am Breakfast Club and on-site after-school care, included in the termly fees, running until 6pm. Clubs range from judo and chess to gardening and anime, and there’s supervised study for Y4 – Y6.

ISI REPORT

In their recent report in October 2025, Gateway School met all standards, read the report here.

MOBILE PHONE POLICY

No mobile phones are allowed to be used on school premises. Year six children can hand theirs into reception at the start of the day.

TRANSPORT

Parking is a bit snug, but Great Missenden train station is a 5 min stroll away, offering easy access for families travelling from further afield. There’s no school bus service yet, though plans are being explored.

FEES

With all-inclusive fees that cover lunches, clubs, textbooks, trips and wraparound care, Gateway is among the best-value Preps in the area. Reception to Y1 costs £4,836 per term, rising to £5,378 in Y2-Y6 – well below many Bucks competitors with similar results.

WORD ON THE GROUND

Parents are buzzing about the school’s direction under its new head. They love the nurturing ethos, the academic success and the strong sense of community. It’s described as ambitious without being pushy – a school that knows every child and brings out the best in them.

THE MUDDY VERDICT

Gateway punches above its weight. It’s a small school with big ambition, serious heart and a sprinkling of Roald Dahl magic.

GOOD FOR: Families seeking an academically strong yet down-to-earth Prep; children aiming for Bucks grammars; parents who value warmth over gloss.

NOT FOR: Sports prodigies seeking acres of grounds or those wanting Y7–Y8 Prep years.

DARE TO DISAGREE? Be my guest! Book a family tour here and see what you make of Gateway for yourself. The next Whole School Open Day is Fri 22 May – register here.

Gateway School, 1 High Street, Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire, HP16 9AA. Tel: 01494 862 407.

Gateway School, Great Missenden

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