Age Range. 4–11.
Number of Pupils. 160.
Fees per annum (2023-2024). Day only: £11,595 (P1), £11,995 (P2–P3), £15,145 (Forms 1–2), £15,555 (Forms 3–4).
After more than a century of independence, mainly as a Girls’ School, The Buchan School amalgamated, in 1991, with King William’s College to form a single continuous provision of Independent Education on the Isle of Man.
As the Preparatory School to King William’s College (see entry in HMC section), The Buchan School provides an education of all-round quality for boys and girls until the age of 11 when most pupils proceed naturally to the Senior School although the curriculum meets the needs of Common Entrance, Scholarship and Entrance Examinations to other Independent Senior School. The school buildings are clustered round Westhill House, the centre of the original estate, in fourteen acres of partly wooded grounds. The whole environment, close to the attractive harbour of Castletown, is ideally suited to the needs of younger children. They are able to work, play and develop their potential in every direction.
A well-equipped Nursery provides Pre-School education for up to 65 children. At the age of 4, boys and girls are accepted into the Pre-Preparatory Department. They work largely in their own building in bright, modern classrooms and also make use of the specialist Preparatory School facilities where they proceed three years later.
The School is particularly well-equipped with ICT facilities extending down to the Pre-Prep Department. It is also home to a STEAM Studio, providing a great opportunity to extend learning in this area. There is a Pavilion with fields marked out for a variety of team games and a multi-purpose area which is used for Rugby, Football, Hockey and Netball.
There is emphasis on traditional standards in and out of the classroom, with an enterprising range of activities outside normal lessons. Music is strong – both choral and instrumental – and there is energetic involvement in Art, Drama and Sport.
The school strives for high academic standards, aiming to ensure that all pupils enjoy the benefits of a rounded education, giving children every opportunity to develop their individual talents from an early age.
Entry is usually by interview and school report (if applicable) and the children may join The Buchan School at any time, providing there is space. The School is a happy, friendly community where new pupils integrate quickly socially and academically.
Charitable status. King William’s College is a Registered Charity, number 615. It exists for the provision of high quality education for boys and girls.