‘Working at The Beacon feels very much like coming home’ – meet the Amersham headmaster making a difference

Amersham-raised Nick Baker returned to the area in 2022 to become headmaster of The Beacon School. As the prep prepares to welcome girls for the first time, he shares his thoughts on local life, education and the community he calls home.

Raised in Amersham, Nick Baker is headmaster of The Beacon School, a boys’ prep school. Since joining in 2022, he has focused on strengthening relationships, enhancing facilities and guiding pupils through their school journey – and soon, welcoming girls to the school as well.

Round & About speaks to Nick about family life and the local area, from his favourite independent businesses and restaurants to the exciting developments ahead at the school.

Hello Nick, please tell us about yourself!

I’m married to Brigid, also a teacher, and we have two sons, Patrick and Joseph. We’ve lived in Berkhamsted since leaving London when Patrick was born 20 years ago.

I grew up in Amersham and many of my friends and family still live in the area. Working at The Beacon feels very much like coming home.

Where did you go to school?

I went to Dr Challoner’s where many of our pupils transition to at the end of their time here. It was a great experience, from both an academic and social point of view. The head during my time, the legendary John Loarridge, ultimately became a good friend and a mentor as my career developed. On my 13th birthday, during school assembly, Mr Loarridge asked to see me in his study immediately after.

I was very nervous and worried about what I’d done wrong… but he simply wanted to give me a birthday card, containing a book voucher, as we shared the same birthday. We then exchanged birthday cards every year up until his passing in 2020. He was a truly great man, superb company and an inspiration as an educationalist.

What is your favourite local business?

JPS Stationers in Chesham – the owner is a massive Tintin fan, like me, and stocks all sorts of memorabilia.

I still read the books to this day, and I have all manner of posters and objects around my house and office.

What about your favourite local restaurant?

Laurie Gear, head chef and owner of The Artichoke in Old Amersham, is a great friend of The Beacon and judges our annual cooking competitions.

Dining at his restaurant is a truly special culinary experience.

Are you a member of any local groups?

My boys and I are Watford season ticket holders, and I am a governor of Watford Grammar School for Boys.

What do you most love about where you live?

Many of my school friends have moved back to Bucks and many of our parent body are old boys and local people; it’s not difficult to see why.

The beauty and tranquillity of the countryside here, yet still being able to access the vibrant urban areas of London and Oxford within the hour means you have the perfect work-life balance.

Tell us about some highlights you’re looking forward to at the school later this year

We’ve recently announced that, after 93 years of being all boys, The Beacon will be welcoming girls into our school from this year (in nursery) and through the rest of the school in 2027.

The excitement from my colleagues, our parents and the boys is palpable, and the school is alive with the opportunities to excel and develop the school in new areas – bring on the girls!

For more information about The Beacon School, visit beaconschool.co.uk.

Share