Chesham Grammar School, located in Whitehill, Chesham, received an outstanding rating during its inspection on March 12-13, 2014. This was the school's first inspection since converting to an academy in August 2011. The school demonstrated exceptional achievement, with nearly all students making strong progress through both key stages. The percentage of students attaining five or more GCSE passes at grades A* to C, including English and mathematics, consistently surpassed national averages. All student groups, including those eligible for the student premium and those with special educational needs, made at least good progress, often achieving outstanding results.
The quality of teaching at Chesham Grammar School was also rated as outstanding. Teachers set high expectations and effectively tailored their instruction to meet the diverse needs of their students, fostering a motivating learning environment. The sixth form was noted for its excellence, with students achieving very good results across almost all subjects due to high-quality teaching and strong pastoral care.
Behaviour and safety were highlighted as outstanding, with students exhibiting exemplary conduct both in lessons and around the school. They reported feeling very happy and safe, demonstrating positive attitudes towards learning. The school prioritizes safeguarding, ensuring that students' well-being is a top concern for all staff and governors.
Leadership and management at the school were deemed outstanding, with the headteacher and senior leadership team passionately committed to providing the best education for all students. The governing body is well-trained and dedicated to school improvement, offering effective governance that balances challenge and support, leading to enhancements in teaching quality and student attendance.
The inspection involved observing 48 lessons, discussions with students, and reviewing various documents, including the school’s self-evaluation and development plans. The inspectors found that the school meets the government’s floor standards, indicating that it provides a satisfactory level of education for its students.
Chesham Grammar School is larger than the average secondary school, with a diverse student body primarily composed of White British students. The proportion of students from minority ethnic backgrounds is below the national average, and most students have a good command of the English language. The school has a relatively small number of students who join partway through their education, and it does not provide alternative education.
To further improve, the school aims to enhance student attendance by analyzing attendance data and strengthening its rewards and sanctions system. The inspection concluded that the school is highly effective in delivering outcomes that meet the needs of its students, ensuring they are well-prepared for the next stages of their education or employment. The positive feedback from parents and staff supports the inspection findings, reflecting a strong community commitment to the school’s vision and values. Overall, Chesham Grammar School exemplifies excellence in education, providing a supportive and challenging environment for all its students.
