Chesham Bois Church of England School, located in Amersham, Buckinghamshire, underwent its first inspection as an academy on November 23 and 24, 2022. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good, with specific areas such as behaviour and attitudes, and personal development receiving outstanding ratings. The quality of education and early years provision were also rated as good, while leadership and management were deemed good as well. The school had not been previously inspected under the Education Act 2005, as it was exempt from routine inspections until November 2020.
Pupils at Chesham Bois enjoy attending the school, which fosters a friendly and supportive environment. They demonstrate sensitivity to the needs of others and actively seek opportunities to assist one another. The school’s values are deeply embedded in its culture, promoting confidence among pupils to express their feelings and opinions. The leadership team is ambitious for all students, who engage enthusiastically in learning activities and exhibit excellent behaviour both in and out of lessons. Instances of bullying are rare, and pupils feel secure in sharing their concerns with adults.
The curriculum is broad and ambitious, catering for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Leaders have carefully mapped out the learning journey from Reception to Year 6, ensuring that pupils acquire knowledge effectively. However, in some foundation subjects, the curriculum ambitions are not fully realized, leading to some pupils not achieving their potential. Reading instruction begins early, with a well-organized phonics program that matches reading materials to pupils' knowledge. While most staff are trained to deliver phonics effectively, inconsistencies in practice mean that some pupils do not learn to read as well as they could.
Staff at the school take pride in their work and feel valued by the leadership team, which considers their workload. Teachers effectively assess pupils' learning, identifying areas of difficulty and adapting their teaching accordingly. The school promotes high expectations for behaviour and attendance, resulting in very few pupils being regularly absent. The values of the school are well understood by pupils, who model these values in their interactions.
The personal development of pupils is exemplary, supported by a well-structured program that encourages them to reflect on important life questions. The uptake of extracurricular activities is high, particularly among disadvantaged pupils, who benefit from a rich array of opportunities. Governors play an active role in the school, ensuring that its vision and values are prioritized in strategic developments.
Safeguarding arrangements are effective, with a culture that prioritizes pupil safety. Staff receive regular training to recognize signs of potential harm, and pupils are educated on how to stay safe, including online safety. The school is committed to ensuring that all pupils, including those with special educational needs, are prepared for the transition to secondary school.
To improve further, the school needs to enhance the effectiveness of the curriculum in some foundation subjects to ensure all pupils can recall the rich content. Additionally, leaders should continue to support staff in delivering phonics consistently to maximize the benefits for all pupils in their early reading development. Overall, Chesham Bois Church of England School demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a high-quality education and fostering a supportive community for its pupils.
