Chesham Grammar School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

This school ensures that all pupils flourish academically and personally. Its culture is exceptionally happy and welcoming. Pupils enjoy coming here and parents and carers are extremely supportive of the school.

Staff are highly ambitious for all pupils, regardless of their background or special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Talented and caring staff share a strong belief that every pupil has the potential to achieve at the highest level. They work diligently to provide a rich curriculum and high-quality learning experience for everyone.

As a result, pupils develop as enthusiastic and curious learners and achieve impressive results in public examinatio...ns.

At the heart of the school's culture are strong and positive relationships. These are nurtured through the school's highly effective 'vertical tutoring' approach.

Younger pupils appreciate the support and advice shared with them by older ones in their tutor groups. The vast array of extra-curricular activities on offer also brings pupils together to make lasting and varied memories. Pupils naturally demonstrate a deep respect for staff and for each other and behaviour is excellent.

Furthermore, sixth-form students are remarkable role models for other pupils. They know they are custodians of the school's values and take their leadership responsibilities very seriously.

What does the school do well and what does it need to do better?

The school's curriculum provides breadth and depth.

Its ambitions exceed the scope of national and examination expectations. Teachers present ideas and concepts clearly and ensure that pupils can place their learning in a wider context. Staff provide thoughtful and appropriately demanding opportunities for pupils to practise what they have learned.

They make regular checks on what pupils know and understand, addressing any misconceptions before moving on to new content. Teachers also provide very clear and helpful feedback. This enables pupils to extend and deepen their understanding.

Staff know pupils extremely well. Developing them as skilled learners is a priority. This is taught and supported explicitly from Year 7 onwards.

The school identifies pupils with SEND and understands how to help them precisely. Staff use this information to make thoughtful adaptations which aid these pupils' learning but also develops their independence. All pupils, in all key stages, are immensely proud of their work and achievements.

They are confident participants in their lessons from the very start. By the sixth form, they approach academic discussions with maturity and confidence.

Ensuring all pupils are confident readers at the highest level is a priority.

It is the norm for pupils to read demanding texts linked to the curriculum. This reinforces how subject and academic language is used in context for pupils. Staff equally encourage and model reading for pleasure.

They provide pupils with access to diverse and interesting texts. Where pupils are not yet fluent academic readers, the school provides highly effective support to help them catch up.

The school's approach to character education is impressive.

It permeates the curriculum, pastoral work and the house system. Pupils demonstrate their excellent character in their resilience when faced with challenges, their support for each other and their participation in wider school life. In addition to clubs and trips, pupils in all years seize the raft of opportunities to take on responsibilities in school.

Staff ensure they are open to all pupils. Sixth-form students embrace their many leadership roles enthusiastically. Their contributions and service are valued highly by staff and fellow pupils alike.

Pupils' character and commitment to the school are also evident in their very regular attendance. Where pupils need help in meeting these expectations, the school puts in place highly personalised and effective pastoral support.

Through the school's life skills lessons, pupils explore how to keep themselves safe and healthy, including online.

They learn how to make and nurture positive relationships, and the importance of respecting and celebrating difference. They are exceptionally well prepared to take their place as positive citizens of modern Britain. The careers programme is equally strong.

Pupils benefit from the school's partnership with a wide range of representatives from the world of work, apprenticeships and education. Many alumni return also to share their experiences. Consequently, pupils understand the many choices available.

They are extremely positive and aspirational about their future.

Staff are extremely humble about the school's impressive standards. However, they are not complacent and actively seek to learn from, and share with, other schools.

Trustees embrace the school's vision and support its quietly determined approach to improvement. They provide rigorous oversight, including of safeguarding. Staff are immensely proud to work at this school.

They feel valued and supported. Staff, parents and pupils typically describe the school as a 'wonderful community'.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.