Chertsey High School Review 2026: Academic Strength and Community Values

Chertsey High School has carved a distinct path since its establishment in 2017. As a state-funded academy for students aged 11 to 16, it was founded to address the high demand for secondary places in Addlestone. It quickly became a popular choice for Surrey families seeking a school that combines modern facilities with a rigorous academic culture.

The school is part of the Bourne Education Trust and has a capacity of 900 students. Recent performance metrics place it among the top 25% of all schools in England for GCSE outcomes. This achievement is supported by a Good rating from Ofsted, with leadership specifically identified as Outstanding. Under the current leadership of Mary Gould, who took over in 2023, the school maintains a vibrant atmosphere where intellectual ambition and personal responsibility are equally valued.

The atmosphere at Chertsey High School is purposeful and calm. Because it is a purpose-built institution, the architecture is designed for the flow of modern secondary life, with bright classrooms and well-equipped specialist areas. The school does not have a specific religious character, yet it operates with a firm moral compass based on its core values of knowledge and respect.

Students are grouped into a house system that helps maintain a small-school feel within the larger student body. There is a palpable sense of community during the morning tutorial programmes, where students meet with their tutors for 30 minutes daily to discuss everything from social integration in Year 7 to careers and college applications in Year 11. The culture is one where students are expected to take pride in their work and their community, which is reflected in the high standards of behaviour and smart uniform.

The school results tell a consistent story of academic success. In the most recent GCSE results cycle, Chertsey High School achieved an Attainment 8 score of 51, which is comfortably above the England average. Approximately 30.5% of students achieved Grade 5 or above in the English Baccalaureate (EBacc), highlighting a strong performance in core subjects like mathematics, sciences, and languages.

According to the proprietary FindMySchool rankings based on official data, Chertsey High School ranks 1,034th in England. This places the school in the national strong band, outperforming 75% of schools in England. Locally, it ranks 2nd among secondaries in the Addlestone area. A Progress 8 score of -0.03 shows that students achieve outcomes broadly in line with their prior ability levels, maintaining the high expectations that have become the school's hallmark.

The curriculum is broad and ambitious, designed to stretch students from their first day in Year 7. Lessons are well-planned and typically follow a structured format that prioritises deep understanding over rote learning. Specialist teaching is a priority, with five hours of subject-specific instruction daily.

In the lower years, students explore a wide variety of subjects before focusing on their GCSE options. The school has a particular strength in its EBacc delivery, ensuring students leave with a robust academic foundation. For students with additional needs, the school houses the Southcote Centre, a satellite provision for pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), ensuring that the curriculum remains accessible and inclusive for the entire community.

Extracurricular life is a pillar of the Chertsey High experience. The school offers an array of clubs that typically run from 3:00pm until 4:00pm, providing opportunities for students to pursue interests outside the standard curriculum. Current offerings include competitive sports, performing arts, and various hobby-based societies.

The school is well-regarded for its commitment to personal development. Participation in the Duke of Edinburgh Award is encouraged, and the school's "Lighthouse" provision offers a dedicated space for support and enrichment throughout the day. Sports fixtures and creative showcases are regular features of the school calendar, fostering a sense of healthy competition and collective achievement.

Securing a place at Chertsey High School is notoriously difficult. In recent cycles, the school has been heavily oversubscribed, receiving 562 applications for 176 available places. This creates a subscription proportion of 3.19, meaning there are more than three applicants for every seat in the classroom.

Admissions are coordinated by Surrey County Council. After the prioritisation of looked-after children and those with siblings already at the school, places are allocated based on those for whom Chertsey High is the nearest school. Parents should use the FindMySchoolMap Search to check their precise distance from the school gates compared to local trends. The deadline for Year 7 entry in 2026 is 31 October 2025.

Pastoral care is integrated into the daily routine through the tutor system. Every student has a designated staff member who acts as a consistent point of contact for both academic and personal matters. The 2022 Ofsted inspection noted that behaviour and attitudes were Good, with a safeguarding culture that is effective and vigilant.

The school places a high priority on emotional wellbeing. The "Lighthouse" is open daily from 8:30am until 4:00pm, providing a sanctuary for students during break and lunch. This proactive approach to mental health ensures that students feel supported as they navigate the pressures of secondary education.

The school day begins at 8:30am, though students are expected on site by 8:15am. A breakfast service is available from 8:00am. Lessons conclude at 3:00pm, but the school remains staffed until 4:00pm daily to allow students to complete homework or participate in activities.

For travel, the school is served by local bus routes through Addlestone and Chertsey. While the school does not offer a formal after-school "wraparound" care service in the style of a primary school, the staffing of the library and homework clubs until 4:00pm provides a structured environment for students at the end of the day.

• Intense Competition for Places: With over three applications for every place, many local families will not be successful in their application. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place.
• No Internal Sixth Form: Chertsey High is an 11 to 16 school. This means every student must manage a transition to a new college or sixth form after Year 11. While the school provides excellent guidance, it lacks the continuity of a seven-year secondary.
• Emphasis on Core Academics: The school has a strong EBacc focus. Students who prefer a more vocational or creative-heavy curriculum may find the academic pace demanding.

Chertsey High School is a thriving academy that has quickly become one of the most desirable state options in Surrey. It offers a rare blend of modern facilities and traditional academic rigour, resulting in outcomes that sit well above the England average. Best suited to academically able students who will thrive in a fast-paced, high-expectation environment. The primary challenge is simply getting through the door.