Amersham School Review 2026: An Ambitious Upper School with a Family Feel

In a county dominated by the grammar school debate, Amersham School offers a compelling alternative. This Upper School serves the local community with a distinct blend of high expectations and pastoral warmth, often described by parents and inspectors alike as the 'Amersham family'. With a 'Good' rating from Ofsted and a reputation for adding significant value to students' progress, it stands as a first-choice destination for many families in the area, attracting roughly four applicants for every place.

The school sits on a shared campus on Stanley Hill, overlooking the Chiltern countryside. While the architecture is a functional mix of mid-century and modern blocks, the atmosphere inside is purposeful and vibrant. Students wear a smart uniform of navy blazers, reinforcing a sense of pride that leaders work hard to cultivate.

Mrs Sharon Jarrett has led the school for over 15 years, providing a stability that is rare in the sector. Her leadership is characterised by a 'no excuses' culture regarding behaviour, balanced with genuine care. The 2021 Ofsted inspection highlighted this duality, noting that the school is both "happy" and "ambitious". The "Amersham family" ethos is not just a slogan; it is a palpable culture where staff know students well and relationships are strong.

Amersham School acts as an Upper School, meaning it caters to students of all abilities but typically draws from those who did not qualify for grammar school places. Despite this, the school’s value-added performance is impressive.

In 2024, the school achieved a Progress 8 score of +0.34. This positive figure indicates that students here make greater progress across eight key subjects than students of similar starting abilities average across England. It suggests the teaching adds real value to student outcomes.

The school ranks 1,467th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking) and 3rd in Amersham. The average Attainment 8 score was 50.3, well above the England average of 45.9. Furthermore, 21.3% of students achieved Grade 5 or above in the challenging English Baccalaureate (EBacc) suite of subjects.

The curriculum is designed to be broad and inclusive. Key Stage 3 covers the full national curriculum, with a teaching style that is structured and supportive. Streaming is used in core subjects like Mathematics to ensure students receive the right level of challenge, while mixed-ability grouping is common elsewhere.

Inspectors have praised the consistency of teaching, noting that classrooms are "calm and focused". Teachers have high expectations and pupils are encouraged to take pride in their work. The school’s specialism in Business and Enterprise still flavours the curriculum, with a focus on employability skills like teamwork and presentation woven into lessons.

The Sixth Form is a popular choice for existing students, with a retention rate that speaks to the school's inclusive culture. In 2024, A-level results were solid, with 49.6% of grades at A*-B.

Destinations data for the 2024 cohort highlights the school’s pragmatic and career-focused ethos. While 40% of leavers progressed to university, a significant 37% entered employment directly. This high figure for employment reflects the school's success in preparing students for the world of work, often through school-leaver programmes or structured training. Apprenticeships accounted for a further 3% of destinations.

Amersham School is an Academy and admissions are coordinated by Buckinghamshire Council. It is a non-selective school, meaning students do not need to pass the 11-plus to gain a place.

However, entry is fiercely competitive. The school is consistently oversubscribed, with demand far outstripping the 175 places available in Year 7. In 2024, the subscription proportion was roughly 4.0, meaning four families applied for every single seat.

Places are allocated primarily by distance from the school gate, after priority for looked-after children and siblings. The catchment area effectively shrinks each year due to this demand; living in Amersham or Little Chalfont is usually necessary to secure a place. Families should check the precise last distance offered in previous years on the council website.

The pastoral system is a clear strength. The school operates a year group structure, where a Director of Learning and a team of form tutors stay with the cohort as they move up the school. This ensures continuity and allows staff to spot changes in wellbeing quickly.

The "Amersham family" approach means bullying is rare and dealt with effectively when it occurs. Ofsted noted that pupils feel safe and know who to turn to if they have worries. The school also has a dedicated Student Support team for those facing emotional hurdles.

The extracurricular offer is designed to broaden horizons. A long-standing and distinctive feature of the school is its link to Space Education, which has previously seen students visit NASA centres in Houston and Florida. This programme is designed to inspire ambition in STEM subjects and is a unique selling point for a state school.

Performing Arts are central to the school's community life. Annual productions are major events, utilising the drama studios and main hall to showcase talent in acting, dance, and music.

Sport is participatory and competitive, with teams fielded in football, netball, and rugby against local upper and grammar schools. Facilities include a sports hall, gym, and expansive playing fields shared with the campus.

The school day typically runs from 8:30am to 3:00pm. Located on Stanley Hill, the campus is a short walk from Amersham station, providing access via the Metropolitan Line and Chiltern Railways. Traffic around the site can be heavy at peak times due to the adjacent college.

Upper School Context: In a selective county, the peer group is different from a comprehensive school in a non-selective area. The most academically able students in the town typically attend the local grammar schools. However, Amersham School's strong top-end results show that high achievers still thrive here.

Oversubscription: The popularity of the school is a double-edged sword. Securing a place is difficult. Families moving into the area late or living on the catchment fringes should not assume they will get in. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place.

Vocational Pathways: The high percentage of students entering employment (37%) suggests a culture that values work-readiness as much as university degrees. Families solely focused on traditional academic outcomes should ensure they are comfortable with this balanced approach.

Amersham School demonstrates that a non-selective school can rival the pastoral care and ambition of any private or grammar alternative. It is a school that adds value in every sense; improving grades, building character, and opening eyes to careers. Best suited to local families who want a supportive, high-achieving environment without the pressure of the 11-plus. The main challenge is securing a place.