St Mary's CofE Primary School, Amersham Review 2026: Academic Excellence in a Church of England Setting

St Mary's CofE Primary School occupies a central position in Amersham on the Hill, serving a community that expects, and receives, high academic standards. As a Church of England school, it balances a rigorous approach to the national curriculum with a deeply embedded Christian ethos. The school is currently ranked 665th in England for primary outcomes according to FindMySchool rankings, placing it comfortably within the top 5% of schools in England.

With a capacity of 328 pupils, the school maintains a size that allows for a breadth of facilities while ensuring that staff remain familiar with the individual progress of every child. The long standing head teacher, Mrs Julie Hills, has led the school for over 20 years, though the governing body is currently seeking a successor for 2026 to build upon her extensive legacy. The most recent Ofsted inspection, conducted in June 2025, rated the school as Good overall, with the school achieving an Outstanding grade for Personal Development.

The atmosphere at St Mary's is defined by a blend of traditional values and modern educational purpose. Located on School Lane, the physical environment is well-maintained and reflects the school's Church of England heritage through its central hall and reflective spaces. The school's motto, Believe and Achieve, is not merely a slogan but a framework that guides daily interactions.

Mornings begin with a sense of order as pupils arrive, greeted by staff who emphasize personal responsibility. The religious character is pervasive but inclusive; collective worship is a daily cornerstone where pupils reflect on themes of kindness, respect, and community service. This spiritual dimension is balanced by a clear academic drive that is palpable in the classrooms, where work is presented with pride and focus.

The school operates as a close-knit community where the local parish of St Mary's plays an active role. This connection provides pupils with a sense of belonging to something larger than the school itself. While the academic pace is brisk, the environment remains supportive, with older pupils often seen assisting younger peers during break times and shared activities.

The academic performance at St Mary's is exceptional, significantly outperforming local and England averages. In 2024, 72% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics combined. This is substantially higher than the England average of 61%.

The school's strength is even more evident at the higher standard. A remarkable 26% of pupils achieved the higher standard in reading, writing, and mathematics, compared to the England average of just 8%. These results place St Mary's in the top 10% of schools in England (national high percentile band).

Specifically, 91% of pupils met the expected standard in reading in 2025, with an average scaled score of 110. In mathematics, 88% also met the expected standard, with an average scaled score of 109. These proprietary FindMySchool rankings place the school 5th among all primaries in the Amersham area, marking it as a top tier choice for local families.

Teaching at St Mary's is characterized by high levels of subject expertise and a structured approach to the curriculum. The school follows the Primary National Curriculum but enriches it with specialist input in areas such as music and physical education. Science is a particular strength, with pupils consistently exceeding the England average for expected standards.

In the early years, the nursery provision provides a seamless transition into Reception. The focus here is on communication, language, and early mathematical concepts, delivered through a mix of adult led sessions and purposeful play. As pupils move through the school, there is an increasing emphasis on independent inquiry and critical thinking.

Teachers use assessment effectively to identify pupils who need extra support or further challenge. The high percentage of pupils achieving greater depth in writing suggests that the curriculum successfully stretches the most able. Homework is used consistently to consolidate classroom learning, and parents are kept well-informed of their child's progress through regular reporting cycles.

Transition at age eleven is a significant focus, particularly given the selective school system in Buckinghamshire. A substantial number of pupils sit the 11 plus examination, with many progressing to local grammar schools such as Dr Challoner's Grammar School, Dr Challoner's High School, and Chesham Grammar School.

For those not entering the grammar system, the school maintains strong links with local secondary moderns and comprehensives, including Amersham School and The Misbourne. Transition programs include visits to secondary sites, induction days, and thorough data sharing between staff to ensure that pupils' academic and emotional needs are met as they move to Year 7.

St Mary's is a highly sought after school, and securing a place requires careful planning. For the 2024 intake, the school received 90 applications for just 27 available places. This makes it heavily oversubscribed, with a subscription proportion of 3.33 applications for every offer made.

The admissions process is coordinated by Buckinghamshire Council. As a voluntary aided Church of England school, the governors' admissions policy includes criteria for those demonstrating a commitment to the faith, though places are also available to the wider local community. Families should note that 100% of those who put the school as a first preference and were offered a place were successful, but many others were disappointed due to the high volume of applications.

Parents are encouraged to use the FindMySchoolMap Search to check their precise distance from the school gates. While distance data varies annually based on applicant distribution, proximity remains a critical factor once faith and sibling criteria are met. Proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place.

The school's Good Ofsted rating is reflected in its strong pastoral systems. Safeguarding is effective, and there is a clear culture of vigilance. The "buddy" system, where Year 6 pupils mentor Reception children, fosters a sense of responsibility and reduces anxiety for the youngest members of the school community.

Emotional literacy is taught explicitly, helping pupils to manage their feelings and build resilience. For pupils with Special Educational Needs (SEN), the school provides tailored support plans, though there are no dedicated special classes. Instead, the focus is on inclusive classroom practice supported by targeted interventions from teaching assistants.

Extracurricular life at St Mary's is varied and well-attended. The school utilizes its facilities to offer a range of clubs that cater to diverse interests. Notable programs include the St Mary's School Choir, which performs at local church events, and a competitive sports program that includes football, netball, and athletics.

STEM: Innovation and Enquiry

The STEM curriculum is a priority, with the school participating in regional mathematics challenges and science fairs. Dedicated STEM weeks allow pupils to engage in large-scale projects, such as bridge building or coding challenges using Lego Robotics. These initiatives are designed to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, encouraging pupils to see themselves as future engineers and scientists.

The school day typically runs from 8:45am to 3:15pm. For working parents, the school offers wraparound care including a Breakfast Club starting at 7:45am and an After School Club that runs until 6:00pm. These are popular and often require advance booking.

The school is located in a residential area where parking is extremely limited. The school strongly encourages the Walking Bus initiative and cycling to reduce congestion on School Lane. Amersham station is approximately a 10 minute walk away, providing Metropolitan and Chiltern Line links, though most pupils are local to the Amersham on the Hill area.

Fees & Financial Aid

As a state funded voluntary aided school, St Mary's does not charge tuition fees. However, the school relies on voluntary contributions to the Governors' Fund to support the upkeep of the school buildings and enhance the learning environment. For nursery provision, the school offers the standard 15 and 30 hours of government funded childcare for eligible families.

Parents are advised that while the core education is free, there are associated costs for school uniform, educational trips, and optional music lessons. The school is committed to inclusivity and provides financial support for disadvantaged pupils to ensure they can participate fully in all school activities, including residential trips.

• High competition for places: With over three applications for every available seat, St Mary's is one of the most competitive primaries in Amersham. Families should have a clear Plan B and check current admissions trends carefully.
• Selective system pressure: Being in Buckinghamshire, the 11 plus is a significant event in Year 6. While the school manages this well, the environment can feel academic and results focused during the autumn term.
• Church of England commitment: The school's religious character is a defining feature. Families who are not comfortable with regular Christian worship and the integration of faith into the curriculum may find it is not the right fit.
• Limited parking: The immediate vicinity of the school is difficult to navigate by car during drop off and pick up. Families living further away will need to plan for a walk from nearby public car parks.

St Mary's CofE Primary School is an academic powerhouse that achieves results well above the England average while maintaining a supportive, faith based community. It is a school that suits academically ambitious families who value a structured, traditional environment underpinned by Christian values. The main challenge is the high level of oversubscription; for those who secure a place, the educational trajectory is exceptionally strong.