Chartridge Combined School Review 2026: Space to Learn, Grow and Achieve

In the rolling countryside that edges Chesham, where the village of Chartridge sits peacefully northwest of the town, Chartridge Combined School has maintained consistent academic excellence for decades. Since opening its doors in January 1969, this community primary has become the highest-performing school for Key Stage 2 results across Chesham, serving approximately 212 pupils aged four to eleven. The school ranks in the top 5% nationally (FindMySchool data), with 96% of Year 6 pupils reaching expected standards in reading, writing and mathematics combined in 2024. Led by headteacher Mr Nuno Alexandre, the school combines rigorous teaching with a genuine commitment to child wellbeing, generating an atmosphere where curiosity thrives and pupils feel secure enough to take learning risks. The spacious grounds, set apart from urban bustle, offer pupils room to explore nature and develop independence.

Chartridge occupies a rural setting that appears to shape its distinctive culture. The school's physical environment reflects careful planning, with seven classes spread across one-form entry from Reception through Year 6, meaning each class contains around thirty pupils. Recent Ofsted findings (February 2019) described pupils as happy, polite and confident, with high levels of concentration and rare bullying. Parent feedback is overwhelmingly positive; 96% believe their children are happy here, and 94% say behaviour is good.

The school's values system runs deeply through daily practice. The stated priorities of honesty, support, inquisitiveness and resilience are not merely displayed on walls but actively practised through the curriculum and pastoral routines. School council representatives, selected from each class, meet fortnightly with school leadership to shape improvements, giving pupils genuine agency in their institution. Visitors consistently remark on the warm and supportive atmosphere among staff, pupils and families. Teachers communicate regularly with parents through monthly newsletters, text alerts and termly consultation evenings, creating a partnership where information flows two ways. The Parent Association (Chartridge School Association) is exceptionally active, organising substantial fundraising events that have financed the library refurbishment, outdoor classroom construction and playground equipment upgrades.

The school operates within a growth mindset philosophy, explicitly encouraging pupils to view challenges as opportunities rather than threats. This ethos appears to translate into high expectations across the board. Teachers set ambitious targets yet deliver the targeted support that allows all pupils, including those with special educational needs (14% of the cohort) and English as an additional language learners (11 pupils, approximately 5%), to progress.

KS2 Performance

Chartridge's examination results place it among England's strongest primary schools. In 2024, 96% of Year 6 pupils achieved the expected standard in reading, writing and mathematics combined, compared to the England average of 61%. This represents a sustained strength over years. The school ranks 735th in England (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the top 5% nationally. Locally, it is the highest-performing primary in Chesham, ranking first among schools in the area.

Breaking down the component subjects reveals consistency across literacy and numeracy. Reading achieved a scaled score of 109 (England average: 100), with 97% meeting expected standard and 45% achieving greater depth. Mathematics reached 110 (England average: 100), with 97% at expected standard and 34% exceeding this. Grammar, punctuation and spelling showed 86% at expected standard (England average lower), though the school has prioritised closing the gap in writing through focused teaching strategies. Science performance was exceptionally strong, with 97% reaching expected standard against an England average of 82%. At the higher standard, 34% of pupils achieved greater depth across reading, writing and mathematics combined, compared to just 8% nationally.

These metrics reflect consistent, strong teaching and effective progress-tracking systems. The school analyses assessment data throughout the year, identifying gaps quickly and responding with targeted interventions. For pupils with identified special educational needs, individual education plans with precise targets ensure bespoke support.

The most recent Ofsted inspection (February 2019) found good teaching throughout, with 92% of lessons observed at good or above. The school's approach centres on the National Curriculum but extends well beyond it, embracing topic-based, thematic learning that connects subjects meaningfully. Teachers plan collaboratively, ensuring consistency whilst allowing individual creativity.

Key strengths observed include clear subject knowledge displayed through concise explanations that minimise wasted time, skillful questioning that deepens pupil thinking, and high expectations consistently applied. In mathematics, the Power Maths programme structures learning progressively from Reception through Year 6, building secure number sense before moving to reasoning and problem-solving. French is taught from Year 1, developing linguistic familiarity early. English follows a careful progression of skills in reading comprehension, writing composition and spoken language, with targeted phonics teaching in the early years using a structured scheme.

The school introduced new strategies for teaching spelling and handwriting to address previous gaps in written output, with visible impact on current Year 6 work. Technology is integrated across subjects rather than taught in isolation. Pupils routinely use computing to research, present work and consolidate learning in other curricula.

Teachers demonstrate very good relationships with pupils, knowing them well and calibrating challenge precisely to individual needs. Classroom observation notes that pupils work with concentration and enthusiasm, engaging willingly with peers and staff. The school maintains this quality partly through low pupil turnover and partly through deliberate, consistent relationship-building practised by all adults.

Chartridge is a feeder school, so results data showing where pupils progress to secondary education reflects parental choice within the local system. The catchment area includes the Parish of Chartridge and adjacent Chesham north of Penn Avenue. The majority of pupils progress to Highdown School, the designated non-selective secondary. Significant numbers pursue grammar school entry; approximately 15 pupils typically secure places at Reading School or Kendrick School annually. The school provides familiarisation with 11-plus style assessment but does not offer formal test preparation, leaving that choice to families. This approach respects parental autonomy whilst avoiding a culture of excessive tutoring pressure, though some families do pursue external coaching.

Admissions operate through Buckinghamshire Council's coordinated scheme. The school's admission number is thirty pupils per year group. In 2024, the school received ninety applications for thirty places, representing a three-to-one ratio, with all oversubscription handled by distance criteria (after looked-after children and EHCP requirements). The last distance offered was 1.69 miles in 2024. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place.

The school's catchment area covers the Parish of Chartridge and parts of north Chesham as defined by Buckinghamshire Council. Families interested in securing a place should confirm current distance thresholds with the LA admissions team, as these fluctuate annually. The school holds multiple open morning sessions throughout the autumn term for prospective parents and pupils to visit, typically in October, November and December. Contact the school office directly for dates.

Parents considering the school should note the rural location, which means most families drive children to school. The site is not adjacent to public transport, so walking or cycling may not be practical for families at the edge of the catchment. The school provides information on travel options; parking is available on the broader site.

The school day runs from 8.45am to 3.15pm, with morning break from 10.35 to 10.50am. Lunchtimes are staggered by key stage: Key Stage 1 pupils eat from 12.00 to 1.00pm, and Key Stage 2 from 12.30 to 1.30pm.

Wraparound care is available through two external providers. Early Birds Breakfast Club operates from 7.45am, and Welldon Kids Club provides after-school childcare until 6.00pm. Both services operate on a booking basis with set sessional charges. Holiday club is also offered during school holidays.

School meals follow a published menu, providing hot and packed lunch options. Parents can order online through the school's payment system. Packed lunches are welcome. Free school meals apply to eligible families based on government criteria.

Uniform is required: grey trousers or pinafore, white shirt, and the school jumper or cardigan. The school uniform supplier is named on the uniform page of the website. PE kits include the school shirt with shorts, socks and trainers.

The school places pupil wellbeing at the heart of its mission. Each class has a dedicated teaching assistant alongside the class teacher, enabling closer attention to individual needs. The Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo, currently Mrs S Hannen) works four days per week and coordinates support for approximately 37 pupils on the SEN register. Those with identified needs receive individualised learning plans with precise, measurable targets reviewed termly.

A trained school counsellor visits weekly to support pupils requiring additional emotional help. The school has also recently enhanced mental health and wellbeing provision, recognising that social and emotional resilience is foundational to learning. Behaviour is managed through consistent, positive approaches emphasised school-wide. A clear behaviour policy, shared with pupils and parents, establishes expectations and consequences applied fairly.

Bullying is rare but taken seriously when reported. Staff are trained to respond swiftly and effectively. The school council actively monitors safeguarding and pupil concerns, providing a pupil voice in school improvements. Parent feedback shows 86% feel their children are safe, and 96% are happy.

A comprehensive extracurricular programme enriches pupils' learning and interests. The 2024-25 club offerings include football, netball, chess, coding, choir, gardening and cycling-awareness clubs run across the school week. Year 5 pupils are offered a three-day residential outdoor activity visit, described on the school website with details updated annually. Year 6 pupils undertake a week-long field study trip to the Isle of Wight, combining geography fieldwork with adventure activities. These residential experiences build resilience, independence and teamwork whilst connecting classroom learning to real environments.

Music provision reflects the school's investment in cultural development. Instrumental teaching is available (individual and small group lessons) through partnerships with peripatetic music teachers. The school choir performs at community events, including singing for senior citizens, embedding a spirit of service alongside performance. Pupils in Year 3 onwards learn recorder, with progression available for those showing aptitude and interest. Music assemblies celebrate pupil achievement and reinforce whole-school community.

Drama and performance are woven throughout the curriculum. Each year culminates in a whole-school production; the Christmas offering involves substantial numbers of pupils in acting, singing, costume and technical roles. Art is taught progressively from Reception onwards, building skills in observational drawing, colour mixing, sculpture and mixed media. A specialist art space allows pupils to experiment with varied materials.

Physical education is compulsory and extensive. The school holds Activemark accreditation, recognition from Chiltern District Council as 'Primary School of the Year for Sport', and has been shortlisted for Bucks Sport 'Sports School of the Year'. Competitive sports include football, netball, hockey, tag rugby, rounders and athletics, with inter-school fixtures regularly scheduled. The school benefits from substantial grounds including playing fields suitable for multiple sports and a separate adventure play area. All pupils have access to outdoor learning spaces, supporting freedom to explore nature and develop physical confidence.

The school participates in community events, including preparing floats for the Chesham Carnival and hosting local visitors who enrich learning through specialist knowledge. Educational visits enhance each topic studied: pupils visit local farms, museums, historical sites and places of worship as part of their geographical and historical learning.

The Chartridge School Association (PTA) is instrumental in extending opportunities. Recent achievements include funding a new outdoor classroom, upgrading the library with new software and furniture, installing playground shelters, and purchasing specialist sports and computing equipment. The Association organises numerous events — discos, quiz nights, summer fetes, family camping nights — that build community bonds and raise substantial funding.

Rural location and transport. The school's country setting is charming and provides genuine outdoor learning space, yet families must plan travel carefully. There is no near public transport, so families at the edge of the catchment rely on car journeys. This may add time and cost to daily routines. Parents should factor in school run logistics when considering application.

Oversubscribed entry. With three applications per place and distance-based allocation, entry is competitive. Families living beyond the last distance offered will not secure places. Those wishing to apply should verify current catchment boundaries and distance thresholds with Buckinghamshire Council's admissions team before assuming access. Distance from the school gates is measured formally; being a short distance away does not guarantee admission if others live closer.

Limited choice at secondary transition. Whilst results are excellent and the school prepares pupils well for the next phase, the local non-selective secondary (Highdown School) is designated for most pupils. Grammar school entry requires passing an entrance assessment and competing for limited places. Families seeking alternative secondary options may need to explore independent schools or wider catchment options, which carry travel and sometimes fee implications.

Active parent engagement expected. The school benefits enormously from parent involvement through the School Association, volunteering in classrooms and attending events. Whilst engagement is voluntary, the culture expects participation. Families less able to contribute time may feel slightly peripheral, though this is never stated or enforced by the school.

Chartridge Combined School delivers genuine academic excellence alongside a holistic commitment to pupils' character and wellbeing. Consistently strong results in the top 5% nationally, combined with Ofsted's Good rating, reflect effective teaching and high expectations applied consistently. The school's rural setting, spacious grounds and comprehensive extracurricular programme create an environment where pupils can develop intellectually, physically and socially. Parent satisfaction is high, and staff retention suggests a genuinely supportive workplace culture.

This school suits families within the catchment who value academic rigour without excessive pressure, who appreciate community engagement, and who see education as rounding intellectual development with creativity, sport and service. It is particularly suited to pupils who benefit from clear structure, consistent expectations and strong relationships. The school handles the majority of learners excellently, including those with identified special needs who receive thoughtful, targeted support.

The main challenge is gaining entry; oversubscription means places are limited, and distance criteria are strictly applied. Families interested should verify current catchment boundaries early and consider the travel logistics carefully. For those fortunate enough to secure a place, Chartridge offers a distinctive combination of academic strength, pastoral care and community rootedness that serves primary-age children well.