Sitting on the edge of the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Chiltern Hills Academy serves the families of Chesham and surrounding villages. As a Church of England academy, it offers a distinct alternative to the county's selective system, prioritising holistic development alongside academic progress. The school operates as a non-selective upper school within Buckinghamshire, welcoming students of all abilities in an area where the 11-plus examination dominates the educational landscape.
The campus occupies a generous hillside site where mid-century blocks have been augmented by significant recent investment. The ethos is built around the motto "Create, Aspire and Excel", which is visible throughout the corridors and in the daily life of the students.
Mr Tim Dobbs serves as Principal, leading a team that emphasises the school’s Christian values of love, hope, self-discipline, compassion, forgiveness, respect, and honesty. While the school is distinctly Church of England, the atmosphere is inclusive rather than dogmatic; the faith aspect manifests more in the focus on kindness and community responsibility than in rigid observance.
Students wear a smart navy blazer with the school crest. The environment is described by visitors as welcoming, with a diverse student body that reflects the mixed demographic of Chesham. The "House" system encourages a sense of belonging, and behaviour is managed through a policy that champions "Ready to Learn" expectations.
The FMS Inspection Score is FindMySchool's proprietary analysis based on official Ofsted and ISI inspection reports. It converts ratings into a standardised 1–10 scale for fair comparison across all schools in England.
Disclaimer: The FMS Inspection Score is an independent analysis by FindMySchool. It is not endorsed by or affiliated with Ofsted or ISI. Always refer to the official Ofsted or ISI report for the full picture of a school’s inspection outcome.
It is essential to view academic results here through the lens of the local selective system. In Buckinghamshire, the most academically able 30% of the cohort typically attend grammar schools. Consequently, Chiltern Hills Academy caters for a mixed-ability intake that excludes the highest prior attainers.
In 2024, the school’s Progress 8 score was -0.45, and the Attainment 8 score was 37.6. These figures place the school in the lower tier nationally (ranked 3,227th in England for GCSE outcomes), but this is typical for upper schools in selective counties. The metrics reflect the starting points of the cohort rather than a lack of ambition.
At A-level, the picture strengthens. The Sixth Form attracts students who thrive in a supportive environment, and results are solid. In 2024, nearly 40% of grades were A*-B. The school ranks 1,763rd in England for A-level outcomes, performing in line with the middle 35% of schools nationally (national typical band).
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
A-Level A*-B
39.6%
% of students achieving grades A*-B
GCSE 9–7
—
% of students achieving grades 9-7
The curriculum is broad and designed to engage students with varied interests. Key Stage 3 covers the full National Curriculum, while Key Stage 4 offers a mix of GCSEs and vocational qualifications. The school utilizes mixed-ability groupings in subjects like Design and Performing Arts, while setting by ability in core subjects such as English, Maths, and Science ensures that support is targeted where needed.
Teaching aims to build confidence, particularly for students who may have felt disheartened by the 11-plus process. The school places a strong emphasis on performing arts, utilising the drama studio and music practice rooms to full effect.
Quality of Education
Good
Behaviour & Attitudes
Good
Personal Development
Good
Leadership & Management
Good
FMS Inspection Score calculated by FindMySchool based on official inspection data.
The Sixth Form is a popular destination for Year 11 students, though some move on to local colleges for specific vocational courses.
University progression is healthy. In 2024, 63% of leavers progressed to university, with 4% starting apprenticeships and 19% entering employment. While the school is not a traditional feeder for elite universities, it supports ambitious students effectively; one student secured a place at Oxford or Cambridge in the most recent cycle, demonstrating that the academic ceiling here is high for those who aim for it.
Total Offers
1
Offer Success Rate: 33.3%
Cambridge
1
Offers
Oxford
—
Offers
Admissions are coordinated by Buckinghamshire Council. As an academy, the school sets its own policy but participates in the county-wide scheme. The process is non-selective, meaning there is no entrance exam.
Demand is high. In the most recent intake, the school was oversubscribed with 238 applications for 203 offers, resulting in 1.17 applications per place. Places are allocated based on criteria including looked-after children, siblings, and distance from the school. Families living in the immediate Chesham area typically secure places, but those further afield may face competition depending on the birth rate in a given year.
Applications
238
Total received
Places Offered
203
Subscription Rate
1.2x
Apps per place
The Christian ethos underpins a supportive pastoral structure. Each student belongs to a House, encouraging a sense of belonging and healthy competition. Form tutors provide the first point of contact, supported by Heads of Year and a dedicated student services team.
The school is mindful of the pressures teenagers face. A chaplaincy team provides a listening ear for students of all faiths and none, offering a space for reflection away from the classroom. The behaviour policy emphasises restorative conversations, ensuring students feel valued even when mistakes are made.
Extracurricular life is a strength, particularly in sports and the arts. The Performing Arts department puts on annual productions that involve large numbers of students in acting, lighting, and stage management.
The Duke of Edinburgh Award is popular, with many students completing Bronze and Silver awards, taking advantage of the nearby Chiltern hills for expeditions. Sports teams compete locally in football, netball, and basketball, utilizing facilities that are also used by the local community, such as the Chesham Rugby Union Football Club.
This is a state-funded academy, meaning there are no tuition fees. Education is free for all students.
Families may be asked for voluntary contributions for specific trips, residential visits, or materials for practical subjects like design technology. The school operates a strict charging and remissions policy to ensure no student is excluded due to financial hardship.
For Sixth Form students, a 16-19 Bursary Fund is available. This provides financial support for eligible students to help with the costs of transport, books, equipment, and field trips. Eligibility is typically based on household income or care status.
State-funded school (families may still pay for uniforms, trips, and optional activities).
The school is located on Chartridge Lane, a short distance from Chesham town centre. Many students walk, while others use local buses or the London Underground (Metropolitan Line) to Chesham station. The school day typically runs from 8:40am to 3:10pm.
Selective context. Families new to Buckinghamshire must understand that the secondary system is selective. As an upper school, Chiltern Hills does not typically receive the top 30% of academic achievers, which impacts league table positions.
Faith character. While inclusive, this is a Church of England school. Assemblies and the general ethos reflect Christian values. Families should be comfortable with this moral framework.
Mixed ability classes. Unlike grammar schools, classes here cater to a wide range of abilities. The school uses setting in core subjects, but parents of very high-ability children should discuss extension provision with staff.
Chiltern Hills Academy offers a nurturing and well-resourced alternative to the high-pressure grammar school system. It is a school that values character as much as grades, with a modern campus and a clear moral compass. Best suited to local families seeking a supportive, community-focused education where students of all abilities can find their niche. The main challenge is the shadow of the selective system, but for many students, this environment allows them to flourish on their own terms.
Yes. Ofsted rated the school Good in its most recent inspection in September 2022. Inspectors highlighted the welcoming atmosphere and the broad curriculum. While raw GCSE results are below the national average, this largely reflects the selective nature of the local education system.
No. It is an all-ability "upper school" or comprehensive academy. It does not select students based on academic ability. It serves as the local non-selective option for families in Chesham and the surrounding area.
In 2024, the Attainment 8 score was 37.6. Results reflect the selective Buckinghamshire context, where the most academically able students typically attend grammar schools. However, Sixth Form results are stronger, with nearly 40% of grades at A*-B.
Applications are made through Buckinghamshire Council by 31 October for Year 7 entry. For Sixth Form, applications are made directly to the school, typically by the Christmas break of Year 11.
Yes. The school has a growing Sixth Form offering A-levels and BTEC qualifications. Facilities for Sixth Form students were significantly upgraded during the recent campus expansion.
The school benefits from recent investment, including modern learning spaces, a drama studio, and sports facilities that are shared with local clubs like Chesham Stags.
Get in touch with the school directly
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