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Chesham Preparatory School, Chesham

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Chesham Preparatory School details

Address:
Chesham Preparatory School
Two Dells Lane, Orchard Leigh, Chesham, Buckinghamshire HP5 3QF
Telephone:
01494 782619
Fax:
01494 791645
Email:
secretary@ chesham-prep.bucks.sch.uk
Website:
www.chesham-prep.bucks.sch.uk
Authority:
Buckinghamshire
Gender of entry:
Mixed
Age range:
4-13
Number of students:
375
Affiliation:
IAPS
Last inspection:
May 2006. Read the full inspection report.

Find a school:

ISC accredited

General information

Headteacher: James Marjoribanks, appointed in September 2001.

Staff: 35 (men 12, women 23).

Background: The school was founded by Mrs Christina Adlington in Chesham in 1938 and moved to its present site three years later. By the 1990 the school had established a strong two form entry with a school maximum of 250 pupils with all pupils staying until the end of Year 7 when the Buckinghamshire Secondary School transfer age was 12+. This changed in 1996 when Bucks reduced the Secondary School transfer age to 11+. Subsequently Chesham Preparatory School has only had one class in Year 7 and one in Year 8 post 11+. It was decided to respond to this situation and demand by introducing a further class intake at 7+, creating a three form year group of potentially 60 pupils in Year 3. Major development resulted in the new Dining Room, Science and Art blocks as well as land purchases from the Mash family which resulted in the school having its own playing fields from 1992. The tennis courts followed in 1996 and the new main car park in 1999. In 2004 a magnificent new Sports Hall was built as well as a new Music block. A new Staffroom soon followed a new all - weather playing surface for the tennis courts, a new stage in the Adlington Hall (both the latter courtesy of the hugely supportive PTA), a new Learning Support department centre and refurbishment of the original classroom block. Six new administrative and teaching offices have been created as well as the school acquiring new ICT networks and facilities including the latest smart board technology.Sport is an important part of life at CPS. Boys play rugby, soccer and cricket whilst girls play hockey, netball and rounders. All children take part in gymnastics, athletics, cross country and tennis. From Year 3, all children have a swimming lesson once a week at a local swimming pool. School teams enjoy an extensive fixture list against other local schools; teams compete at district, regional and national level. The acquisition of a sports hall, together with the all-weather pitch, has enabled the department to develop and to increase significantly the range of sports offered, not only on the school curriculum but also within the extra-curricular provision. The sports hall is a truly stunning building and has to be viewed internally to fully appreciate its size. Nearly half its actual height is below ground level. Strong family feel, high standards in all areas.

Approach to discipline: Firm but very fair.

Uniform: Boys: grey trousers, white shirt, house tie, royal blue v-neck pullover, royal blue blazer, black shoes. Girls: green tartan, skirt/kilt and as above..

Special needs: Individual support for mild dyslexia, dysphasia and discalculia.

Inspection: May 2006: 'The school meets its aims and aspirations with outstanding success. It most successfully provides a stimulating, rewarding, safe and secure environment in which pupils are continually encouraged to make the best of their talents and opportunities. The school community is underpinned by strong family and Christian values. From the moment they join reception, children are given the best possible start to their school life in which high academic standards are expected and attained throughout. The governors, the headmaster and his staff deserve much praise for the richness of the educational experience offered to the pupils and the quality of the care they receive at every point. So many excellent people and opportunities combine to contribute to the fine all-round development of the pupils. The extent of the improvements since the last inspection is remarkable; areas of concern have been systematically attended to very skilfully and successfully. Since his appointment five years ago, the headmaster has worked tirelessly to effect the necessary change and improvement in the management of the many different areas which required attention. It is to the credit of the governors, the whole management team and the staff that such significant changes have taken place and further improvements are planned. The school abounds with happy, well-mannered, purposeful children, and enthusiastic, caring staff who take great pride in being part of their pupils? successful academic education and personal development. The school meets all the regulatory requirements.'

Boys' age range: 4 to 13.

Girls' age range: 4 to 13.

Before-school care: 0800-0830.

After-school care: 1600-1700.

Factors taken into account other than academic ability: Ability to cope with academic pace.

Day pupils: 375.

Average class size (Year 5): 20.

Subjects taught at seven: 15.

Subjects taught at 11: 16.

All teachers hold teaching qualifications?: Y.

Teachers with degrees: 35.

Specialist teachers used: From Reception: music, IT, PE. From Y3: swimming, games, French. From Y5: all subjects.

Subjects taught in addition to national curriculum: French, swimming, games, library, study skills.

Sports offered: Athletics, basketball, cricket, cross country, football, golf, gymnastics, hockey, netball, rounders, rugby, swimming, table tennis and tennis.

On-site sports facilities: Sports hall, astrotutf, games fields.

Off-site sports facilities: Swimming pool.

Percentage receiving instrumental tuition (Year 5): 50%.

Daily act of collective worship?: Y.

Pupils sit SATs?: Y.

SATs results provided by QCA-approved body?: Y.

Common entrance?: Y.

Percentage admitted to senior schools on reduced fees: 10%.

Major scholarships won: Academic Bursary to Merchant Taylor and Haberdsher's Acke's.

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