Chiltern Hills Academy, Chesham

In its own words: "Our connection to the Church of England helps guide our vision- Create, Aspire and Excel -encouraging every student to “live life in all its fullness” (John 10:10). We welcome students from all faiths and backgrounds, believing that everyone should feel included, valued and inspired."

From the headteacher's welcome: "At Chiltern Hills Academy, we believe every student should feel inspired, valued, and empowered to achieve their full potential. Rooted in Christian values, our ethos encourages personal responsibility, mutual respect, and compassion - nurturing young people who are ready to thrive in a complex world. As Principal, I’m proud to lead a diverse and ambitious school community."

Clubs and activities named on the school's website include STEM, photography and Duke of Edinburgh.

Coming up: an open evening on Thursday 26 November 2026. Check the school's website before you go, as dates can change.

In 2026, pupils at Chiltern Hills Academy averaged an Attainment 8 score of 40.9, the average grade across their best eight GCSEs. The average state school scored 55 in Buckinghamshire and 47 across England.

29% passed English and maths at grade 5 or above, against 61% in Buckinghamshire and 47% in England.

That is in line with 2025, when the score was 40.3.

Its most recent Progress 8 score, for 2024, was -0.45: pupils made below average progress compared with pupils nationally who started secondary school at the same level. Progress 8 was not published for 2026.

Disadvantaged pupils averaged an Attainment 8 of 28.8, against 44.4 for other pupils at the school - a gap of 15.6 points.

Pupils sat GCSEs in 24 subjects; after English and maths, the most popular were Religious Studies, Combined Science and History.

For September 2026 entry, 95 families put Chiltern Hills Academy as their first choice and 205 named it as one of their preferences, for 212 places offered. It had fewer first-choice applications than places. Every family who put it first was offered a place there for 2026 entry.

The nearest other state secondary schools to Chiltern Hills Academy are Chesham Grammar School (1 mile, Outstanding, selective, Attainment 8 75.6); Dr Challoner's Grammar School (2.3 miles, Outstanding, selective, Attainment 8 76.2); Amersham School (3.1 miles, Good, Attainment 8 52.4); and The Misbourne School (3.6 miles, Good, Attainment 8 51.9).

Each of them had higher 2026 results than Chiltern Hills Academy.

Chiltern Hills Academy is one of 15 schools run by Oxford Diocesan Bucks Schools Trust, an academy trust.

Of the 183 pupils who finished Year 11 in 2023/24, 88% stayed in education or training for at least two terms, including 49% to a further education college, 2% to an apprenticeship and 2% into work.

Of the 53 students who left the sixth form in 2023/24, 53% went on to university or other higher education, 2% to apprenticeships and 28% into work. 15% went to one of the most selective third of universities.

The nearest Underground station is Chesham Underground Station, about 900 metres away (roughly a 11-minute walk).

4 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Chiltern Hills Academy (opposite), 90 metres away.

In August 2026, police recorded 108 crimes within a mile of the school, most often violence and sexual offences, shoplifting and criminal damage and arson. That is well above the typical figure around schools in Buckinghamshire (44), as is usual near a town centre.

In 2024/25, Chiltern Hills Academy issued 184 suspensions, 17.1 for every 100 pupils (the average state school: 6.3), and 2 permanent exclusions.

The primary schools closest to Chiltern Hills Academy are Elmtree Infant and Nursery School (0.3 miles), Thomas Harding Junior School (0.6 miles), Newtown School (0.7 miles) and Ivingswood Academy (0.9 miles). Admission does not depend on which primary a child attends unless the school's policy names feeder schools.