Waterside Primary Academy, Chesham

In its own words: "Our school is a fantastic place to learn, achieve and thrive. With excellent teaching and an engaging curriculum, we are committed to helping every child succeed. Our school is committed to a culture where safeguarding is at the centre of our care for our pupils."

From the headteacher's welcome: "It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to Waterside Primary School. At Waterside everyone is welcomed and valued; they are seen as unique individuals. As a community we work together, encouraging everyone to be the best they can be; pupils and staff."

Clubs and activities named on the school's website include drama and debating.

The school runs after-school care, from £8.50 per session.

In 2025, 63% of Year 6 pupils at Waterside Primary Academy reached the expected standard in reading and 41% in maths. At the average state primary the figures were 81% and 77% in Buckinghamshire and 77% and 75% across England.

Results fell from 90% in reading and 84% in maths in 2024.

With small year groups, a few pupils can move these figures by several points.

For September 2026 entry, 27 families put Waterside Primary Academy as their first choice and 52 named it as one of their preferences, for 28 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 primary schools to Waterside Primary Academy are Chesham Bois Church of England School (0.5 miles, Good, 94% reading, 91% maths); Our Lady's Catholic Primary School (0.7 miles, 88% reading, 81% maths); Thomas Harding Junior School (0.7 miles, Good, 88% reading, 88% maths); and Elangeni School (0.9 miles, Good, 90% reading, 93% maths).

Each of them had higher 2025 results than Waterside Primary Academy.

Waterside Primary Academy is one of 4 schools run by Kings Education Trust, an academy trust.

Across the trust's primary schools, 53% of Year 6 pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths in 2024/25.

59 parents answered Ofsted's Parent View survey about Waterside Primary Academy (as of September 2025): 54% would recommend the school, 63% say their child is happy there and 43% of those with a view say bullying is dealt with well.

The strongest agreement was that their child does well at the school (73%); the weakest, that the school deals with bullying well (among parents with a view) (43%).

Waterside Primary Academy had 12 teachers in 2026, one for every 15 pupils: more teachers per pupil than a typical primary school, at about one for every 20.

The nearest Underground station is Chesham Underground Station, about 0.8 miles away in a straight line.

8 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Chessmount Rise (southbound), 90 metres away.

In 2024/25, Waterside Primary Academy issued 114 suspensions, 57.3 for every 100 pupils (the average state school: 6.3), and 1 permanent exclusion.

The secondary schools closest to Waterside Primary Academy are Chesham Grammar School (0.9 miles), Chiltern Hills Academy (1.3 miles) and Dr Challoner's Grammar School (1.4 miles).