Chesham Preparatory School A GSG School

What The Good Schools Guide says

Headmaster

Since 2017, Jonathan Beale BEd (history and PE at University of Liverpool). Long-timer at Chesham Prep, having started 24 years ago teaching maths and PE, then rising through the ranks. Once head, priority was to restore a child focus and the warm, supportive family feel which remains the foundation of everything he does. He explains, ‘If a child feels seen, safe and valued they can feel happy. Only then can they learn.’

On the gates each morning where parents catch him for a few words that save a timely email exchange later in the day. One parent said, ‘He’s such a genuine man who deeply cares about our children and families. Everybody feels that.’ Stoical that, from September 2024, CPS will no longer have years 7 and 8, putting it down to a few factors – largely, the fantastic percentage of kids to Bucks grammars which start at 11 (usually around 70 per cent pass) and more of the indies wanting pupils from year 7. ‘It’s a natural development,’ he says. ‘We all have had mixed feelings and endless discussions. Ultimately, it’s the right thing.’ Parents we spoke to agree. More on this later.

Sport fanatic, Mr B’s a qualified referee and basketball coach for a women’s team in the Wessex league. Has ensured gold standard of sporting provision at CPS ‘through hiring staff with energy, commitment and passion’. No longer teaches, but is in classrooms looking for interactive and dynamic lessons. Following a hip replacement, hobbies shifted from tennis, basketball and squash to golf and, following a summer holiday in Houston, pickleball. ‘Great fun!’ he tells us. ‘I want to start a club here at CPS.’ Other pastimes include reading (currently The Satsuma Complex by Bob Mortimer) and supporting Manchester United.

Natural conversationalist, he touches on ancient philosopher Marcus Aurelius and the recent David Beckham documentary on Netflix. Lives above his study with his wife, Carolyn, a teacher in a local state school and, for the time being, his daughter, a recently trained teacher. He says, ‘I have a no-shop-talk rule at home, but they often break it.’ His son is at university studying business. Clearly proud of his school and well-loved by its community, Mr B remains firmly grounded. We check if, after so long, he’s considering moving, but were assured he’s here for the foreseeable. A frontrunner for GSG’s ‘head we would most like to have a drink in the pub with’.

Entrance

Only coeducational prep in the area. Two main entry points in the early years – nursery (3+) and reception (4+) – and places are offered following a successful taster session in the nursery. Nursery staff visit homes to build early relationships. Partially selective in year 3 (7+) with assessments in English, maths and verbal reasoning, and report from current school. In losing years 7 and 8, junior school expanded year 3 entry in 2023 from three to four classes (from 60 pupils to 80). Occasional places often available throughout, so worth asking.

Exit

Around 50 per cent to local grammars, including Chesham Grammar, Dr Challoner’s Grammar, Aylesbury Grammar, Aylesbury High and Royal Grammar. A further 40 per cent head off to local independents, school noting a surprising increase in pupils who, having won grammar places, choose indies for opportunities and sporting facilities they are used to at CPS. Most popular is Berkhamsted but also Shiplake, Thorpe House, Claire’s Court, Abbot’s Hill, Piper’s Corner, St Columba’s College and Akeley Wood. A few to state sector but often across county borders due to Bucks non-selectives getting a (head says undeserved) bad press. From September 2024, both boys and girls will leave at 11+.

Our view

In arcadian rural Bucks, Chesham Prep was founded in 1938 by teacher Christina Adlington. Intended as an independent school for boys and girls of ordinary, diligent families, something apart from preps for the very wealthy. These ‘tier two’ families still make up the largest part of the school community today. A parent told us, ‘It’s not hoity-toity and that’s a reason we chose it. For most, school fees aren’t pocket change. We’re hardworking families who share the same values.’ Ethos reflected in the sensible red brick of the Edwardian building and converted stables – attractive, solid but unfussy. If you want your prep school to be a miniature Downton Abbey, with social snootiness to suit, it may not be for you. Most of the 385 pupils are Caucasian (as you’d expect for area) but school is welcoming increasing numbers of children from ethnic minorities (currently 22 per cent) as families call time on London.

A cosy, bright nursery, but we found the children outdoors in a generous and partially covered playing area. Wacky racers were zooming round the racetrack on trikes and tractors, one dressed as a bear/princess hybrid! One pupil introduced us to Humbug and Toffee, pets from the school’s confectionery-named guinea pig dynasty. Lead teacher has been in position for over 10 years (as have many other staff we spoke to). She told us, ‘Freedom is the buzz word here in Early Years. We give them space and choice within the planned day’s structure.’ This includes phonics, numeracy and music and language lessons with specialist teachers. Staff-to-child ratio of five to one, and max class size is 20 (as rest of school). Quiet time in afternoons but we loved the morning hubbub.

Reception up until year 3 have an adult-child ratio of 10 to one. Lessons taught thematically across subjects – currently, in nursery, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt. Children were planning excursions through swishy grass and oozy mud in search of elusive bears. Later, we saw a forest school session with welly-booted, all-weather-suited reception children on a nature hunt. A couple of tired stragglers were bolstered with individual attention and gentle humour, then findings were shared over freshly baked biscuits in the wooden pavilion.

Year 1 is a classroom in the prefab made permanent, which, though less attractive from the outside, is warm and large with attractive displays. Also here are two humanities classrooms where our pupil guides brandished a Roman shield, with original centrepiece, full of talk about an immersive Roman Day. In the labs opposite, the motto is ‘work like scientists’. We saw year 6 scientists experimenting with magnesium and hydrochloric acid to create controlled exothermic reactions (aka pops, flames and heat). One pupil came aside to explain safety procedures.

Children here give good eye contact, speaking confidently and animatedly. One parent told us, ‘They are just nice kids, friendly and polite.’ Same can be said of the teachers. Mr B has recruited hard-working staff who share his vision for go-getting, good-natured teaching where children come first. Camaraderie and collaboration amongst staff mean teamwork and cross-curricular ventures are part and parcel. Many have or have had children in the school themselves. One told us about her teaching sabbatical in Houston. Another said, ‘If you go and ask for something, resources, training, even something a bit left field, it is almost always a yes.’ No wonder staff like to stay. Potential teachers must queue for miles.

By junior school, lessons often taught in double periods with specialist teachers for Spanish, French, ICT. Trained staff assist children (in and outside of class) with a range of SEND, including mild ASD, dyslexia, dyspraxia and ADHD, as you might expect (11 per cent on SEND register). There’s no extra charge for these in-house sessions although school uses an excellent private speech therapist at extra cost. Selection at year 3 considers if appropriate support can be given so child can access both curriculum and site. There are also two qualified counsellors and three more in training.

Maths is set from year 4 and English from year 5, with plenty of shuffle. We found the airy, well-stocked library (around 7,000 books) being measured for exciting redevelopment. Other specialist buildings, including a specialist art room, in planning – watch this space. Art lessons are often cross-curricular, and we admired year 6 pop art lino prints of Black leaders as part of a collaborative project. Other projects work with geography and literature. Children use the kiln for pottery from year 3 and have the chance to work in an increasing range of exciting materials with a focus on different artists each year. There’s an annual art/DT exhibition to look forward to this year.

Music is in the purpose-built music suite with acoustically designed, soundproofed classroom, and the adjacent practice rooms are constantly in use, with 170 individual tuition sessions a week. Regular soirees for newer performers and bigger concerts throughout the year. New and popular LAMDA saw an astonishing 100 per cent of children receiving a distinction at last assessment. School plays involve the entire year, either on stage or behind the scenes. There are nativities for early years and a spring and summer production for junior and senior schools – most recently the musical, Oliver! Children often lead assemblies in Adlington Hall. Named after founder, it’s recently been refurbished with electric retractable seating and the latest light/sound tech. We thought it lovely that the Adlington family is still connected with the school. Great-grandson is a pupil while granddaughter gives speeches, and the Adlington family judge some school competitions.

Years 5 and 6, as top of school, will have increased responsibilities and privileges, as well as extended access to resources, facilities and specialist teachers. There’s been a popular move to Chromebooks in years 5 and 6 and a recent investment in a slick ICT suite of 21 computers. Locally considered the best chance of getting into well-regarded, competitive (and free) Bucks grammar school system. School says managing this preconception is tricky, but early and honest parent meetings with transparent data sharing held to discuss realistic next destinations. In fact, head says it doesn’t teach to the 11-plus, not least because not every child will sit the test. Perhaps that’s why it is common for families from year 5 to employ exam tutors. But should a child deemed worthy of a grammar place fall short on exam day, school puts together an exhaustive, often fruitful, folder for appeal. We spoke to a former parent of one such child who said, ‘The school built a thick folder of work from different subjects and reports from various teachers. Although we had a long and emotional wait to hear from the council, we were successful and just so grateful.’

Outdoor space galore with seven acres of playing fields (being used for a rugby tournament on the day of our visit) and Astro pitch for hockey, netball and football. Soft-surface playground for littlies has slides, tunnels, playhouse alongside a vegetable garden tended by eco club, who provide food for the kitchen. A popular pirate ship play area is next to the neighbouring working farm so pretty cows watch as children plunder and pillage on the high seas. The 800-square-metre sports hall has vaulted ceilings and a viewing gallery with bijou event space for after-match teas. For children it’s ‘delicious’ pizza, while parents have a daintier selection of cream cakes and finger sandwiches. A to D teams mean everybody experiences playing for the school, although A teams get more competitive fixtures (such as the year 6 girls we watched training for the IAPS hockey final). The splendid four-lane, 25-metre heated pool is well used; everyone from year 1 onwards swims at least once a week with a maximum of three sessions for enthusiasts. Parents are supportive and tell us they feel welcomed into school. One told us, ‘Our last school kept us at arm’s length. CPS is the opposite. We’re always invited.’ A full family social calendar culminates in a 500-person camp on school fields with food vans, where teachers and pupils perform to an enthusiastic audience under the stars.

Uniform is smart and practical (the CPS way) with flexible summer and winter options – girls now have trouser option. Sports kit has recently changed from white to navy and parents are happy to forego the regular Daz challenge. They also appreciate the wraparound care on offer. Breakfast club is 7.30-8.00, then early morning club (no charge). Little Owls for children in nursery to year 2 from 3.30 to 4.00pm (also no charge). Late club with various activities for children of nursery age and up until 6.00pm, which includes tea. Not the fanciest or largest of dining rooms (lunch is staggered) but pupils like the range of food and katsu chicken curry is a favourite. Choice of clubs includes the usual sports, music and drama, as well as dry ski (at nearby Hemel Hempstead), water polo, Zumba and samurai. Regular day trips to local attractions run alongside easy nips into London and residentials from year 3, which build in number of nights away. There are also international sport tours, language trips and a ski trip. Parents praise extensive smooth bus service, mostly in a half-hour radius, but some further, and they are open to new routes. One parent tells us a ‘once shambolic’ pick-up now runs like clockwork due to extended car park, spaced times and ‘attendants who are really superheroes with walkie talkies’.

Money matters

No scholarships or bursaries; fees considered mid-range for the area.

The last word

First-rate staff from the top down bring out the absolute best in children here at CPS. A warm family feel, and the hands-on curriculum and top-notch facilities ensure pupils have fun while they learn, and learn they most certainly do. No peacocks or pecking orders but exceptional education and consummate care at this gem of a coeducational prep school.

Special Education Needs

The Learning Support Department is near the Learning Resources area. We have three small rooms for individual and small group lessons. All staff are qualified to work with children who have specific learning difficulties. We have regular visits from an Occupational Therapist and a Speech and Language Therapist. We adapt our provision to the needs of the individual child. Some pupils have in-class support, some have small group interventions, some have 1:1. We provide interventions to develop fine and gross motor skills, confidence, social skills, handwriting, spelling, maths, literacy, in addition to our specialist dyslexia support and pastoral care. We work closely with staff in all areas of the school to advise and work together to help all pupils access all areas of the curriculum. We have dyslexia-friendly boards, books, specialist teaching, adapted cushions, pens and pencils. We accept referrals from staff and parents and usually complete an assessment before making decisions about the help a child requires. We have regular meetings with parents, teaching staff and pupils to create or review a pupil passport for each child. Provision maps are updated throughout the year and are used to identify the needs of individual children.

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