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Reviewed

Dr Challoner's High School

State school · Little Chalfont, HP7 9QB
  • Secondary
  • Girls
  • Ages 11-18
  • 1,391 pupils
Academically selective state school
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Consistently remarkable results from the high-performing girls at this bold, confident grammar, which is hugely oversubscribed. Those who make the cut are encouraged to enjoy everything life has to offer as much as they do academics. Challoner’s girls are expected to shape the world; we have no doubt that many of them will.

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Overview & data

Pupil numbers
1,391 ·
Sixth form numbers
442 ·
Religion
None
Local authority
Buckinghamshire County Council
Area guides

Headteacher

Headteacher

Mr Roe

Since 2015, Alan Roe. Taught geography at a west Berkshire comprehensive before spending nine years at Dr Challoner’s Grammar School, moving to Chesham Grammar in 2011. Still teaches geography, currently to year 9s.

Believes that Bucks grammars

Entrance

‘Massively oversubscribed’, with entry via the 11-plus (same test for all Bucks’ grammars). The two largest feeder schools are Little Chalfont Primary School and (independent prep) Maltman’s Green School, plus 60 others, with many girls joining in

Admissions policy
Academically selective state school
Open days
September and June

Entry and exit data - year 7 entry (average 2020-2022)

Unknown 24 %
Where the school a student attended before or after this school is not known. These might be students who have come from or going to home schooling, independent schools, moving abroad etc.
Other 23 %
Where the number of students is less than 10, we cannot say where they've come from or where they are going to due to data protection rules.
Chalfont St Peter CofE Academy 6 %
Chalfont Valley E-ACT Primary Academy 6 %
Elangeni School 6 %
Little Chalfont Primary School 5 %
Woodside Junior School 5 %
St Mary's CofE Primary School, Amersham 4 %
The Gerrards Cross CofE School 4 %
Brushwood Junior School 3 %
St Joseph's Catholic Primary School 3 %
Chalfont St Giles Junior School 3 %
Great Missenden CofE Combined School 2 %
Chesham Bois Church of England School 2 %
Waterside Primary Academy 2 %
Seer Green Church of England School 2 %
Data highlight

Exit

Around 10 per cent leave after GCSEs. Almost all (95 per cent) sixth formers to university, three-quarters to Russell Group. Nottingham, Birmingham and Warwick most popular; others to Southampton, UCL, Durham, King’s College London and Manchester. In

% students progressing to higher education or training (2021 leavers)

School
91%
LA avg.
77%
Eng. avg.
66%
Data highlight

What is this?

The proportion of 16-18 students that progressed to degrees, higher apprenticeships or other study at level 4 or above for at least 6 consecutive months in the 2 years after taking advanced level qualifications (level 3) at this school or college.

Latest results

In 2025, 83 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 57 per cent A*/A at A level (84 per cent A*-B).

GCSE - % of pupils achieving grade 5 or above (A* to C) in English and maths GCSE (2024)

School
99.4%
LA avg.
59.5%
Eng. avg.
45.9%
Data highlight

What is this?

This tells you the percentage of pupils who achieved grade 5 or above in English and maths GCSEs.

A level - Average points score (2024)

School
45.10
LA avg.
39.64
Eng. avg.
34.45
Data highlight

What is this?

These figures tell you the average grade and average points that pupils achieved in their academic qualifications. A maximum of 60 points are available for a grade A* at A level.

Teaching & learning

Consistently excellent results, and the top performing Bucks grammar when we visited, with value-added putting Challoner’s in the top 40 state schools in England. Teachers are ‘excellent’, say parents; they ‘have big impact on the girls’. A motivated

Qualifications taken in 2024
  • A level
  • EPQ
  • GCSE
73
Number of teachers
19:1
Pupil to teacher ratio

Learning support & SEN

Three per cent on the SEN register. Four ECHPs - low for the area. SEND and pastoral staff work as one ‘inextricably linked’ team: SENCo, SEND manager, access arrangement co-ordinator and three to five LSAs, as required (as well as matron, social

0.2 %
Students with a SEN EHCP
2.3 %
Students with SEN support

Arts & extracurricular

A lot broader than a decade ago – now comprising a generous range of music, drama and art. About 250 girls learn an instrument and there are several choirs (one joint with Challoner’s boys), two orchestras, swing band and plenty of other ensembles.

Sport

One of the most improved areas since our last visit, for which the head of PE, the ‘ultimate charismatic leader’, has been instrumental. School competes at a high level in many of the sports on offer; netball still reigns supreme, with football

Ethos & heritage

The all-boys school founded in 1624 by Dr Robert Chaloner (sic) became co-ed in 1906 and the girls were annexed to Little Chalfont in 1962. At the end of a tree-lined drive and surrounded by leafy woodland (with greenery visible from many classrooms

Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline

The pastoral team has doubled over the last decade, and the school recognises that while most of the girls love school and have a great time, they are teenagers, and life isn’t always a bed of roses. ‘We want them to believe in themselves and to be

Mobile phone policy

A clear mobile phone policy is a really important part of modern schooling. This school has provided us with their policy.

Mobile phone policy

Provided by the school and not part of our review

Girls can bring mobile phones to school but they must not be seen or heard in school.

Pupils & parents

We meet hard-working girls who are bold and confident. We hear Let It Go being sung at full volume through an open window and our year 13 guides have a laidback, assured confidence that belies their age. Parents say the absence of boys mean the girls

1,391
Number of pupils

The last word

Consistently remarkable results from the high-performing girls at this bold, confident grammar, which is hugely oversubscribed. Those who make the cut are encouraged to enjoy everything life has to offer as much as they do academics. Challoner’s

Inspection reports

Ofsted reports

From September 2024, Ofsted no longer makes an overall effectiveness judgement in inspections of state-funded schools.

Full inspection: Outstanding

You can read full reports on the Ofsted website

Personal development Outstanding
Quality of education Outstanding
Behaviour and attitudes Outstanding
Leadership and management Outstanding
Sixth form provision Outstanding

Full inspection: Outstanding

Leadership and management Outstanding

What the school says

Dr Challoner's High School 11+ entrance examinations consist of 2 VR tests administered by the LA.

Converted to an academy 2011.

Contact the school

Address

Cokes Lane
Little Chalfont
Buckinghamshire
HP7 9QB
Get directions

Telephone: 01494 763296

Email: office@challonershigh.com

Website: https://www.challonershigh.com

Local authority: Buckinghamshire County Council

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School data & information Dr Challoner's High School Cokes Lane, Little Chalfont, Buckinghamshire, HP7 9QB
1,391 Pupil numbers
442 Sixth form numbers
2.5 % % of pupils eligible for free school meals
16 % Pupils whose first language is not English
19:1 Pupil to teacher ratio
73 Number of teachers
9 Number of teaching assistants

Mobile phone policy

Provided by the school and not part of our review

Girls can bring mobile phones to school but they must not be seen or heard in school.

Our review contains additional results data reported to us by Dr Challoner's High School and is updated annually. See the review

% achieving grade 5 or above (A* to C) in English and maths GCSE (2024)

School
99.4%
LA avg.
59.5%
Eng. avg.
45.9%

What is this?

This tells you the percentage of pupils who achieved grade 5 or above in English and maths GCSEs.

Average overall GCSE score (attainment 8) (2024)

School
78.20
LA avg.
53.60
Eng. avg.
45.90

What is this?

Schools get a score based on how well pupils have performed in up to 8 qualifications, which include English, maths, 3 English Baccalaureate qualifications including sciences, computer science, history, geography and languages, and 3 other additional approved qualifications.

Improvement rates in core subjects (progress 8) (2024)

1.11 Score Well above average
≈ 16% of schools in England

What is a progress score?

This score shows how much progress pupils at this school made between the end of key stage 2 and the end of key stage 4, compared to pupils across England who got similar results at the end of key stage 2. This is based on results in up to 8 qualifications, which include English, maths, 3 English Baccalaureate qualifications including sciences, computer science, history, geography and languages, and 3 other additional approved qualifications.

Subjects entered at GCSE level (2024)

Pupils attending this school entered exams in these subjects. The list only includes qualifications approved for inclusion in the performance measures. The subjects and qualifications on offer at this school may change year on year. For a full list of subjects and qualifications on offer at this school, visit the school or college website or contact the school directly. Find out more

Subject Qualification Entries Avg. grade
Spanish GCSE (9-1) Full Course 85 8
Religious Studies GCSE (9-1) Full Course 65 9
Physics GCSE (9-1) Full Course 180 8
Physical Education/Sports Studies GCSE (9-1) Full Course 28 8
Music GCSE (9-1) Full Course 17 8
Mathematics GCSE (9-1) Full Course 180 8
Latin GCSE (9-1) Full Course 13 8
History GCSE (9-1) Full Course 90 8
German GCSE (9-1) Full Course 42 8
Geography GCSE (9-1) Full Course 106 8
French GCSE (9-1) Full Course 57 8
English Literature GCSE (9-1) Full Course 180 8
English Language GCSE (9-1) Full Course 180 8
Drama & Theatre Studies GCSE (9-1) Full Course 51 8
Computer Studies/Computing GCSE (9-1) Full Course 50 9
Classical Civilisation GCSE (9-1) Full Course 37 7
Chemistry GCSE (9-1) Full Course 180 8
Biology GCSE (9-1) Full Course 180 8
Art & Design (Graphics) GCSE (9-1) Full Course 36 8
Art & Design (Fine Art) GCSE (9-1) Full Course 35 8

% of pupils achieving AAB or higher, including at least 2 facilitating subjects (2024)

School
43.1%
LA avg.
31.6%
Eng. avg.
17.1%

What is this?

Facilitating A levels are ones that are commonly needed for entry to leading universities. They are: biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, further mathematics, geography, history, English literature and classical or modern languages. The % of pupils achieving AAB or higher may therefore decrease if many pupils have opted not to take two or more of the facilitating subjects mentioned.

Average points score (2024)

School
45.10
LA avg.
39.64
Eng. avg.
34.45

What is this?

These figures tell you the average grade and average points that pupils achieved in their academic qualifications. A maximum of 60 points are available for a grade A* at A level.

Subjects entered at 16 to 18 (2024)

Pupils attending this school entered exams in these subjects. The list only includes qualifications approved for inclusion in the performance measures. The subjects and qualifications on offer at this school may change year on year. For a full list of subjects and qualifications on offer at this school, visit the school or college website or contact the school directly. Find out more

Subject Qualification Entries Avg. grade
Spanish GCE A level 12 A
Religious Studies GCE A level 6 A
Psychology GCE A level 49 A
Physics GCE A level 23 A
Mathematics (Further) GCE A level 19 A
Mathematics GCE A level 87 A
Latin GCE A level 7 A
History GCE A level 32 A
Government and Politics GCE A level 30 A
Geography GCE A level 33 A
French GCE A level 6 A*
English Literature GCE A level 43 A
English Language GCE A level 11 A
Economics GCE A level 26 A
Computer Studies / Computing GCE A level 14 A
Classical Civilisation GCE A level 14 A
Chemistry GCE A level 60 A
Business Studies:Single GCE A level 8 B
Biology GCE A level 68 A
Art and Design (Graphics) GCE A level 6 A*
Art and Design (Fine Art) GCE A level 12 A

Entry and exit data

Here we report figures on pupils moving between schools at the usual entry and exit points, as well as student destinations into higher education. We publish publically available data for state schools. For independent schools, The Good Schools Guide collects data from its prep schools as to where their pupils go on to. Find out more

Our review contains additional entry and exit data reported to us and is updated annually. See the review

Recent feeder schools

Year 7 entry (average 2020-2022)

Year 12 entry (average 2020-2022)

Year 11 exit (average 2020-2022)

Year 13 exit

SEN overview

Dr Challoner's High School is a mainstream school. The school may provide support for students with special educational needs as detailed below. If you require more information on conditions the school can support, we encourage you to contact the school directly.

SEN statement

Provided by the school and not part of our review

At Dr Challoner’s High School, we strive for all girls to access the best possible education and to support the aspirations of each individual. We see each girl as a remarkable individual and aim to support both their learning in school and their confidence in themselves as young people, so that they are best ready for setting out to shape our future.

Updated Sep 2025
0.2 %
Students with a SEN EHCP UK mainstream school avg. 2.7%
2.3 %
Students with SEN support UK mainstream school avg. 12.9%

SEN conditons supported

No information available from the school. Find out more.

Ofsted reports

From September 2024, Ofsted no longer makes an overall effectiveness judgement in inspections of state-funded schools.

Full inspection: Outstanding

You can read full reports on the Ofsted website

Personal development Outstanding
Quality of education Outstanding
Behaviour and attitudes Outstanding
Leadership and management Outstanding
Sixth form provision Outstanding

Full inspection: Outstanding

Leadership and management Outstanding
Our data explained
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