A grammar school in Buckinghamshire received a new rating after a quality assurance visit. 

Dr Challoner’s Girls High School in Little Chalfont for girls aged 11 to 18 received a new quality assurance review by Challenge Partners, an education charity providing development programmes for member schools.

Schools and trusts can become members to get a quality assurance review and other benefits by paying a fee ranging from £850 to £20,000 depending on the package and size of the school.

In early March, Challenge Partners accredited the school in the top ‘Leading’ category in all areas following a three-day visit.

Headteacher Alan Roe said: “We are very pleased with the review. I would like to thank all members of our school community for their contribution to providing the best possible education for girls so that they will shape the world. 

“It is one big team effort!”

The reviewers looked at quality of leadership at all levels, teaching, co-curricular activities, support and outcomes for disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, attendance and outcomes among others.

The report said: “Year on year, the school builds on its high level of academic outcomes, enabling students to enter Oxbridge, Russell Group universities of their choice, or join high level apprenticeships with global companies.

“Teachers’ expert subject and pedagogical knowledge directly contributes to this success.”

For example 115 of pupils out of 147 taking further maths were awarded A to A* grade last year.  

Oxbridge offers increased from eight last year to 14 in 2023, the report noted.

Applications to study medicine have more than doubled from 10 applications in 2018 to 21 in 2023. 

The review recognised the programmes for Years 7 to 13 to develop resilience, leadership and confidence, and the school’s special enrichment programme, which goes “far beyond what most sixth forms are able to offer,” the report said.  

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The school’s co-curricular programme boasts 68 clubs and societies for pupils to choose from.

Headteacher Alan Roe said: “We are also delighted that our Sixth Form enrichment offer – which bridges the gap between school life and the adult world and is the product of four years of development and review – was accredited as an area of excellence.”