The Chalfonts Independent Grammar School

A small independent secondary in Chalfont St Giles, Buckinghamshire, offering the IB Middle Years and Diploma Programmes to children whose families want a non-A-level route at modest fees rather than the big-name independent ticket.

The school is fully accredited for the IB MYP and DP and rated Good by Ofsted. Numbers are deliberately small, with classes that allow individual attention and a curriculum pitched at academically motivated students.

Parent feedback is split. Families who fit the school describe an enlightened, warm environment with engaged teachers and children who thrive academically and socially. Less happy parents flag inconsistent teaching quality across departments and weaker pastoral or operational handling at times. The recurring theme is that outcomes depend heavily on the specific teachers a child gets, which is the trade-off of a school this small. Best for IB-committed families who are willing to meet the staff in person before deciding.

• The Chalfonts is a very small independent in Buckinghamshire, and parent commentary turns on whether that scale is the point or the problem.
• One parent praised the Harkness method (small classes, discussion-led teaching) and said her son's SEND needs were absorbed by class size alone, with extracurriculars covering Model UN, Duke of Edinburgh and school performances.
• Another parent posted that teaching quality "totally depends on how good the teacher is. Some are very good some are very poor," and rated the school below par for wellbeing and pragmatism.
• A third comment called the school "ludicrously small" with "huge limitations," and disputed the use of "grammar" in the name.
• Ofsted rated the school Good at the most recent inspection, and the post-2023 site adds a science block and drama suite.