The plans will see MECE become a thriving two-form-entry mainstream secondary school, building deliberately on the benefits a smaller secondary school can offer students.

Alongside this, Maiden Erlegh Trust will make greater use of MECE’s large, green site to create Chiltern Education Hub.

Small school, big heart

Our experience of operating as a smaller secondary school has shown us first-hand the benefits this can offer many young people.

At MECE, smaller numbers and a large, green site create a distinctive environment: a close-knit community where students are known well, relationships are strong and there is space to learn and develop.

The focus will remain on high academic expectations, strong support, great enrichment and wider opportunities, plus excellent preparation for post-16 options.

As part of Maiden Erlegh Trust, MECE will have access to expertise, resources and opportunities that extend beyond its size.

Introducing Chiltern Education Hub

As MECE becomes a smaller two-form-entry secondary school, we want to ensure students continue to benefit from a great range of opportunities.

MECE already shares its site with Bishopswood School and Kingfisher Nursery. Chiltern Education Hub will build on this successful campus model, making greater use of the site.

The Hub will bring additional educational provision to the site, delivered by Maiden Erlegh Trust through Horizons Alternative Provision Academy.

Our vision includes specialist vocational courses, small-group and one-to-one tutoring, and Forest School. MECE students will also be able to benefit from some of the additional opportunities and expertise available.

Chiltern Education Hub will create more high-quality educational opportunities for young people across our local communities.

Investment starts spring 2027

New capital investment in MECE and the wider site will begin in spring 2027, with work taking place in phases as Chiltern Education Hub develops.

Further investment is planned for following phases, including improvements to MECE’s sports facilities, with some of these later works linked to the proposed land sale.

Jonathon Peck, Chief Executive Officer of Maiden Erlegh Trust, said:

“What excites me about these plans is that we know a smaller mainstream secondary school can offer real benefits for many young people, and we are building on that.

“We also have a fantastic site and an established education campus. Chiltern Education Hub gives us the opportunity to make more of both, bringing together different types of education and creating more opportunities for more young people.

“There is a lot to look forward to.”

Great education. More opportunities.

Find out more about our plans for Maiden Erlegh Chiltern Edge and Chiltern Education Hub here.