A New HQ! Astra on the Move

Astra is on the move - but only across the road!

Everyone in Astra is thrilled that Dr Challoner's Grammar School has announced the purchase of 149 Station Road in Amersham from Chiltern Samaritans.

149 Station Road will provide a new base for Astra's leadership, core teaching staff and central administrative team.

Over the last decade more than 600 teachers have qualified through Astra, with most now working in schools in Buckingshamshire and surrounding areas. More recently Astra Teaching School Hub has led the way in delivering high quality teaching and leadership training for current teachers in schools across Buckinghamshire.

The new base, soon to be refurbished before Astra moves in Spring 2025, will be more easily accessible and provide bespoke office space. Just a short walk from Amersham rail and underground station and directly opposite the school, the building is also easily accessible.

While the offices are moving, Astra's training will continue to be based both at Dr Challoner's Grammar School and in schools across the partnership.

This purchase means that the school can repurpose space on the school site to better meet student pastoral needs, creating facilities that deliver counselling, academic support, behavioural support and SEN provision in a cohesive and child centred way.

The purchase of 149 Station Road by Dr Challoner’s Grammar School has been made possible thanks to the generous support from donors which meant that the school has been able to finance the purchase without using the school’s central funding.

For Chiltern Samaritans, a number of generous legacy donations has enabled them to make the move to bigger premises.

Headteacher of Dr Challoner's Grammar School and Astra's Lead Headteacher, David Atkinson said: “I am delighted to have completed this purchase, as it allows us to address the ongoing increase in needs in our young people. This is a transaction that will benefit the whole community through the work done by Chiltern Samaritans, the school and Astra.”

Amanda Weaver, Branch Director at Chiltern Samaritans, said: “The move to larger premises in Amersham will allow us to better serve our callers, our community and our volunteers. Although we can’t move into our new home quite yet, we remain open 24/7 to support our phone, email and chat callers from temporary accommodation.” If you’re going through a difficult time you can call Samaritans for free on 116 123, www.samaritans.org.