Chelmer Valley High School
99%
Capacity
1,155
Pupils
3.2x
Demand
About Chelmer Valley High School
Chelmer Valley High School is a state-funded None secondary school serving the Chelmsford community, welcoming children from age 11 to 18. The school has 1,155 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (99% of 1,168 places).
Ofsted has rated Chelmer Valley High School "Good", the school is led by headteacher Tom Sparks, it falls under Essex local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of +0.25 is above the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is solid at 46.2. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of C. Additionally, ranked 940th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 5th out of 12 in Chelmsford.
Chelmer Valley High School is a popular choice with families — it received 740 applications for 231 places, making it 3.2x oversubscribed. Of these, 197 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 10 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 7 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Chelmer Valley High School include Sixth Form Centre, Music Rooms, Sports Hall, Theatre, Swimming Pool, Astro Turf, Library.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Tennis, Netball, Gymnastics, Swimming and 2 more, as well as clubs including Orchestra, Drama, Book Club, Eco Club and 3 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 18.7%, which is below the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Chelmsford, Chelmer Valley High School is one of the options available in the East of England region. Use Classpot to compare it side-by-side with nearby alternatives and find the best fit for your child.
Key Details
| School Type | Secondary (State) |
| Age Range | 11 to 18 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | None |
| Address | Court Road, Chelmsford, Chelmsford, CM1 7ER |
| Headteacher | Tom Sparks |
| Local Authority | Essex |
| Number of Pupils | 1,155 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 18.7% |
| School Capacity | 1,155 / 1,168 (99% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
13 Jun 2023Overall Effectiveness
Good
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 12 Sept 2023. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+0.25)
940th of 3,141
Nationally
101st of 350
In East of England
5th of 12
In Chelmsford
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make more progress than similar students nationally
Attainment 8 (vs national avg)
Students achieve significantly higher grades than the national average
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. Progress 8 compares to students with similar Key Stage 2 results.
A-Level Results
2023/24Average Points per Entry
Value Added Score
Best 3 A-Levels (Average)
'21/22
38.1
'22/23
33.9
'23/24
29.9
Source: Department for Education 16-18 Performance Tables, 2023/24. Value Added measures progress compared to students with similar GCSE results.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
7Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
13Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed231
740
High Demand
Competitive - many more applications than places available
197 families put this school as their 1st choice (27% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chelmer Valley High School
Helpful Guides for Parents
Ofsted Ratings Explained
Understand the 4 Ofsted ratings and what they mean
Understanding Progress 8
Learn how Progress 8 measures pupil progress from primary to GCSE
SEN & EHCP: A Parent's Guide
Understanding SEN support, EHC Plans and your legal rights
Understanding School Catchment Areas
How admission distances work and tips for maximising your choices
Contact Information
Court Road, Chelmsford
Chelmsford, CM1 7ER
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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