Chelmsford College
About Chelmsford College
Chelmsford College’s Progress 8 score of -1.41 sits well below the Essex local authority average of -0.18 for secondary schools, placing it in the bottom 50 nationally and last among the 12 schools in the Chelmsford district. This is a significant gap, and it reflects a school that serves a very different cohort from the grammar schools topping the local rankings. With 82.6% of pupils eligible for free school meals, the intake is among the most disadvantaged in the area, and the data suggests that academic outcomes are heavily shaped by this context. The school’s Attainment 8 score of 4.8 is low, and no pupils entered the English Baccalaureate or achieved the basics measure at grade 4 or 5. Across individual subjects, the picture is similarly challenging: Progress 8 in English is -1.9, in maths -0.85, and in the EBacc subjects -1.73. These are not simply below average; they are among the weakest in the region.
Key Details
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
14 Mar 2023Latest monitoring visit (14 Mar 2023): School remains Good
Source: Ofsted, 20 Nov 2017. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
Facilities
8Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
16Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Chelmsford College
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
School Admissions Timeline 2026/27
Key dates for primary, secondary and nursery applications