Ely College
100%
Capacity
1,649
Pupils
1.5x
Demand
About Ely College
Ely College is a state-funded None secondary school serving the East Cambridgeshire community, welcoming children from age 11 to 18. The school has 1,649 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (100% of 1,650 places).
Ofsted has rated Ely College "Good", the school is led by headteacher Simon Warburton, it falls under Cambridgeshire local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of +0.65 is well above the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is solid at 52.3. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of C-. Additionally, placing it in the top 25% nationally. Additionally, ranked 334th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 2nd out of 5 in East Cambridgeshire.
Ely College is a popular choice with families — it received 376 applications for 258 places, making it 1.5x oversubscribed. Of these, 252 were first-preference applications.
Ely College parent feedback on Ofsted Parent View is positive, with 75% recommending the school (293 responses).
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 8 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 5 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Ely College include ICT Suite, Science Labs, Sports Hall, Theatre, Astro Turf, Music Rooms, Playing Fields, Sixth Form Centre.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Dance, Rounders, Cricket, Rowing and 4 more, as well as clubs including Debate, Coding, Film Club, Model UN and 5 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 15.3%, which is below the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in East Cambridgeshire, Ely College 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 | Downham Road, Ely, East Cambridgeshire, CB6 2SH |
| Headteacher | Simon Warburton |
| Local Authority | Cambridgeshire |
| Number of Pupils | 1,649 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 15.3% |
| School Capacity | 1,649 / 1,650 (100% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
26 Mar 2025Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (26 Mar 2025): Improved significantly
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 8 Jul 2019. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+0.65)
334th of 3,141
Nationally
40th of 350
In East of England
2nd of 5
In East Cambridgeshire
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make significantly 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
25.7
'22/23
29.0
'23/24
26.1
Source: Department for Education 16-18 Performance Tables, 2023/24. Value Added measures progress compared to students with similar GCSE results.
Ofsted Parent View
293 responsesWould Recommend This School
Source: Ofsted Parent View (GOV.UK statistical data), Sep – Sep 2025
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
8Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
17Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed258
376
Balanced
Applications roughly match available places
252 families put this school as their 1st choice (67% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ely 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
Understanding School Catchment Areas
How admission distances work and tips for maximising your choices
Contact Information
Downham Road, Ely
East Cambridgeshire, CB6 2SH
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
