Hele's School
103%
Capacity
1,393
Pupils
2.5x
Demand
About Hele's School
Hele's School is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the Plymouth community, welcoming children from age 11 to 18. The school has 1,393 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (103% of 1,349 places).
Ofsted has rated Hele's School "Good", the school is led by headteacher Emma Clapham, it falls under Plymouth local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.09 is below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is solid at 47.3. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of C. Additionally, ranked 1748th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 9th out of 18 in Plymouth.
Hele's School is a popular choice with families — it received 586 applications for 230 places, making it 2.5x oversubscribed. Of these, 267 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 9 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 6 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Hele's School include Science Labs, Sports Hall, Library, Theatre, Astro Turf, Art Studios, Dining Hall, Playing Fields, ICT Suite, Music Rooms, Sixth Form Centre, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Cross Country, Football, Badminton, Cricket and 3 more, as well as clubs including Film Club, Newspaper, Drama, Art Club and 4 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 16.2%, which is below the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Plymouth, Hele's School is one of the options available in the South West 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 | Does not apply |
| Address | Seymour Road, Plymouth, Plymouth, PL7 4LT |
| Headteacher | Emma Clapham |
| Local Authority | Plymouth |
| Number of Pupils | 1,393 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 16.2% |
| School Capacity | 1,393 / 1,349 (103% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
23 Mar 2023Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (23 Mar 2023): School remains Good
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 19 Sept 2017. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.09)
1748th of 3,141
Nationally
174th of 306
In South West
9th of 18
In Plymouth
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make similar progress to students nationally with the same starting point
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
36.5
'22/23
30.3
'23/24
31.6
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
12Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
15Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed230
586
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
267 families put this school as their 1st choice (46% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hele's 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
Seymour Road, Plymouth
Plymouth, PL7 4LT
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
