Classpot

St Benedict's Catholic College

Colchester, CO3 3USSecondaryAges 11–16MixedState
Ofsted Rating
Good
Jul 2023
Progress 8
+0.23
Above average
−20+2
Competition
1.2×
Oversubscribed
211 1st-choice / 171 places
Ranking
#1,009
of 3,141 nationally

About St Benedict's Catholic College

St Benedict's Catholic College in Colchester was rated Good in its most recent Ofsted inspection in 2023, a significant improvement from its previous Requires Improvement rating in 2012. The school's Progress 8 score of 0.23 is the standout metric here, placing it well above the local authority average of -0.18 for Essex. This means pupils at St Benedict's make, on average, about a quarter of a grade more progress per subject than pupils nationally, a solid result for a non-selective state secondary. The school ranks 4th out of 10 secondary schools in the Colchester local authority area by this measure, and sits in the top third nationally. Its Attainment 8 score of 53.5 is also strong, and 60.9% of pupils achieved a grade 5 or above in English and maths, compared with 81.6% achieving a grade 4 or above. The EBacc average point score of 4.7 reflects a decent breadth of academic study.

Key Details

School TypeSecondary (State)
Age Range11 to 16 years
GenderMixed
Religious CharacterRoman Catholic
AddressNorman Way, Colchester, Colchester, CO3 3US
HeadteacherJ E Santinelli
Local AuthorityEssex
Number of Pupils891
Free School Meals (FSM)9.1%
School Capacity891 / 876 (102% full)

The full report on this school

The inspection in plain English, admissions context, and how this school compares to nearby alternatives — all in one full school report.

  • Ofsted inspection in plain English
    Strengths, concerns and what inspectors flagged
  • Parent View survey results
    What parents told Ofsted — when the school has 10+ responses
  • Where Ofsted and parents disagree
    Gaps to probe + questions to ask at the open day
  • Admissions & catchment
    Admission criteria, distance cutoffs (where the LA publishes them)
  • Nearby schools compared
    Backup options with Ofsted, demand and distance
  • Attendance & behaviour data
    Persistent absentees, suspensions and exclusions vs national
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Ofsted Inspection Breakdown

19 Jul 2023
View Report
Overall Effectiveness
Good
Leadership & Management
Good

Latest monitoring visit (19 Jul 2023): School remains Good

Source: Ofsted, 16 Dec 2013. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.

Facilities

10
Tennis CourtsSwimming PoolDining HallSports HallScience LabsAstro TurfGymnasiumPlaying FieldsLibraryChapel

Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.

Extracurriculars

14

Sports

RowingFootballRugbyDanceSwimmingTennis

Clubs & Activities

GardeningArt ClubNewspaperModel United NationsFilm ClubDramaBook ClubChoir

Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.

SEND Support

AutismDyslexiaMental HealthSpeech & LanguageHearingVisionPhysicalLearning DifficultyOther

Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.

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Frequently Asked Questions About St Benedict's Catholic College

St Benedict's Catholic College has been rated "Good" by Ofsted. This means the school provides a good standard of education and effectively supports all pupils to succeed.