St John Payne Catholic School, Chelmsford
99%
Capacity
1,210
Pupils
3.4x
Demand
About St John Payne Catholic School, Chelmsford
St John Payne Catholic School, Chelmsford is a state-funded Roman Catholic secondary school serving the Chelmsford community, welcoming children from age 11 to 18. The school has 1,210 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (99% of 1,220 places).
Ofsted has rated St John Payne Catholic School, Chelmsford "Good", the school is led by headteacher Thomas Coen, it falls under Essex local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of +0.10 is above the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is solid at 49.8. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of C+. Additionally, ranked 1302nd out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 7th out of 12 in Chelmsford.
St John Payne Catholic School, Chelmsford is a popular choice with families — it received 622 applications for 182 places, making it 3.4x oversubscribed. Of these, 176 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 11 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Profound & Multiple Learning Difficulty and 8 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at St John Payne Catholic School, Chelmsford include Swimming Pool, Science Labs, Gymnasium, ICT Suite, Sixth Form Centre, Library, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Cross Country, Badminton, Cricket, Rugby and 5 more, as well as clubs including Science Club, Eco Club, Debate, Gardening and 6 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 17.2%, which is below the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Chelmsford, St John Payne Catholic School, Chelmsford 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 | Roman Catholic |
| Address | Patching Hall Lane, Chelmsford, Chelmsford, CM1 4BS |
| Headteacher | Thomas Coen |
| Local Authority | Essex |
| Number of Pupils | 1,210 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 17.2% |
| School Capacity | 1,210 / 1,220 (99% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
20 Jun 2024Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (20 Jun 2024): School remains Good
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 4 Feb 2016. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+0.10)
1302nd of 3,141
Nationally
146th of 350
In East of England
7th of 12
In Chelmsford
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
37.4
'22/23
35.6
'23/24
34.1
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
19Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed182
622
High Demand
Competitive - many more applications than places available
176 families put this school as their 1st choice (28% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About St John Payne Catholic School, Chelmsford
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
Patching Hall Lane, Chelmsford
Chelmsford, CM1 4BS
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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