The Boswells School
98%
Capacity
1,409
Pupils
3.5x
Demand
About The Boswells School
The Boswells School is a state-funded None secondary school serving the Chelmsford community, welcoming children from age 11 to 18. The school has 1,409 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (98% of 1,431 places).
Ofsted has rated The Boswells School "Good", the school is led by headteacher Stephen Mansell, it falls under Essex local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.16 is below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is solid at 46.4. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of B-. Additionally, ranked 1907th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 9th out of 12 in Chelmsford.
The Boswells School is a popular choice with families — it received 846 applications for 241 places, making it 3.5x oversubscribed. Of these, 219 were first-preference applications.
The Boswells School has mixed reviews on SchoolParrot (2.8/5 from 3 parents).
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 10 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 7 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at The Boswells School include Dining Hall, Science Labs, Art Studios, Sports Hall, Music Rooms, ICT Suite, Sixth Form Centre, Library, Theatre, Astro Turf, Swimming Pool, Playing Fields.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Dance, Cricket, Tennis, Netball and 6 more, as well as clubs including Science Club, Orchestra, Debate, Coding and 2 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 15.7%, which is below the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Chelmsford, The Boswells School 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 | Burnham Road, Chelmsford, Chelmsford, CM1 6LY |
| Headteacher | Stephen Mansell |
| Local Authority | Essex |
| Number of Pupils | 1,409 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 15.7% |
| School Capacity | 1,409 / 1,431 (98% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
22 Feb 2023Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (22 Feb 2023): School remains Good
Source: Ofsted, 17 May 2013. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.16)
1907th of 3,141
Nationally
222nd of 350
In East of England
9th of 12
In Chelmsford
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make less 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
41.2
'22/23
36.3
'23/24
37.6
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
16Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed241
846
High Demand
Competitive - many more applications than places available
219 families put this school as their 1st choice (26% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Boswells 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
Burnham Road, Chelmsford
Chelmsford, CM1 6LY
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Reviews on Other Platforms
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