The James Hornsby School
115%
Capacity
1,037
Pupils
3.9x
Demand
About The James Hornsby School
The James Hornsby School is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the Basildon community, welcoming children from age 11 to 16. The school has 1,037 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (115% of 900 places).
Ofsted has rated The James Hornsby School "Good", the school is led by headteacher Tammy Nicholls, it falls under Essex local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.32 is below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 40.2. Additionally, ranked 2296th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 5th out of 8 in Basildon.
The James Hornsby School is a popular choice with families — it received 799 applications for 205 places, making it 3.9x oversubscribed. Of these, 245 were first-preference applications.
The James Hornsby School has average reviews on SchoolParrot (3.3/5 from 2 parents), and parent feedback on Ofsted Parent View is overwhelmingly positive, with 100% recommending the school (15 responses).
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 5 areas, including Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health, Speech, Language & Communication and 2 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at The James Hornsby School include Theatre, Playing Fields, Tennis Courts, Library, Music Rooms, Gymnasium, Dining Hall, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Football, Rowing, Swimming, Athletics and 3 more, as well as clubs including Book Club, Art Club, Debate, Model UN and 5 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 46.2%, which is well above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Basildon, The James Hornsby 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 16 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | Leinster Road, Laindon, Basildon, Basildon, SS15 5NX |
| Headteacher | Tammy Nicholls |
| Local Authority | Essex |
| Number of Pupils | 1,037 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 46.2% |
| School Capacity | 1,037 / 900 (115% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
6 Oct 2021Overall Effectiveness
Good
Source: Ofsted, 18 Nov 2021. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.32)
2296th of 3,141
Nationally
263rd of 350
In East of England
5th of 8
In Basildon
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.
Ofsted Parent View
15 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
16Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed205
799
High Demand
Competitive - many more applications than places available
245 families put this school as their 1st choice (31% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About The James Hornsby 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
Leinster Road, Laindon, Basildon
Basildon, SS15 5NX
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Reviews on Other Platforms
External reviews are provided by third-party platforms and are not verified by Classpot.
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