The Sandon School
98%
Capacity
1,231
Pupils
3.3x
Demand
About The Sandon School
The Sandon School is a state-funded None secondary school serving the Chelmsford community, welcoming children from age 11 to 18. The school has 1,231 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (98% of 1,253 places).
Ofsted has rated The Sandon School "Requires Improvement", the school is led by headteacher Andrew Weaver, it falls under Essex local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of +0.15 is above the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is solid at 49.3. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of C-. Additionally, ranked 1210th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 6th out of 12 in Chelmsford.
The Sandon School is a popular choice with families — it received 705 applications for 211 places, making it 3.3x oversubscribed. Of these, 158 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 7 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 4 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at The Sandon School include ICT Suite, Playing Fields, Tennis Courts, Sports Hall, Science Labs, Music Rooms, Gymnasium, Swimming Pool, Dining Hall, Sixth Form Centre.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Swimming, Rugby, Cross Country, Tennis and 5 more, as well as clubs including Drama, Science Club, Choir, Chess and 7 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 15.5%, which is below the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Chelmsford, The Sandon 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 | Molrams Lane, Chelmsford, Chelmsford, CM2 7AQ |
| Headteacher | Andrew Weaver |
| Local Authority | Essex |
| Number of Pupils | 1,231 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 15.5% |
| School Capacity | 1,231 / 1,253 (98% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
19 Mar 2024Overall Effectiveness
Requires improvement
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 12 Jun 2024. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+0.15)
1210th of 3,141
Nationally
128th of 350
In East of England
6th of 12
In Chelmsford
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make more 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
34.0
'22/23
29.0
'23/24
27.4
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
10Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
20Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed211
705
High Demand
Competitive - many more applications than places available
158 families put this school as their 1st choice (22% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Sandon 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
Molrams Lane, Chelmsford
Chelmsford, CM2 7AQ
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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