SchoolScoresSt John Payne Catholic School, Chelmsford
Voluntary aided school · Secondary, ages 11 to 18 · Mixed · Roman Catholic · Sixth form
Patching Hall Lane, Chelmsford, CM1 4BS
01245 256030 · School website · Map and directions
Ofsted inspection
Ofsted rated this school Good at the inspection that started on 12 January 2016.
This inspection used Ofsted's older format with four grades: Outstanding, Good, Requires improvement and Inadequate. Newer inspections use report cards. What changed.
| Area | Grade |
|---|---|
| Quality of education | Good |
| Outcomes for pupils | Good |
| Behaviour and attitudes | Good |
| Leadership and management | Good |
| Sixth form | Outstanding |
| Safeguarding | Effective |
Since then, a shorter ungraded inspection on 20 June 2024: Ofsted found the school was still Good.
Read the full Ofsted reports for this school
Source: Ofsted state-funded schools inspection data.
What parents say
148 parents answered Ofsted's Parent View survey between 2 April 2024 and 7 April 2025.
Chelmsford comparisons use the 5 of its 11 state secondary schools with comparable results. The other 6 have no published Parent View results (Ofsted only publishes a survey once at least 10 parents answer) or used Ofsted's newer questions, which we don't compare with the older ones.
| Statement | This school | Chelmsford | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| My child is happy at this school 2nd highest of 5 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Chelmsford. Higher than 86% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 93% | 88% | 89% |
| My child feels safe at this school 2nd highest of 5 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Chelmsford. Higher than 83% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 94% | 90% | 90% |
| The school makes sure pupils are well behaved 2nd highest of 5 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Chelmsford. Higher than 86% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 92% | 82% | 84% |
| Bullying was dealt with quickly and effectivelyOf 66 parents whose child had been bullied 1st highest of 5 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Chelmsford. Higher than 98% of 1,665 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 73% | 52% | 51% |
| Concerns were dealt with properlyOf 115 parents who had raised a concern 1st highest of 5 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Chelmsford. Higher than 95% of 1,736 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 89% | 73% | 76% |
| I would recommend this school to another parent 2nd highest of 5 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Chelmsford. Higher than 82% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 91%said yes | 84% | 84% |
Parents choose whether to take part, so these answers may not represent all families. Figures are the share who agree or strongly agree. England figures are all parents answering the same questions over the same period, for state-funded schools. Chelmsford figures pool parents at the Chelmsford schools compared, from each school's latest survey, so survey dates differ between schools. The scales run from lower (left) to higher (right) agreement, and the dot marks this school among state schools of the same phase that used the same survey questions. The third it falls in is coloured: green for the top third, amber the middle, red the bottom. This survey used Ofsted's previous Parent View questions, which changed in November 2025. Source: Ofsted Parent View management information.
Results
GCSEs (key stage 4, age 16), 2024/25
189 pupils in this year group.
51% — 8 points above the Essex average, and 5 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | Essex | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5 or above in English and maths | 51% | 43% | 45% |
| Attainment 8 scoreAverage of each pupil's grades across 8 GCSE-level subjects, with English and maths counted twice. Around 50 means grade 5s on average. | 49.9 | 45.1 | 46.1 |
| EBacc average point scoreAverage points across the English Baccalaureate subjects: English, maths, sciences, a language and history or geography. | 4.1 | 4.0 | 4.1 |
Progress 8 isn't shown. DfE didn't publish it for 2024/25 because this year group's key stage 2 tests in 2020 were cancelled, and older progress scores aren't comparable.
Source: DfE key stage 4 performance tables, 2024/25. England figures are for state-funded schools.
After Year 11
Where pupils went next. DfE measures this for pupils who finished in an earlier year, so these figures describe a previous year group.
187 pupils in this year group.
97% — 5 points above the Essex average, and 5 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | Essex | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or workPupils recorded in sustained education, apprenticeship or employment in the year after finishing Year 11. | 97% | 92% | 92% |
| School sixth form | 66% | 37% | 34% |
| Sixth form college | 2% | 9% | 13% |
| Further education college | 23% | 38% | 37% |
| Apprenticeship | 3% | 3% | 3% |
| Work | 3% | 3% | 3% |
Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or work, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 94% | 97% |
Source: DfE key stage 4 destination measures, 2024/25 performance tables. England figures are for state-funded schools.
A levels (16 to 18), 2024/25
102 A level students in this year group.
| Measure | This school | Essex | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average A level grade | C+ | C+ | B- |
| A level exams graded A* or A | 15% | 26% | 26% |
| A level exams graded A* to B | 44% | 54% | 53% |
| Average points per A level entryAn A* is 60 points, an A is 50, a B is 40, and so on down to 10 for an E. | 32.7 | 34.7 | 35 |
A level subjects, 2024/25
24 subjects, 273 exams. England figures are for state-funded schools and colleges.
| Subject | Exams | A* | A* or A | England A* or A |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 30 | 13% | 43% | 40% |
| Psychology | 29 | 0% | 3% | 19% |
| Economics | 27 | 0% | 0% | 26% |
| Sociology | 19 | 0% | 11% | 20% |
| Biology | 17 | 6% | 12% | 27% |
| Business Studies:Single | 15 | 7% | 13% | 16% |
| Chemistry | 15 | 7% | 27% | 30% |
| Physics | 11 | 0% | 36% | 31% |
| Computer Studies / Computing | 10 | 10% | 10% | 24% |
| English Language | 10 | 0% | 0% | 13% |
| English Literature | 10 | 10% | 10% | 23% |
| Government and Politics | 10 | 0% | 0% | 26% |
| History | 10 | 0% | 0% | 23% |
| Art and Design | 8 | 13% | 50% | 34% |
| Art and Design (Photography) | 7 | 0% | 0% | 26% |
| Film Studies | 7 | 0% | 0% | 17% |
| Mathematics (Further) | 7 | 0% | 71% | 59% |
| Religious Studies | 7 | 0% | 14% | 22% |
| Environmental Science | 6 | 0% | 0% | 14% |
| Geography | 6 | 0% | 0% | 23% |
| Physical Education / Sports Studies | 6 | 0% | 17% | 17% |
Also taken, with too few exams for DfE to publish grades: Drama and Theatre Studies, French, German.
Source: DfE 16 to 18 qualification and subject data, 2024/25.
Source: DfE 16 to 18 performance tables, 2024/25. England figures are for state-funded schools.
After sixth form
Where pupils went next. DfE measures this for pupils who finished in an earlier year, so these figures describe a previous year group.
120 students in this year group.
88% — 7 points above the Essex average, and 9 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | Essex | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or workStudents recorded in sustained education, apprenticeship or employment in the year after finishing 16 to 18 study. | 88% | 81% | 79% |
| Apprenticeship | 8% | 8% | 7% |
| Work | 19% | 33% | 28% |
Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or work, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 91% | 88% |
Source: DfE 16 to 18 destination measures, 2024/25 performance tables. England figures are for state-funded schools.
Going on to university
Where pupils went next. DfE measures this for pupils who finished in an earlier year, so these figures describe a previous year group.
120 students in this year group.
74% — 20 points above the Essex average, and 14 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | Essex | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Went on to a degree or other higher education | 74% | 54% | 60% |
| Went to one of the most selective third of universitiesDfE's grouping of universities by the typical entry grades of their students. | 26% | 15% | 19% |
Went on to a degree or other higher education, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 78% | 74% |
Source: DfE 16 to 18 progression to higher education or training, 2024/25 performance tables. England figures are for state-funded schools.
Admissions
Apply through the council where you live, even if the school is in a different council area. This school is in Essex. The national closing date for secondary applications is 31 October, and offers are sent on 1 March.
How hard is it to get in?
For the September 2026 intake there were about one first-choice application for every place.
| Places offered | 182 |
|---|---|
| Families who put it first | 187 |
| Of those, offered a place | 133 (71%) |
| Families who listed it at all | 645 |
First-choice applications per place: 2024: 1.0 · 2025: 1.0 · 2026: 1.0
This isn't your chance of getting a place. That depends on the school's admissions rules (for example siblings, distance or faith) and where you live. Source: DfE applications and offers, September 2026 intake.
This is a Roman Catholic school. When it has more applicants than places it can give priority to families of the faith, for example those who can show regular worship. Check the school's admissions policy to see how places are allocated.
Pupils, staff and SEND
| Pupils | This school | Essex | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eligible for free school meals in the last 6 years 3rd highest of 11 state secondary schools in Chelmsford. Higher than 24% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 18.1% | 22.6%* | 28.9% |
| With an education, health and care plan 2nd highest of 11 state secondary schools in Chelmsford. Higher than 51% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 3.0% | 2.7%* | 3.1% |
| Receiving special educational needs support 6th highest of 11 state secondary schools in Chelmsford. Higher than 21% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 9.9% | 12.9%* | 13.4% |
| English as an additional language Joint 5th highest of 11 state secondary schools in Chelmsford. Higher than 44% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 10.2% | 9.5%* | 19.2% |
| Overall absence (sessions missed) 4th lowest of 11 state secondary schools in Chelmsford. Lower than 85% of 3,411 state secondary schools in England. | 6.1% | 8.6%* | 8.4% |
| Persistently absent (missed 10% or more) 4th lowest of 11 state secondary schools in Chelmsford. Lower than 87% of 3,411 state secondary schools in England. | 14.7% | 23.0%* | 23.4% |
| Suspensions per 100 pupils 8th lowest of 11 state secondary schools in Chelmsford. Lower than 61% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 10.7 | 18.4 | 21.2 |
| Pupils suspended at least once 6th lowest of 11 state secondary schools in Chelmsford. Lower than 73% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 4.1% | 7.5% | 7.3% |
| Pupils permanently excluded0 pupils | 0.00% | 0.18% | 0.23% |
| Pupils per teacher 1st highest of 11 state secondary schools in Chelmsford. Higher than 93% of 3,442 state secondary schools in England. | 19.9 | 17.2 | 16.7 |
| Pupils per adult (teachers and support staff) 6th highest of 11 state secondary schools in Chelmsford. Higher than 83% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 13.5 | 12.9 | 11.8 |
| Teachers who left during the year 6th highest of 11 state secondary schools in Chelmsford. Higher than 24% of 3,430 state secondary schools in England. | 9.3% | 13.3%* | 14.2%* |
Comparisons are with secondary schools. Scales run from lower (left) to higher (right) figures. For absence and suspensions lower is better, so their scales run green to red; blue scales describe the school's pupils and staff and aren't good or bad. * Calculated by SchoolScores from the council's or England's schools, weighted by pupils (or teachers, for turnover); other figures are published by DfE. Sources: DfE school census 2024/25; DfE pupil absence 2024/25; DfE suspensions and permanent exclusions 2024/25; DfE school workforce census 2025/26; DfE teacher turnover 2024/25.
Nearby secondary schools
- Chelmsford County High School for Girls 0.6 miles · Ofsted: Outstanding (2024) · 99% grade 5+ English and maths
- King Edward VI Grammar School, Chelmsford 0.8 miles · Ofsted: Report card 2026: 2 exceptional, 5 strong · 100% grade 5+ English and maths
- The Boswells School 1.2 miles · Ofsted: Good (2013), confirmed 2023 · 46% grade 5+ English and maths
- Chelmsford Hospital School 1.3 miles · Independent · Ofsted: Outstanding (2024)
- Chelmer Valley High School 1.4 miles · Ofsted: Good (2023) · 43% grade 5+ English and maths
- The Beaulieu Park School 1.6 miles · Ofsted: Outstanding (2023) · 63% grade 5+ English and maths
- Hylands School 1.9 miles · Ofsted: Report card 2026: 2 needs attention, 4 urgent improvement · 38% grade 5+ English and maths
- New Hall School 2.2 miles · Independent, inspected by ISI · 42% A*/A at A level
- Moulsham High School 2.3 miles · Ofsted: Good (2020), improved significantly 2024 · 66% grade 5+ English and maths
- Great Baddow High School 2.8 miles · Ofsted: Report card 2026: 2 strong, 5 expected · 56% grade 5+ English and maths
Straight-line distance. Distance isn't the same as a catchment area.
Questions parents ask
What is St John Payne Catholic School, Chelmsford's Ofsted rating?
St John Payne Catholic School, Chelmsford was rated Good by Ofsted at its inspection in 12 January 2016. At a shorter ungraded inspection in 20 June 2024, Ofsted found the school was still Good.
How did St John Payne Catholic School, Chelmsford do in its GCSEs?
In 2024/25, 51% of pupils grade 5 or above in English and maths, 5 points above the England average of 45%.
Would parents recommend St John Payne Catholic School, Chelmsford?
91% of the 148 parents who answered Ofsted's Parent View survey between 2 April 2024 and 7 April 2025 said they would recommend St John Payne Catholic School, Chelmsford to another parent. Parents choose whether to respond, so this may not represent all families.
Is St John Payne Catholic School, Chelmsford oversubscribed?
For the September 2026 intake, 187 families put St John Payne Catholic School, Chelmsford as their first choice for 182 places: about one first-choice application for every place. 133 of those families were offered a place. Whether you get a place depends on the school's admissions rules and where you live.
Sources
- School details: Get Information about Schools (DfE), 26 September 2026. URN 115238.
- Inspections: Ofsted management information, data to 31 August 2026.
- Parent views: Ofsted Parent View, 2 April 2024 to 7 April 2025.
- Results: DfE school performance tables, GCSEs 2024/25, After Year 11 2024/25, A levels 2024/25, After sixth form 2024/25, Going on to university 2024/25.
Spotted a mistake? Report it and we'll check it against the source.
Page updated 26 September 2026.