SchoolScoresThe Boswells School
Academy · Secondary, ages 11 to 18 · Mixed · Sixth form
Part of THE CHELMSFORD LEARNING PARTNERSHIP
Burnham Road, Chelmsford, CM1 6LY
01245 264451 · School website · Map and directions
Ofsted inspection
Ofsted rated this school Good at the inspection that started on 24 April 2013.
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 |
| Leadership and management | Good |
Since then, a shorter ungraded inspection on 22 February 2023: Ofsted found the school was still Good.
Read the full Ofsted reports for this school
Source: Ofsted state-funded schools inspection data.
Results
GCSEs (key stage 4, age 16), 2024/25
240 pupils in this year group.
46% — 3 points above the Essex average, and about the same as the England average.
| Measure | This school | Essex | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5 or above in English and maths | 46% | 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. | 48.4 | 45.1 | 46.1 |
| EBacc average point scoreAverage points across the English Baccalaureate subjects: English, maths, sciences, a language and history or geography. | 4.3 | 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.
246 pupils in this year group.
91% — about the same as the Essex average, and about the same as 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. | 91% | 92% | 92% |
| School sixth form | 42% | 37% | 34% |
| Sixth form college | 3% | 9% | 13% |
| Further education college | 39% | 38% | 37% |
| Apprenticeship | 4% | 3% | 3% |
| Work | 2% | 3% | 3% |
Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or work, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 94% | 91% |
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
90 A level students in this year group.
| Measure | This school | Essex | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average A level grade | B- | C+ | B- |
| A level exams graded A* or A | 25% | 26% | 26% |
| A level exams graded A* to B | 61% | 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. | 38.0 | 34.7 | 35 |
A level subjects, 2024/25
23 subjects, 265 exams. England figures are for state-funded schools and colleges.
| Subject | Exams | A* | A* or A | England A* or A |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Psychology | 43 | 0% | 12% | 19% |
| Law | 26 | 0% | 31% | 17% |
| Media/Film/Tv Studies | 23 | 0% | 9% | 14% |
| Mathematics | 22 | 27% | 50% | 40% |
| Sociology | 20 | 15% | 30% | 20% |
| Economics | 15 | 0% | 20% | 26% |
| Biology | 13 | 0% | 15% | 27% |
| Business Studies:Single | 10 | 10% | 10% | 16% |
| English Language | 10 | 0% | 10% | 13% |
| History | 9 | 0% | 22% | 23% |
| Physics | 9 | 33% | 67% | 31% |
| Religious Studies | 9 | 11% | 33% | 22% |
| Chemistry | 7 | 14% | 43% | 30% |
| Mathematics (Further) | 7 | 29% | 43% | 59% |
| Dance | 6 | 0% | 0% | 30% |
| Government and Politics | 6 | 0% | 0% | 26% |
Also taken, with too few exams for DfE to publish grades: Computer Studies / Computing, English Literature, Geography, Physical Education / Sports Studies, Art and Design (Fine Art), French, Spanish.
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.
139 students in this year group.
84% — 3 points above the Essex average, and 5 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. | 84% | 81% | 79% |
| Apprenticeship | 7% | 8% | 7% |
| Work | 26% | 33% | 28% |
Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or work, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 95% | 84% |
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.
128 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. | 22% | 15% | 19% |
Went on to a degree or other higher education, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 62% | 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 | 241 |
|---|---|
| Families who put it first | 247 |
| Of those, offered a place | 195 (79%) |
| Families who listed it at all | 860 |
First-choice applications per place: 2024: 0.9 · 2025: 0.9 · 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.
Pupils, staff and SEND
| Pupils | This school | Essex | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eligible for free school meals in the last 6 years 7th highest of 11 state secondary schools in Chelmsford. Higher than 21% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 16.6% | 22.6%* | 28.9% |
| With an education, health and care plan 6th highest of 11 state secondary schools in Chelmsford. Higher than 35% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 2.3% | 2.7%* | 3.1% |
| Receiving special educational needs support 4th highest of 11 state secondary schools in Chelmsford. Higher than 23% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 10.2% | 12.9%* | 13.4% |
| English as an additional language 4th highest of 11 state secondary schools in Chelmsford. Higher than 46% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 10.6% | 9.5%* | 19.2% |
| Overall absence (sessions missed) 7th lowest of 11 state secondary schools in Chelmsford. Lower than 71% of 3,411 state secondary schools in England. | 7.2% | 8.6%* | 8.4% |
| Persistently absent (missed 10% or more) 8th lowest of 11 state secondary schools in Chelmsford. Lower than 72% of 3,411 state secondary schools in England. | 18.8% | 23.0%* | 23.4% |
| Suspensions per 100 pupils 9th lowest of 11 state secondary schools in Chelmsford. Lower than 59% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 11.4 | 18.4 | 21.2 |
| Pupils suspended at least once 9th lowest of 11 state secondary schools in Chelmsford. Lower than 64% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 5.1% | 7.5% | 7.3% |
| Pupils permanently excluded3 pupils | 0.21% | 0.18% | 0.23% |
| Pupils per teacher 5th highest of 11 state secondary schools in Chelmsford. Higher than 79% of 3,442 state secondary schools in England. | 18.3 | 17.2 | 16.7 |
| Pupils per adult (teachers and support staff) Joint 4th highest of 11 state secondary schools in Chelmsford. Higher than 92% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 14.4 | 12.9 | 11.8 |
| Teachers who left during the year 5th highest of 11 state secondary schools in Chelmsford. Higher than 39% of 3,430 state secondary schools in England. | 11.5% | 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 Hospital School 0.4 miles · Independent · Ofsted: Outstanding (2024)
- The Beaulieu Park School 0.8 miles · Ofsted: Outstanding (2023) · 63% grade 5+ English and maths
- Chelmsford County High School for Girls 1.1 miles · Ofsted: Outstanding (2024) · 99% grade 5+ English and maths
- St John Payne Catholic School, Chelmsford 1.2 miles · Ofsted: Good (2016), confirmed 2024 · 51% grade 5+ English and maths
- King Edward VI Grammar School, Chelmsford 1.3 miles · Ofsted: Report card 2026: 2 exceptional, 5 strong · 100% grade 5+ English and maths
- New Hall School 1.4 miles · Independent, inspected by ISI · 42% A*/A at A level
- Chelmer Valley High School 1.8 miles · Ofsted: Good (2023) · 43% grade 5+ English and maths
- Moulsham High School 2.3 miles · Ofsted: Good (2020), improved significantly 2024 · 66% grade 5+ English and maths
- Great Baddow High School 2.5 miles · Ofsted: Report card 2026: 2 strong, 5 expected · 56% grade 5+ English and maths
- Hylands School 2.6 miles · Ofsted: Report card 2026: 2 needs attention, 4 urgent improvement · 38% grade 5+ English and maths
Straight-line distance. Distance isn't the same as a catchment area.
Questions parents ask
What is The Boswells School's Ofsted rating?
The Boswells School was rated Good by Ofsted at its inspection in 24 April 2013. At a shorter ungraded inspection in 22 February 2023, Ofsted found the school was still Good.
How did The Boswells School do in its GCSEs?
In 2024/25, 46% of pupils grade 5 or above in English and maths, about the same as the England average of 45%.
Is The Boswells School oversubscribed?
For the September 2026 intake, 247 families put The Boswells School as their first choice for 241 places: about one first-choice application for every place. 195 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 137874.
- Inspections: Ofsted management information, data to 31 August 2026.
- 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.