Ages 
Inspired approach towards teaching and while it’s clearly an intensive environment in which to learn, the pastoral care is outstanding and students are generally a very happy bunch. Staff are passionate about their subjects and students thrive in an atmosphere where it's cool to study. Beware of over-tutoring to get your child in, however – they could struggle to keep up.
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 1,141 ·
- Sixth form numbers
- 390 ·
- Religion
- None
- Local authority
- Essex County Council
- Area guides
Headteacher
Headteacher
Mr Tom Carter
Since 2014, Thomas Carter MA PGCE NPQH (40s), previously deputy head and associate head. He read maths at Clare College, Cambridge and worked in management consultancy and strategic development before changing to a career in teaching. He also has an
Entrance
Hugely competitive. In recent years, over 1,000 of the brightest examined for the 150 places. Lots of tutoring goes on to help smooth the process, although the school has got rid of verbal reasoning in the 11+ in an attempt to create a fairer playing
- Admissions policy
- Academically selective state school
- Open days
- See website
Entry and exit data - year 7 entry (average 2020-2022)
Exit
Around 10 per cent leave post GCSEs. Virtually all to university. Around three-quarters to Russell Group, with a sprinkling doing gap years or apprenticeships. Good spread of locations and courses, with Cambridge as the top destination, followed by
% students progressing to higher education or training (2021 leavers)
What is this?
The proportion of 16-18 students that progressed to degrees, higher apprenticeships or other study at level 4 or above for at least 6 consecutive months in the 2 years after taking advanced level qualifications (level 3) at this school or college.
Latest results
In 2024, 89 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 70 per cent A*/A at A level (89 per cent A*-B).
% of pupils achieving grade 5 or above (A* to C) in English and maths GCSE (2024)
What is this?
This tells you the percentage of pupils who achieved grade 5 or above in English and maths GCSEs.
Average points score (2024)
What is this?
These figures tell you the average grade and average points that pupils achieved in their academic qualifications. A maximum of 60 points are available for a grade A* at A level.
Teaching & learning
In terms of academic achievement, one of the top 10 state grammars. Outstanding commitment from staff who, according to a parent, ‘go a thousand miles beyond the call of duty and don't just stick to the curriculum. They give a proper education.’
- Qualifications taken in 2024
- A level
- EPQ
- GCSE
Learning support & SEN
A few have special educational needs - a SENCo oversees these students, who generally have visual impairment, dyslexia, dyspraxia or Asperger's syndrome. ‘Understanding, inclusive approach,’ according to parents, whilst students told us the pupil
Arts & extracurricular
Welcoming, modern art department is veritable Aladdin's cave (albeit with a lot of natural light) rammed with lively work, especially by the younger ones. Music block is also new and there’s plenty to write home about from this department, not least
Sport
Not known for its sporting prowess, ‘but it should be,’ believe many parents. Rugby fares well and full range of fixtures in all major sports. Students also win competitions in basketball, badminton, table tennis and tennis. Sport is compulsory up to
Ethos & heritage
Founded in 1551, nearly 350 years before it settled on the present site close to the town centre. Last 100 years have seen numbers increase eight-fold and buildings, permanent and ‘temporary,’ added behind the original low-key red-brick frontage.
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
Counsellor on hand if help is needed, although some students we spoke to had no idea about this, and the ones who did weren’t aware of where you’d find her. ‘But the fact that we haven’t needed to see her could be seen as telling in itself,’ pointed
Mobile phone policy
A clear mobile phone policy is a really important part of modern schooling. This school has provided us with their policy.
Mobile phone policy
Provided by the school and not part of our review Use of mobile phones anywhere on the school site is banned, except for sixth formers in the social area of the sixth form centre.
Pupils & parents
Pupils from as far afield as some London boroughs, but most much closer – with students mainly travelling in by train, bus or on foot, a few cycling or dropped off in the car. Diverse parent body - range of occupations and backgrounds. Good ethnic
The last word
Inspired approach towards teaching and while it’s clearly an intensive environment in which to learn, the pastoral care is outstanding and students are generally a very happy bunch. Staff are passionate about their subjects and students thrive in an
Inspection reports
Ofsted reports
Full inspection: Outstanding
You can read full reports on the Ofsted website
| Personal development | Outstanding |
|---|---|
| Quality of education | Outstanding |
| Behaviour and attitudes | Outstanding |
| Leadership and management | Outstanding |
| Sixth form provision | Outstanding |
