Ages 
A big, buzzing school of exceptional quality and quantity of opportunity, both academically and in all the co-curricular activities that are so important to the development of young characters. Focus on the individual is not sacrificed to scale and the place runs like a well-oiled machine, providing every pupil with the specific guidance and high expectations to take the next steps that are just right for them.
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Unlike other websites, schools can't pay to be included in The Good Schools Guide. This means our review of this school is independent, critical and fair, and written with parents' best interests at heart.
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 2,137 ·
- Sixth form numbers
- 629 ·
- Religion
- None
- Local authority
- Essex County Council
- Area guides
Headteacher
Headteacher
Polly Lankester
Since 2020, Polly Lankester. Studied history at Cambridge after a gap year in China, during which she fell in love with teaching. Took her PGCE and landed her first job as a teacher - in the school she now leads. ‘I knew the minute I walked through
Entrance
Seriously oversubscribed, with around 600 applicants for the 300 year 7 places available. Siblings are prioritised, followed by residents of 12 listed parishes, though no feeder primaries (the Essex way). Although other entry criteria exist, children
- Open days
- September and October
Entry and exit data - year 7 entry (average 2020-2022)
Exit
Just over 20 per cent leave after GCSEs, mainly for vocational courses or apprenticeships at local colleges including Cambridge’s Hills Road Sixth Form College, Cambridge Regional College and Harlow College. Plenty of guidance for the 85 per cent of
% 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, 32 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 82 per cent 9-4 in both English and maths at GCSE; 33 per cent A*/A at A level (64 per cent A*-B.
GCSE - % 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.
A level - 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
Undeniably a large school - the key to making sure each student gets the individual attention needed is to divide and divide again. School population is split into two halves (‘Saffron’ and ‘Walden’) and within that, core subjects are taught in sets
- Qualifications taken in 2024
- A level
- BTEC
- EPQ
- GCSE
- VRQ
Learning support & SEN
Learning support staff of 27, two designated as SENCos. Most support happens in lessons, with TAs embedded in particular departments, including fluent language speakers in MFL and experienced technicians in technology. One-to-one and small group
Arts & extracurricular
This really is the epicentre of the arts for the local area. School incorporates a professional concert and theatrical venue (Saffron Hall) as well as the town’s arts cinema (Saffron Screen), a clever move which has brought superb facilities to the
Sport
Sports teams fielded for all abilities – ‘It’s a big thing when the sheet goes up and you rush over to see if your name is there,’ one keen pupil told us – and there are fixtures most Saturday mornings in which the (often independent school)
Ethos & heritage
Set on a glorious patch of north east Essex countryside on the edge of the historic market town of Saffron Walden, the school’s nearest neighbour is Audley End House, a Jacobean pile now run by English Heritage. The two sites couldn’t be more
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
‘A large pond, but pupils don’t get lost in it,’ say parents - quite a feat and down to the clever compartmentalisation of the population and the commitment of staff to go ‘above and beyond to support children in both their learning and their
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 Mobile devices should not be brought into school; if they are seen or heard on school premises they will be confiscated. They will be taken by staff to the main office for safekeeping. If it is the first confiscation for that academic year the item can be collected at the end of the day. If it is not the first confiscation for that academic year the item will be kept in school and will be returned at the end of the following day upon production of a letter from parents requesting return of the item
Pupils & parents
Vast majority of pupils walk or bike to school, though sixth formers from more outlying villages more likely to bus, or commute courtesy of mum or dad’s taxi. Not a very diverse area to say the least (88 per cent white British) and very few
The last word
A big, buzzing school of exceptional quality and quantity of opportunity, both academically and in all the co-curricular activities that are so important to the development of young characters. Focus on the individual is not sacrificed to scale and
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 |
Full inspection: Outstanding
| Leadership and management | Outstanding |
|---|
