The short version
Below-average GCSE results. Nearly full. Rated Requires Improvement by Ofsted (2023).
- GCSE results are below the national average (Attainment 8: 33.2 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Requires Improvement by Ofsted in 2023
- This school does not have a sixth form
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
33.2
10.6 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
17%
24.5pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
8%
Source: Department for Education Performance Tables 2024-25
Post-GCSE Destinations
These figures track pupils 6 months after leaving. Source: DfE destination measures.
Sustained destination
In education, employment or training
73%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
60%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
2%
Employment
Directly into work
10%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
15%
Based on 126 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 27 days per year on average — over a month of school.
39% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
8% of pupils miss half or more of school sessions
Source: DfE School Census
Staffing
On average, 13 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 8 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 87 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Foundation school
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–16
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 705
- Capacity
- 94%
- FSM
- 47.2%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Cheshire West and Chester
- Trust
- Blacon High School Trust
- Head
- Mrs Rachel Hudson (Headteacher)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- No
Inspection record
Official linksMonitoring visit
12 official reports linked on this page, including 11 earlier reports.
Previous reports
School inspection: Requires Improvement
November 2023 | School Inspection
School inspection: Requires Improvement
October 2021 | School Inspection
Monitoring visit
October 2020 | Monitoring Visit
Full inspection: Good
January 2016 | Full Inspection
Monitoring visit
January 2014 | Monitoring Visit
Full inspection: Requires Improvement
November 2013 | Full Inspection
Full inspection: Satisfactory
March 2012 | Full Inspection
Curriculum and development visit
November 2009 | Curriculum and development visit Curriculum and development visit
Full inspection: Satisfactory
March 2009 | Full Inspection
Full inspection: Satisfactory
January 2006 | Full Inspection
Full inspection
February 2000 | Full Inspection
Location
Melbourne Road, Blacon, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 5JH
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmJ H Godwin Primary School
Primary · Very close
Dee Point Primary School
Primary · 763m away
The Arches Community Primary School
Primary · 812m away
Highfield Community Primary School
Primary · 916m away
St Theresa's Catholic Primary School
Primary · 1.2km away
Ancora House School
Pupil referral unit · 2.4km away
Saughall All Saints Church of England Primary School
Primary · 2.7km away
Questions parents ask
Is Blacon High School, A Specialist Sports College a selective school?
No. Blacon High School, A Specialist Sports College is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is Blacon High School, A Specialist Sports College's Ofsted rating?
Blacon High School, A Specialist Sports College was rated Requires Improvement at its most recent inspection in April 2025. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend Blacon High School, A Specialist Sports College?
Blacon High School, A Specialist Sports College currently has 705 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does Blacon High School, A Specialist Sports College take?
Blacon High School, A Specialist Sports College caters for pupils aged 11 to 16. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is Blacon High School, A Specialist Sports College?
Blacon High School, A Specialist Sports College is in Chester, CH1 5JH, in the Cheshire West and Chester local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does Blacon High School, A Specialist Sports College have a sixth form?
No, Blacon High School, A Specialist Sports College does not have a sixth form. Pupils move to a different school or college for post-16 study.
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