The short version
Average GCSE results. 82% capacity. Rated Good by Ofsted (2023).
- GCSE results are broadly in line with the national average (Attainment 8: 46.6 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Good by Ofsted in 2023
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
46.6
2.8 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
50%
7.7pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
35%
A-Level Average
Mean grade across subjects
D+
A-Level Value Added
Progress vs expected
-0.54
Band 4Source: 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
90%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
80%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
4%
Employment
Directly into work
6%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
5%
Based on 226 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 19 days per year on average — nearly a month of school.
27% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
6% of pupils miss half or more of school sessions
Source: DfE School Census
Staffing
On average, 19 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 14 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 93 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Academy converter
- Phase
- All-through
- Ages
- 4–18
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 1,309
- Capacity
- 82%
- FSM
- 18%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Essex
- Trust
- SAFFRON ACADEMY TRUST
- Head
- Ms Catherine Davis (Headteacher)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- Yes
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection: Good
6 official reports linked on this page, including 5 earlier reports.
Previous reports
Location
Parsonage Downs, Great Dunmow, Essex, CM6 2AU
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmQuestions parents ask
Is Helena Romanes School a selective school?
No. Helena Romanes School is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is Helena Romanes School's Ofsted rating?
Helena Romanes School was rated Good at its most recent inspection in October 2023. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend Helena Romanes School?
Helena Romanes School currently has 1,309 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does Helena Romanes School take?
Helena Romanes School caters for pupils aged 4 to 18. It is classified as a all-through school.
Where is Helena Romanes School?
Helena Romanes School is in Great Dunmow, CM6 2AU, in the Essex local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does Helena Romanes School have a sixth form?
Yes, Helena Romanes School has a sixth form, so pupils can continue to A-levels or equivalent qualifications without changing school.
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