The short version
Above-average GCSE results. At capacity. Rated Good by Ofsted (2013).
- GCSE results are above the national average (Attainment 8: 54.7 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Good by Ofsted in 2013
- This is a Roman Catholic school, so faith criteria may apply to admissions
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
54.7
10.9 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
62%
19.9pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
45%
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
94%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
91%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
2%
Employment
Directly into work
2%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
4%
Based on 176 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 11 days per year on average — nearly a month of school.
15% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
2% of pupils miss half or more of school sessions
Source: DfE School Census
Staffing
On average, 20 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 12 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 72 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Voluntary aided school
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–16
- Intake
- Mixed
- Character
- Roman Catholic
Numbers
- Pupils
- 891
- Capacity
- 100%
- FSM
- 9.1%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Essex
- Head
- Mrs J E Santinelli (Headteacher)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- No
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection
8 official reports linked on this page, including 7 earlier reports.
Previous reports
Short inspection
February 2018 | Short Inspection
Full inspection: Good
November 2013 | Full Inspection
Full inspection: Satisfactory
January 2012 | Full Inspection
Interim assessment
June 2010 | Interim assessment Interim assessment
Curriculum and development visit
January 2009 | Curriculum and development visit Curriculum and development visit
Full inspection: Good
November 2006 | Full Inspection
Full inspection
May 2002 | Full Inspection
Location
Norman Way, Colchester, Essex, CO3 3US
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmColchester County High School for Girls
Secondary · Very close
Philip Morant School and College
Secondary · 488m away
Kingswode Hoe School
Special school · 695m away
Colchester Royal Grammar School
Secondary · 826m away
Prettygate Infant School
Primary · 945m away
Prettygate Junior School
Primary · 945m away
Colchester Prep & High School
Independent · 1.1km away
Home Farm Primary School
Primary · 1.4km away
Questions parents ask
Is St Benedict's Catholic College a selective school?
No. St Benedict's Catholic College is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is St Benedict's Catholic College's Ofsted rating?
St Benedict's Catholic College was rated Good at its most recent inspection in July 2023. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend St Benedict's Catholic College?
St Benedict's Catholic College currently has 891 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does St Benedict's Catholic College take?
St Benedict's Catholic College caters for pupils aged 11 to 16. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is St Benedict's Catholic College?
St Benedict's Catholic College is in Colchester, CO3 3US, in the Essex local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does St Benedict's Catholic College have a sixth form?
No, St Benedict's Catholic College does not have a sixth form. Pupils move to a different school or college for post-16 study.
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