The short version
Average GCSE results. At capacity. Rated Good by Ofsted (2024).
- GCSE results are broadly in line with the national average (Attainment 8: 46.0 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Good by Ofsted in 2024
- This school does not have a sixth form
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
46.0
2.2 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
36%
5.5pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
42%
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
91%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
87%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
1%
Employment
Directly into work
3%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
6%
Based on 190 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 15 days per year on average — nearly a month of school.
20% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
4% of pupils miss half or more of school sessions
Source: DfE School Census
Staffing
On average, 16 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 11 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 94 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Academy converter
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–16
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 987
- Capacity
- 99%
- FSM
- 29.2%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Essex
- Trust
- THE SIGMA TRUST
- Head
- Mrs Serena Kay (Headteacher)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- No
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection: Good
7 official reports linked on this page, including 6 earlier reports.
Previous reports
Full inspection: Good
December 2017 | Full Inspection
Full inspection: Good
June 2014 | Full Inspection
Monitoring visit
May 2013 | Monitoring Visit
Full inspection: Requires Improvement
February 2013 | Full Inspection
Academy conversion letter
September 2012 | Academy Conversion Letter
Curriculum and development visit
June 2012 | Curriculum and development visit Curriculum and development visit
Location
Sheepen Road, Colchester, Essex, CO3 3LE
Town setting
Questions parents ask
Is St Helena School a selective school?
No. St Helena School is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is St Helena School's Ofsted rating?
St Helena School was rated Good at its most recent inspection in January 2024. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend St Helena School?
St Helena School currently has 987 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does St Helena School take?
St Helena School caters for pupils aged 11 to 16. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is St Helena School?
St Helena School is in Colchester, CO3 3LE, in the Essex local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does St Helena School have a sixth form?
No, St Helena School does not have a sixth form. Pupils move to a different school or college for post-16 study.
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