The short version
Above-average GCSE results. At capacity. Rated Good by Ofsted (2016).
- GCSE results are above the national average (Attainment 8: 49.9 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Good by Ofsted in 2016
- 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
49.9
6.1 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
51%
9.0pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
10%
A-Level Average
Mean grade across subjects
C+
A-Level Value Added
Progress vs expected
+0.14
Band 2Source: 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
97%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
91%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
3%
Employment
Directly into work
3%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
3%
Based on 187 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, 19 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 13 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 93 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Voluntary aided school
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–18
- Intake
- Mixed
- Character
- Roman Catholic
Numbers
- Pupils
- 1,210
- Capacity
- 99%
- FSM
- 17.2%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Essex
- Head
- Mr Thomas Coen (Headteacher)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- Yes
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection
9 official reports linked on this page, including 8 earlier reports.
Previous reports
School inspection
October 2019 | School Inspection
Full inspection: Good
January 2016 | Full Inspection
Full inspection: Good
November 2011 | Full Inspection
Curriculum and development visit
October 2009 | Curriculum and development visit Curriculum and development visit
Full inspection: Good
November 2008 | Full Inspection
Curriculum and development visit
December 2007 | Curriculum and development visit Curriculum and development visit
Full inspection: Good
October 2005 | Full Inspection
Full inspection
October 1999 | Full Inspection
Location
Patching Hall Lane, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 4BS
Town setting
Questions parents ask
Is St John Payne Catholic School, Chelmsford a selective school?
No. St John Payne Catholic School, Chelmsford is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is St John Payne Catholic School, Chelmsford's Ofsted rating?
St John Payne Catholic School, Chelmsford was rated Good at its most recent inspection in June 2024. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend St John Payne Catholic School, Chelmsford?
St John Payne Catholic School, Chelmsford currently has 1,210 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does St John Payne Catholic School, Chelmsford take?
St John Payne Catholic School, Chelmsford caters for pupils aged 11 to 18. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is St John Payne Catholic School, Chelmsford?
St John Payne Catholic School, Chelmsford is in Chelmsford, CM1 4BS, in the Essex local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does St John Payne Catholic School, Chelmsford have a sixth form?
Yes, St John Payne Catholic School, Chelmsford has a sixth form, so pupils can continue to A-levels or equivalent qualifications without changing school.
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