The short version
Average GCSE results. At capacity. Rated Good by Ofsted (2019).
- GCSE results are broadly in line with the national average (Attainment 8: 39.6 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Good by Ofsted in 2019
- The school is at capacity (104% full)
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
39.6
4.2 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
32%
10.3pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
39%
A-Level Average
Mean grade across subjects
B-
A-Level Value Added
Progress vs expected
+0.06
Band 3Source: 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
87%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
3%
Employment
Directly into work
4%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
5%
Based on 264 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 20 days per year on average — over a month of school.
28% 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 17 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 92 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Academy converter
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–19
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 1,561
- Capacity
- 100%
- FSM
- 15.9%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Essex
- Trust
- COMPASS EDUCATION TRUST LTD
- Head
- Sarah Cox (Headteacher)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- Yes
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection
5 official reports linked on this page, including 4 earlier reports.
Previous reports
Location
Croft Road, Benfleet, Essex, SS7 5RN
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmJotmans Hall Primary School
Primary · Very close
Kents Hill Infant Academy
Primary · 619m away
Kents Hill Junior School
Primary · 619m away
Holy Family Catholic Primary School
Primary · 648m away
South Benfleet Primary School
Primary · 1.2km away
Glenwood School
Special school · 1.3km away
The Robert Drake Primary School
Primary · 1.3km away
Kingston Primary School
Primary · 1.5km away
Questions parents ask
Is The Appleton School a selective school?
No. The Appleton School is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is The Appleton School's Ofsted rating?
The Appleton School was rated Good at its most recent inspection in November 2024. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend The Appleton School?
The Appleton School currently has 1,561 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does The Appleton School take?
The Appleton School caters for pupils aged 11 to 19. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is The Appleton School?
The Appleton School is in Benfleet, SS7 5RN, in the Essex local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does The Appleton School have a sixth form?
Yes, The Appleton School has a sixth form, so pupils can continue to A-levels or equivalent qualifications without changing school.
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