The short version
Above-average GCSE results. At capacity. Rated Good by Ofsted (2015).
- GCSE results are above the national average (Attainment 8: 48.8 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Good by Ofsted in 2015
- The school is at capacity (105% full)
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
48.8
5.0 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
43%
1.3pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
36%
A-Level Average
Mean grade across subjects
C+
A-Level Value Added
Progress vs expected
+0.12
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
93%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
87%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
4%
Employment
Directly into work
3%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
5%
Based on 278 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 12 days per year on average — nearly a month of school.
13% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
3% of pupils miss half or more of school sessions
Source: DfE School Census
Staffing
On average, 18 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 13 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 139 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Foundation school
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–18
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 1,752
- Capacity
- 100%
- FSM
- 16.7%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Cheshire West and Chester
- Head
- Mr Lee Cummins (Headteacher)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- Yes
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection
8 official reports linked on this page, including 7 earlier reports.
Previous reports
Short inspection
April 2019 | Short Inspection
Full inspection: Good
May 2015 | Full Inspection
Full inspection: Good
November 2011 | Full Inspection
Interim assessment
June 2010 | Interim assessment Interim assessment
Curriculum and development visit
July 2009 | Curriculum and development visit Curriculum and development visit
Full inspection: Good
March 2007 | Full Inspection
Full inspection
March 2003 | Full Inspection
Location
St James Avenue, Upton-by-Chester, Chester, Cheshire, CH2 1NN
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmUpton Westlea Primary School
Primary · 573m away
Mill View Primary School
Primary · 908m away
The Firs School
Independent · 940m away
The Hammond
Independent · 961m away
Dorin Park School & Specialist SEN College
Special school · 1.1km away
Acresfield Academy
Primary · 1.1km away
Acresfield Community Primary School
Primary · 1.1km away
Upton Heath CofE Primary School
Primary · 1.2km away
Questions parents ask
Is Upton-by-Chester High School a selective school?
No. Upton-by-Chester High School is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is Upton-by-Chester High School's Ofsted rating?
Upton-by-Chester High School was rated Good at its most recent inspection in February 2025. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend Upton-by-Chester High School?
Upton-by-Chester High School currently has 1,752 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does Upton-by-Chester High School take?
Upton-by-Chester High School caters for pupils aged 11 to 18. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is Upton-by-Chester High School?
Upton-by-Chester High School is in Chester, CH2 1NN, in the Cheshire West and Chester local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does Upton-by-Chester High School have a sixth form?
Yes, Upton-by-Chester High School has a sixth form, so pupils can continue to A-levels or equivalent qualifications without changing school.
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