The short version
Average GCSE results. Rated Good by Ofsted (2015).
- GCSE results are broadly in line with the national average (Attainment 8: 44.1 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Good by Ofsted in 2015
- The school has significant spare capacity
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
44.1
0.3 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
39%
2.9pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
10%
A-Level Average
Mean grade across subjects
C
A-Level Value Added
Progress vs expected
-0.04
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
91%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
78%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
7%
Employment
Directly into work
7%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
7%
Based on 183 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 17 days per year on average — nearly a month of school.
24% 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, 16 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 13 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 99 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Academy converter
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–18
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 1,247
- Capacity
- 60%
- FSM
- 14.1%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Essex
- Trust
- THE CHELMSFORD LEARNING PARTNERSHIP
- Head
- Mr James Donaldson (Headteacher)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- Yes
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection
7 official reports linked on this page, including 6 earlier reports.
Previous reports
Short inspection
December 2018 | Short Inspection
Full inspection: Good
April 2015 | Full Inspection
Monitoring visit
November 2013 | Monitoring Visit
Full inspection: Requires Improvement
June 2013 | Full Inspection
Academy conversion letter
February 2012 | Academy Conversion Letter
Curriculum and development visit
January 2012 | Curriculum and development visit Curriculum and development visit
Location
Trinity Square, South Woodham Ferrers, Chelmsford, Essex, CM3 5JU
Town setting
Questions parents ask
Is William de Ferrers School a selective school?
No. William de Ferrers School is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is William de Ferrers School's Ofsted rating?
William de Ferrers School was rated Good at its most recent inspection in September 2024. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend William de Ferrers School?
William de Ferrers School currently has 1,247 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does William de Ferrers School take?
William de Ferrers School caters for pupils aged 11 to 18. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is William de Ferrers School?
William de Ferrers School is in Chelmsford, CM3 5JU, in the Essex local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does William de Ferrers School have a sixth form?
Yes, William de Ferrers School has a sixth form, so pupils can continue to A-levels or equivalent qualifications without changing school.
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