The short version
Average GCSE results. Nearly full. Rated Requires Improvement by Ofsted (2023).
- GCSE results are broadly in line with the national average (Attainment 8: 42.5 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Requires Improvement by Ofsted in 2023
- This school does not have a sixth form
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
42.5
1.3 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
35%
7.0pp 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
92%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
82%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
8%
Employment
Directly into work
3%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
4%
Based on 264 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 15 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, 18 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 12 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 90 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Academy converter
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–16
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 1,105
- Capacity
- 92%
- FSM
- 20.6%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Thurrock
- Trust
- SOUTH WEST ESSEX COMMUNITY EDUCATION TRUST LIMITED
- Head
- Mr Neil Frost (Headteacher)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- No
Inspection record
Official linksMonitoring visit
5 official reports linked on this page, including 4 earlier reports.
Previous reports
Location
Stifford Clays Road, Stifford Clays, Grays, Essex, RM16 3NJ
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmStifford Clays Primary School
Primary · 589m away
Deneholm Primary School
Primary · 1.1km away
The Hathaway Academy
Secondary · 1.6km away
Orsett Heath Academy
Secondary · 1.6km away
Little Thurrock Primary School
Primary · 1.9km away
St Thomas of Canterbury Catholic Primary School
Primary · 1.9km away
Treetops School
Special school · 2.0km away
Treetops Free School
Free school · Grammar · 2.1km away
Questions parents ask
Is William Edwards School a selective school?
No. William Edwards School is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is William Edwards School's Ofsted rating?
William Edwards School was rated Requires Improvement at its most recent inspection in April 2025. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend William Edwards School?
William Edwards School currently has 1,105 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does William Edwards School take?
William Edwards School caters for pupils aged 11 to 16. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is William Edwards School?
William Edwards School is in Grays, RM16 3NJ, in the Thurrock local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does William Edwards School have a sixth form?
No, William Edwards School does not have a sixth form. Pupils move to a different school or college for post-16 study.
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