Great Baddow High School
Chelmsford, CM2 9RZ · Essex · secondary school
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49th of 78 secondary schools in Essex we can score, 81 in total — the rest without enough published data. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Narrow the comparison to the 814 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 2.3/10 among them, against 4.7/10 nationally. Both figures are results only, without the inspection grade. A lower figure here means a stronger comparison group, not a weaker school.
How this is worked out
| Measure | Percentile | Weight | Adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ofsted | 20 | 35% | 0.69 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 39.8 · 37 | 30% | 1.10 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 0.03 · 52 | 25% | 1.31 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 48.3 · 62 | 10% | 0.62 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Great Baddow High School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 55.8% of pupils achieved grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 50.0, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was +0.03 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did better than those nationally who started from the same place. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 5.1 out of 10 among them, against 6.6 out of 10 nationally. Ofsted inspected the school in March 2026 under the new framework, which grades areas separately without an overall grade.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the Rock & Pop Choir, The B.S.C., Rock Band Club, Music Tech Club, and Musical Theatre Choir. They also access the Netball Academy and instrumental lessons. Trips include the Duke of Edinburgh Award, a London visit to see The Lion King, and visits to Stansted Castle and Thorpe Park.
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,516 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,520. These whole-school figures do not establish entry-year vacancies or the likelihood of an offer. Confirm entry-year availability and admissions criteria with the school or local authority.
Worth asking on a visit
How does the new Ofsted framework affect current teaching priorities? What support
What Ofsted said about Great Baddow High School
Overview
Great Baddow High School is described as a "harmonious community" where pupils feel "valued, safe and looked after." The inspection highlights "impeccable" behaviour and high attendance, with leaders demonstrating a "rigorous and highly-structured approach" to pupil welfare and learning.
Strengths
- Attendance is "above national and local averages," supported by "clear systems, strong routines and detailed analysis."
- Pupils display "dignified behaviour" and a "deep understanding of responsibility," creating a "supportive community."
- The "‘lessons for life’ curriculum" effectively promotes personal development, including healthy relationships and fundamental British values.
- Deaf pupils in the specially-resourced provision receive "highly-positive learning experiences" and benefit from inclusive extra-curricular activities.
- Sixth-form students are "independent, aspirational and confident," with applied course results achieving "higher than is typical nationally."
Areas to improve
- Leaders must ensure guidance for staff supporting pupils with education, health and care plans in the main school is "precisely tailored."
- Leaders should "analyse more closely the impact of the interventions they run" to target improvements effectively.
- Curriculum endpoints need to be "consistently clear in all subjects" so teachers and pupils understand learning goals.
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" ensuring pupils are "made safer and feel safe."
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 48.1 |
| 2024/25 | 50.0 |
| 2025/26 | 48.3 |
| England | 44.9 |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 3,682 state schools in England we hold a 2025/26 figure for — a school-level median, not the DfE's pupil-weighted national figure.
Your offer chance
—Based on official applications/offers, distance and catchment where we have it. Bands only — never a percentage.
Sibling, faith, looked-after and other criteria can override distance. Always confirm with the school or local authority.
Next dates
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2026
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2027
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2027
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2028
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