Orsett Heath Academy
Grays, RM16 4DG · Thurrock · secondary school
Check the area around this school
7th of 13 secondary schools in Thurrock we can score. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Narrow the comparison to the 910 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 2.8/10 among them, against 3.7/10 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 40.7 · 39 | 45% | 1.76 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 40% | 2.10 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 42.0 · 29 | 15% | 0.43 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Orsett Heath Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 47.8% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. The Attainment 8 score was 47.0, compared with the national median of 44.6. Its position is much the same whether compared with all schools or only those whose pupils have similar backgrounds (6.2 out of 10 against similar schools, 6.0 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in November 2023.
Getting in
The published school roll is 699 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,200. 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
With 501 places currently vacant, how does the school manage class sizes for new intakes? Since the inspection was in 2023, what changes have been made to the curriculum since then? How does the school support pupils in reaching the national median for Attainment 8?
What Ofsted said about Orsett Heath Academy
Overview
The report describes a school where pupils display a “great ‘can-do’ attitude” and “remarkable resilience” despite operating from temporary accommodation. Leaders have shown “dogged determination” to overcome significant barriers, including building delays, to provide a “decent start to their secondary education.” The inspection highlights a strong ethos of shared responsibility, with staff and pupils working together to create a “convivial atmosphere” and a firm foundation for future growth.
Strengths
- Pupils demonstrate “good-natured behaviour” and strong cross-year-group friendships, contributing to a positive school culture.
- The curriculum is “ambitious,” helping pupils understand the wider world, with staff effectively supporting the acquisition of specialist vocabulary.
- A “well established” reading culture ensures pupils develop fluency and confidence quickly through targeted programmes.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are “catered for well,” accessing the same curriculum as their peers.
- Staff are “happy working at the school,” feeling valued by the trust’s comprehensive well-being charter.
Areas to improve
- Leaders should “continue to focus on the priorities for successful rapid growth” as the school moves into its new purpose-built site and expands in size.
Safeguarding
The report states that “the arrangements for safeguarding are effective.”
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2024/25 | 47.0 |
| 2025/26 | 42.0 |
| 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
Saved schools live on this device only — no account, no tracking. Visit the school's website
Loading full school details…
Similar schools nearby
Same area, prioritising the same phase — useful for shortlisting alternatives.
Every school within 2.5 miles of RM16 4DG, with results, demand and deadlines — area report →
Have a specific question about admissions, scores or dates?
Ask SchoolsGPT