St Helena School
Colchester, CO3 3LE · Essex · secondary school
Check the area around this school
52nd 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 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 3.5/10 against 689 of them, against 2.8/10 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 | 52 | 35% | 1.84 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 36.0 · 27 | 30% | 0.82 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | -0.31 · 26 | 25% | 0.66 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 42.4 · 31 | 10% | 0.31 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
St Helena School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 36.3% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 46.0, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was -0.31 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did worse than those nationally who started from the same place. Ofsted rated the school Good in March 2024. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (4.4 out of 10 against similar schools, 3.2 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join drone racing, rocket building, and competitive robotics clubs, with an after-school club also available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 986 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,000. 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 school support pupils to improve their Progress 8 scores? What specific support is available for students aiming for higher grades in English and maths? How are the robotics and drone clubs structured for beginners?
What Ofsted said about St Helena School
Overview
St Helena School is described as a place where "everyone wants the very best for pupils," underpinned by values to "aspire, believe and achieve." Leaders have "expertly identified and improved areas of the school that have been weaker in the past," resulting in significant enhancements to education quality, behaviour, and attendance. The school fosters a "calm and purposeful atmosphere" where pupils feel safe and valued.
Strengths
- The curriculum is "well-constructed, ambitious and varied," with reading sitting "at the heart" of learning and robust support for those who struggle.
- Teachers possess "strong subject knowledge" and are "well trained," delivering effective instruction that helps pupils develop "rich and detailed knowledge."
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) receive effective support, enabling them to "achieve well" alongside their peers.
- Personal development is "well planned," featuring daily lessons and comprehensive careers education that helps pupils consider their next steps.
- Behaviour is "positive and focused on learning," with staff implementing consistent approaches and acting sooner to resolve issues.
Areas to improve
- Teachers should ensure they "check that pupils have the prior knowledge needed for new learning or to complete activities," as occasional failures to do so mean pupils miss out on important knowledge or skills practice.
Safeguarding
The report states that "the arrangements for safeguarding are effective."
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 41.6 |
| 2024/25 | 46.0 |
| 2025/26 | 42.4 |
| 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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