The Boswells School
Chelmsford, CM1 6LY · Essex · secondary school
Check the area around this school
31st 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 2.7/10 among them, against 5.0/10 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 | 46.9 · 55 | 30% | 1.66 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | -0.16 · 38 | 25% | 0.95 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 49.1 · 66 | 10% | 0.66 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
The Boswells School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 46.3% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 48.4, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was -0.16 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did slightly worse than those nationally who started from the same place. Ofsted rated the school Good in April 2023. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 2.3 out of 10 among them, against 5.0 out of 10 nationally.
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,423 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,431. 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 to raise their Attainment 8?
What Ofsted said about The Boswells School
Overview
The Boswells School continues to be a good school, where pupils are happy, feel safe, and demonstrate high levels of respect and commitment to their learning. Leaders maintain a clear vision for education, ensuring a broad and inclusive curriculum that supports all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
Strengths
- Pupils "move calmly around the school" and show "consideration for others," with bullying being "unusual."
- The curriculum is "coherently planned," allowing pupils to "build up what they know and can do" and apply it effectively.
- Teachers possess "strong subject knowledge" and "adapt activities well" for pupils with SEND, enabling full participation.
- Leaders prioritise reading, providing "effective support" for weaker readers to become "more confident and fluent."
- The personal development programme is "well considered," helping pupils develop character, well-being, and life skills.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must ensure that pupils with "persistent absence" receive the necessary support to "keep up with the curriculum," as many are not achieving as well as they could.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with leaders having built a "diligent culture" where pupils at risk are identified quickly and receive appropriate help.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 46.4 |
| 2024/25 | 48.4 |
| 2025/26 | 49.1 |
| 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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