Upton-by-Chester High School
Chester, CH2 1NN · Cheshire West and Chester · secondary school
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5th of 20 secondary schools in Cheshire West and Chester we can score. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Narrow the comparison to the 800 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 6.2/10 among them, against 7.3/10 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 | 52.3 · 67 | 30% | 2.02 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 0.36 · 76 | 25% | 1.91 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 54.6 · 84 | 10% | 0.84 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Upton-by-Chester High School overview
How it's doing
The school was rated Good by Ofsted in April 2025. In 2024/25, 43.1% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 48.8, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was +0.36 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 4.0 out of 10 among them, against 6.2 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Band, School Council, Cricket, Badminton Club, and Debating. Trips include PGL Boreatton, Romeo and Juliet, and Yorkshire Sculpture Park.
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,728 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,670. 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
What support is available for pupils aiming to improve their Progress 8 scores? How are places allocated for the next entry year?
What Ofsted said about Upton-by-Chester High School
Overview
Upton-by-Chester High School has taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection. The report describes a nurturing environment where pupils flourish, supported by a culture of trust and respect. Leaders are highly ambitious, working closely with governors to refine the quality of education provided.
Strengths
- Pupils benefit from a "nurturing and inclusive environment" where they feel "known and cared for," despite the school's large size.
- The curriculum is "broad, balanced and ambitious," with careful sequencing of knowledge and expert subject teaching.
- Attendance rates are strong, particularly for disadvantaged pupils, due to a "comprehensive approach" that identifies and removes barriers to learning.
- A robust careers programme provides extensive information and work experience opportunities, helping pupils prepare for their "next steps with confidence and enthusiasm."
- Staff workload is managed effectively, with leaders taking actions to limit impact, resulting in staff who are "very proud to work at the school."
Areas to improve
- Teachers’ checks on pupil knowledge are not always effective, leading to unaddressed gaps for some disadvantaged pupils; strategies must be "embedded consistently well."
- Reading support for key stage 4 is underdeveloped; the school must ensure older pupils receive the support needed to read "confidently and fluently."
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 52.3 |
| 2024/25 | 48.8 |
| 2025/26 | 54.6 |
| 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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