Chelmsford County High School for Girls
Chelmsford, CM1 1RW · Essex · Grammar school
Check the area around this school
2nd 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 212 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 7.8/10 among them, against 9.7/10 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 | 94 | 35% | 3.29 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 98.9 · 99 | 30% | 2.97 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 0.76 · 93 | 25% | 2.32 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 81.4 · 100 | 10% | 1.00 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Chelmsford County High School for Girls overview
How it's doing
The school was rated Outstanding by Ofsted in 2024. In 2024/25, 99.4% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 80.7, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was +0.76 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 8.0 out of 10 among them, against 9.7 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, The Jack Petchey Foundation Award Scheme, and charity work, participate in House Sports Activity Day, and visit Ypres, Lille, Paris, Normandy, Snowdonia, Oxford, and London.
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,275 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,285. 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 maintain high attainment in subjects beyond English and maths? What specific support is available for students aiming for the Duke of Edinburgh's Award? How are house sports organised to ensure all pupils participate?
What Ofsted said about Chelmsford County High School for Girls
Overview
The report describes a school that “nurtures pupils’ talents brilliantly,” characterising students as “true pioneers” who are “explorers, innovators and creative thinkers.” It highlights a “challenging and caring environment” where pupils thrive, achieving the “highest outcomes in their national examinations” through a “high-quality curriculum and expert delivery.”
Strengths
- The curriculum is “suitably challenging” with an “impressive” breadth of STEM study that does not detract from creative subjects.
- Teachers possess “strong subject knowledge” and use “skilful questioning” to help pupils “extend and deepen their answers.”
- Pupils are “avid readers” who confidently debate academic papers and enjoy a “rich and diverse” library collection.
- Sixth-form students act as “strong role models,” demonstrating “civility and compassion” while mentoring younger peers.
- Staff effectively support pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), ensuring they are “highly motivated and engaged.”
Areas to improve
- The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.
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 | 80.6 |
| 2024/25 | 80.7 |
| 2025/26 | 81.4 |
| 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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