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#5 in Best Secondary Schools in Chelmsford
The Boswells School - Ofsted Report, Parent Reviews (2025)
The Boswells School
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The Boswells School
- Secondary
- Chelmsford CM1 6LY
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Ofsted report
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| Previous inspection | Not Previously Inspected |
| Leadership and management | Good |
| Achievement of pupils | Good |
| Quality of teaching | Good |
| Behaviour and safety of pupils | Good |
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This insight was generated by AI, based on latest Ofsted report.
Academic Progress: Students make good progress and achieve above-average standards, particularly in mathematics and performing arts.
Behaviour and Attitudes: Students behave well and feel safe and well-cared for.
Current Educational Practices: Teaching proceeds at a brisk pace, engaging students effectively.
Strengths and Challenges: Lessons need better planning for varying abilities to improve progress.
Communication: The school communicates effectively with parents, evidenced by positive feedback.
Parent Satisfaction: A large majority of parents agree the school is led and managed well.
Handling Conflicts and Concerns: Leaders address behaviour and bullying issues effectively.
Actions for Quality Improvement: Leaders focus on improving teaching quality, yet plans need more specificity.
Managing Bullying and Safety: Bullying is rare and addressed promptly; students feel safe.
Promoting Welfare and Safety: Good welfare promotion; students conduct themselves responsibly.
Extracurricular Offerings: School offers a wide range of subjects and activities, strong in performing arts.
Balancing Academics and Extracurriculars: Students balance academic responsibilities well with extracurricular engagements.
Preparation for Sixth Form: Sixth form students progress well but need to use non-lesson time better.
Managing and Supporting SEND: Students with special educational needs make exceptional progress due to effective support.
Subjects Offered: Wide range of subjects offered, strong in performing arts and mathematics.
Historical Ofsted reports
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About Us
The Boswells School is a Secondary, Co-Ed school located in Essex, East of England.
It has 1440 students from age 11-18 yr with a student-teacher ratio of 17 : 1.
At this school, 46% of pupils achieved grade 5 or more at GCSE.
95.80% of pupils completing their main study programme.
This school rated Good by recent Ofsted inspection.
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The Boswells School
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From the The Boswells School
I'd like to take this opportunity to extend a warm welcome to you on behalf of the faculty, students, governors, and trustees at The Boswells School. The Boswells School is a highly regarded 11–18 year old school in Chelmsford, Essex that is incredibly well-liked, academically successful, and oversubscribed. We are among the top schools in Essex for academic achievement thanks to our accomplishment. We take pleasure in giving our kids a high-quality education through engaging and innovative classroom instruction as well as a broad range of extracurricular activities that encourage individual growth in each student. I sincerely hope you find this website helpful and that it gives you the details you need. In addition to our website, you can follow the school's news and information on Twitter (@BoswellsSchool) and Facebook (The Boswells School Official). Being able to oversee a school that is so prosperous, energetic, and alive is a huge privilege. Please don't hesitate to get in touch with my PA, Rachel Smyth, at [email protected] if you want to visit the school to see the fantastic work that is done there every day.
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Compare with similar schools
| Phase of Education | Secondary | Secondary | Secondary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Academies | Academies | Academies |
| Snobe grade |
B-
|
B-
|
A-
|
| Ofset report | Good | Good | Outstanding |
| Age range | 11-18 | 11-18 | 11-18 |
| Gender | Co-Ed | Co-Ed | Co-Ed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student teacher ratio | 17.4 | - | 17.3 |
| Proficient Math | - | - | - |
| Proficient Read | - | - | - |
| Grade 5 or above GCSE | 46% | 98% | 99% |
| Grade 5 or above A Level | 10.30% | 35.00% | 61.70% |
| Day Fees | - | - | - |
Secondary Exam Result
Discover school's performance with the Attainment 8 and Progress 8 scores. Attainment 8 reflects pupil achievement in 8 qualifications, while Progress 8 measures their progress from key stage 2 to 4, compared to peers across England.
| School scores | School | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Progress 8 score | 0.29 | This score shows how much progress pupils at this school made across 8 qualifications between the end of key stage 2 and the end of key stage 4. |
| Attainment 8 score | 48.7 | Schools get a score based on how well pupils have performed in up to 8 qualifications. |
Explore the percentage of pupils who attained grade 5 or higher & grade 4 or higher in their English and math GCSEs. This metric reflects their proficiency in these fundamental subjects.
| GCSE Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 46% | 31.82% | 30.03% |
| Grade 4 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 71% | 46.46% | 43.07% |
The English Baccalaureate (EBacc) ensures your child's well-rounded education. It includes essential subjects like English, math, sciences, languages, and humanities.
| EBacc Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entering EBacc | 30% | 25.81% | 25.06% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 5 or above | 13% | 11.16% | 10.91% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 4 or above | 22% | 16.08% | 15.51% |
| EBacc average points score | 4.17 | 2.88 | 2.83 |
Find out where our Key Stage 4 graduates are going next. Explore their different paths after finishing school – whether it's sixth form, starting work, or other adventures as they move forward.
| Pupil destinations | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pupils staying in education or employment | 98% | 92.37% | 90.53% |
| Total number of pupils included in destination measures | 245 | 162 | 144 |
| Pupils staying in education | 89% | 86.24% | 84.16% |
| Further education college or other further education provider | 32% | 33.18% | 32.73% |
| School sixth forms | 51% | 30.26% | 29.8% |
| Sixth form colleges | 4% | 8.17% | 10.22% |
| Other education destinations | 1% | 14.66% | 11.43% |
| Pupils in apprenticeships | 3% | 2.51% | 2.8% |
| Pupils staying in employment | 6% | 3.73% | 3.59% |
Discover school's performance with the Attainment 8 and Progress 8 scores. Attainment 8 reflects pupil achievement in 8 qualifications, while Progress 8 measures their progress from key stage 2 to 4, compared to peers across England.
| School scores | School | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Progress 8 score | 0.07 | This score shows how much progress pupils at this school made across 8 qualifications between the end of key stage 2 and the end of key stage 4. |
| Attainment 8 score | 53.7 | Schools get a score based on how well pupils have performed in up to 8 qualifications. |
Explore the percentage of pupils who attained grade 5 or higher & grade 4 or higher in their English and math GCSEs. This metric reflects their proficiency in these fundamental subjects.
| GCSE Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 60% | 35.53% | 32.85% |
| Grade 4 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 79% | 49.94% | 45.33% |
The English Baccalaureate (EBacc) ensures your child's well-rounded education. It includes essential subjects like English, math, sciences, languages, and humanities.
| EBacc Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entering EBacc | 39% | 25.85% | 24.94% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 5 or above | 29% | 13.56% | 13.02% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 4 or above | 35% | 18.15% | 17.19% |
| EBacc average points score | 4.74 | 3.12 | 2.97 |
Find out where our Key Stage 4 graduates are going next. Explore their different paths after finishing school – whether it's sixth form, starting work, or other adventures as they move forward.
| Pupil destinations | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pupils staying in education or employment | 95% | 92.26% | 90.4% |
| Total number of pupils included in destination measures | 248 | 162 | 141 |
| Pupils staying in education | 91% | 88.34% | 86.29% |
| Further education college or other further education provider | 43% | 35.51% | 34.03% |
| School sixth forms | 46% | 32.39% | 30.82% |
| Sixth form colleges | 2% | 7.53% | 10.38% |
| Other education destinations | SP | 12.92% | 11.08% |
| Pupils in apprenticeships | 2% | 1.61% | 1.99% |
| Pupils staying in employment | 2% | 2.25% | 2.13% |
Exam Result Not Published
Due to the pandemic, 2020 and 2021 Secondary school exam
results were not published at school level.
Exam Result Not Published
Due to the pandemic, 2020 and 2021 Secondary school exam
results were not published at school level.
Discover school's performance with the Attainment 8 and Progress 8 scores. Attainment 8 reflects pupil achievement in 8 qualifications, while Progress 8 measures their progress from key stage 2 to 4, compared to peers across England.
| School scores | School | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Progress 8 score | 0.26 | This score shows how much progress pupils at this school made across 8 qualifications between the end of key stage 2 and the end of key stage 4. |
| Attainment 8 score | 48.8 | Schools get a score based on how well pupils have performed in up to 8 qualifications. |
Explore the percentage of pupils who attained grade 5 or higher & grade 4 or higher in their English and math GCSEs. This metric reflects their proficiency in these fundamental subjects.
| GCSE Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 39% 5 | 30.57% | 29.3% |
| Grade 4 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 66% 5 | 47.05% | 43.41% |
The English Baccalaureate (EBacc) ensures your child's well-rounded education. It includes essential subjects like English, math, sciences, languages, and humanities.
| EBacc Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entering EBacc | 54% | 26.86% | 25.8% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 5 or above | 22% 3 | 11.81% | 11.47% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 4 or above | 35% 6 | 17.83% | 16.49% |
| EBacc average points score | 4.29 | 3 | 2.88 |
Find out where our Key Stage 4 graduates are going next. Explore their different paths after finishing school – whether it's sixth form, starting work, or other adventures as they move forward.
| Pupil destinations | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pupils staying in education or employment | 95% | 93.06% | 90.2% |
| Total number of pupils included in destination measures | 244 | 159 | 135 |
| Pupils staying in education | 84% | 86.7% | 84.08% |
| Further education college or other further education provider | 36% | 35.59% | 33.25% |
| School sixth forms | 44% | 31.88% | 31.27% |
| Sixth form colleges | 2% | 7.13% | 8.45% |
| Other education destinations | SP | 12.15% | 11.14% |
| Pupils in apprenticeships | 7% | 3.36% | 3.4% |
| Pupils staying in employment | 4% | 3.01% | 2.75% |
Discover school's performance with the Attainment 8 and Progress 8 scores. Attainment 8 reflects pupil achievement in 8 qualifications, while Progress 8 measures their progress from key stage 2 to 4, compared to peers across England.
| School scores | School | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Progress 8 score | -0.08 | This score shows how much progress pupils at this school made across 8 qualifications between the end of key stage 2 and the end of key stage 4. |
| Attainment 8 score | 47.6 | Schools get a score based on how well pupils have performed in up to 8 qualifications. |
Explore the percentage of pupils who attained grade 5 or higher & grade 4 or higher in their English and math GCSEs. This metric reflects their proficiency in these fundamental subjects.
| GCSE Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 44% 8 | 32.08% | 29.22% |
| Grade 4 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 71% 1 | 48.68% | 42.62% |
The English Baccalaureate (EBacc) ensures your child's well-rounded education. It includes essential subjects like English, math, sciences, languages, and humanities.
| EBacc Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entering EBacc | 64% | 24.74% | 24.73% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 5 or above | 19% 21 | 11.8% | 11.33% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 4 or above | 41% 2 | 16.86% | 16.01% |
| EBacc average points score | 4.25 | 3.1 | 2.84 |
Find out where our Key Stage 4 graduates are going next. Explore their different paths after finishing school – whether it's sixth form, starting work, or other adventures as they move forward.
| Pupil destinations | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pupils staying in education or employment | 97% | 87.55% | 84.87% |
| Total number of pupils included in destination measures | 242 | 165 | 140 |
| Pupils staying in education | 87% | 74.08% | 73.88% |
| Further education college or other further education provider | 40% | 33.04% | 28.31% |
| School sixth forms | 44% | 32.82% | 31.6% |
| Sixth form colleges | - | 6.18% | 9.08% |
| Other education destinations | - | 3.37% | 5.87% |
| Pupils in apprenticeships | 7% | 3.55% | 2.96% |
| Pupils staying in employment | 3% | 3.03% | 2.05% |
Discover school's performance with the Attainment 8 and Progress 8 scores. Attainment 8 reflects pupil achievement in 8 qualifications, while Progress 8 measures their progress from key stage 2 to 4, compared to peers across England.
| School scores | School | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Progress 8 score | -0.07 | This score shows how much progress pupils at this school made across 8 qualifications between the end of key stage 2 and the end of key stage 4. |
| Attainment 8 score | 49 | Schools get a score based on how well pupils have performed in up to 8 qualifications. |
Explore the percentage of pupils who attained grade 5 or higher & grade 4 or higher in their English and math GCSEs. This metric reflects their proficiency in these fundamental subjects.
| GCSE Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 52% | 34.8% | 29.55% |
| Grade 4 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 70% | 51.46% | 43.07% |
The English Baccalaureate (EBacc) ensures your child's well-rounded education. It includes essential subjects like English, math, sciences, languages, and humanities.
| EBacc Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entering EBacc | 63% | 27.57% | 25.25% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 5 or above | 40% | 16.98% | 14.71% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 4 or above | 43% | 18.71% | 16.26% |
| EBacc average points score | - | - | - |
Find out where our Key Stage 4 graduates are going next. Explore their different paths after finishing school – whether it's sixth form, starting work, or other adventures as they move forward.
| Pupil destinations | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pupils staying in education or employment | 94% | 88.7% | 85.29% |
| Total number of pupils included in destination measures | 247 | 179 | 145 |
| Pupils staying in education | 91% | 73.34% | 58.19% |
| Further education college or other further education provider | 36% | 36.42% | 30.58% |
| School sixth forms | 54% | 35.1% | 32.22% |
| Sixth form colleges | - | 7.39% | 8.95% |
| Other education destinations | - | 3.65% | 5.7% |
| Pupils in apprenticeships | 10% | 5.62% | 4.78% |
| Pupils staying in employment | 3% | 3% | 2.45% |
A level exam result
Explore their results and progress scores, showing how they've grown and achieved during this important stage of their education.
| A level Result | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average points | 36.3 | 30.27 | 30.01 |
| Average grade | B- | - | - |
| Average points (Best 3) | 35.1 | 29.45 | 29.57 |
| Average Grade (Best 3) | B- | - | - |
| AAB or higher | 10.30% | 10.62% | 13.67% |
Discover where pupils headed after A-levels. Explore who either stayed in education or went into employment.
| Students destinations | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of students | 110 | 171 | 201 |
| Students staying in education | 49% | 52.72% | 58.58% |
| Students entering apprenticeships | 5% | 8.09% | 6.08% |
| Students entering employment | 38% | 25.34% | 21.16% |
| Students not in education or employment for at least two terms after study | 4% | 10.08% | 9.05% |
Explore their results and progress scores, showing how they've grown and achieved during this important stage of their education.
| A level Result | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average points | 41.19 | 32.48 | 33.41 |
| Average grade | B | - | - |
| Average points (Best 3) | 41.36 | 30.51 | 32.47 |
| Average Grade (Best 3) | B | - | - |
| AAB or higher | 19.4% | 12.97% | 17.7% |
Discover where pupils headed after A-levels. Explore who either stayed in education or went into employment.
| Students destinations | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of students | 108 | 208 | 248 |
| Students staying in education | 67% | 54.93% | 60.67% |
| Students entering apprenticeships | 6% | 6.96% | 5% |
| Students entering employment | 24% | 22.96% | 17.73% |
| Students not in education or employment for at least two terms after study | 3% | 11.11% | 10.69% |
Exam Result Not Published
Due to the pandemic, 2020 and 2021 A level school exam
results were not published at school level.
Exam Result Not Published
Due to the pandemic, 2020 and 2021 A level school exam
results were not published at school level.
Explore their results and progress scores, showing how they've grown and achieved during this important stage of their education.
| A level Result | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average points | 35.20 | 28.53 | 29.39 |
| Average grade | B- | - | - |
| Average points (Best 3) | 35.64 2 | 28.97 | 28.64 |
| Average Grade (Best 3) | B- | - | - |
| AAB or higher | 5.8% | 10.48% | 13.07% |
Discover where pupils headed after A-levels. Explore who either stayed in education or went into employment.
| Students destinations | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of students | 111 | 210 | 232 |
| Students staying in education | 51% | 50.44% | 57.31% |
| Students entering apprenticeships | 14% | 10.02% | 7.77% |
| Students entering employment | 28% | 25.79% | 20.99% |
| Students not in education or employment for at least two terms after study | 4% | 8.33% | 8.8% |
Explore their results and progress scores, showing how they've grown and achieved during this important stage of their education.
| A level Result | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average points | 35.27 4 | 28.93 | 29.03 |
| Average grade | B- | - | - |
| Average points (Best 3) | 37.95 4 | 29.63 | 28.82 |
| Average Grade (Best 3) | B- | - | - |
| AAB or higher | 15.4% | 10.8% | 13.37% |
Discover where pupils headed after A-levels. Explore who either stayed in education or went into employment.
| Students destinations | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of students | - | 1 | 3 |
| Students staying in education | 27 | 39.8% | 31.5% |
| Students entering apprenticeships | 4% | 8.42% | 5.54% |
| Students entering employment | 25% | 23.62% | 15.81% |
| Students not in education or employment for at least two terms after study | - | 3.76% | 4.22% |
Explore their results and progress scores, showing how they've grown and achieved during this important stage of their education.
| A level Result | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average points | 31.96 | 25.31 | 26.73 |
| Average grade | C+ | - | - |
| Average points (Best 3) | 33.41 | 27.52 | 27.73 |
| Average Grade (Best 3) | C+ | - | - |
| AAB or higher | 5.6% | 9.13% | 12.64% |
Discover where pupils headed after A-levels. Explore who either stayed in education or went into employment.
| Students destinations | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of students | - | 0 | 3 |
| Students staying in education | 36 | 46.42% | 36.26% |
| Students entering apprenticeships | 8% | 8.63% | 6.37% |
| Students entering employment | 30% | 25.26% | 20.03% |
| Students not in education or employment for at least two terms after study | 5% | 4.7% | 4.23% |
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Admission
Holidays & terms
Holidays 2024/25
| Holidays | Date |
|---|---|
| Autumn Half Term Holidays | 28th Oct 2024 - 1st Nov 2024 |
| Winter Holidays | 23rd Dec 2024 - 3rd Jan 2025 |
| Spring Half Term Holidays | 17th Feb 2025 - 21st Feb 2025 |
| Spring Holidays | 7th Apr 2025 - 21st Apr 2025 |
| Summer Half Term Holidays | 26th May 2025 - 30th May 2025 |
| Summer Holidays | 23rd Jul 2025 - 29th Aug 2025 |
Terms Dates 2024/25
| Terms | Dates |
|---|---|
| Autumn Term | 2nd Sep 2024 - 27th Oct 2024 |
| Autumn Term-2 | 2nd Nov 2024 - 22nd Dec 2024 |
| Spring Term | 4th Jan 2025 - 16th Feb 2025 |
| Spring Term-2 | 22nd Feb 2025 - 6th Apr 2025 |
| Summer Term | 22nd Apr 2025 - 25th May 2025 |
| Summer Term-2 | 31st May 2025 - 22nd Jul 2025 |
Students Teachers
17 : 1
Student teacher ratio at The Boswells School
Local authority ratio 20 : 1
