Best 3 Secondary schools in Essex – comparison

Q: How are these comparisons built?

We align public datasets side-by-side. Headline Ofsted judgement and publication date are shown when available. Exact pupil counts and precise FSM% are available to Pro users; free users see rounded values.

Q: What if a school has a recent ungraded visit?

Ungraded Section 8 visits do not replace the last graded judgement. We continue to show the latest graded judgement until a new graded inspection is published.

Q: Why can’t I see exact numbers?

To keep the service sustainable, exact pupil counts and precise FSM% are Pro features. Everyone can still compare approximate values.

Q: How should I choose a school?

Start with the most recent graded Ofsted judgement, then consider distance and travel, roll versus capacity, and the admissions policy. Visit the school, ask about pastoral support and enrichment, and ensure it fits your child’s needs.

Q: What should I look for when comparing schools?

Compare headline Ofsted and publication dates for recency; check FSM% and local context; review capacity utilisation (under, near, or over capacity); and look at trust or local authority governance. Read the official Ofsted report for curriculum and safeguarding details.

Comparison of secondary schools: Saffron Walden County High School (Secondary) in Saffron Walden; Chelmsford County High School for Girls (Secondary) in Chelmsford; Colchester County High School for Girls (Secondary) in Colchester — covering Ofsted outcomes, size, FSM%, governance, capacity & more.

At a glance

This page compares Saffron Walden County High School, Chelmsford County High School for Girls and Colchester County High School for Girls. They are secondary phase and academy converter type located around Saffron Walden, Essex, Chelmsford, Essex and Colchester, Essex. The strongest headline Ofsted judgement here is 1 (Saffron Walden County High School), published May 2024. The most recent inspection on record is for Saffron Walden County High School (May 2024). average roll around ≈ 1,500, combined total ≈ 4,550, typical FSM 5–10%, range 0–5%–5–10%; spread across trusts such as Saffron Academy Trust and ALPHA TRUST.

🔒 Export (Pro)

Attribute	Saffron Walden County High School CB11 4UH	Chelmsford County High School for Girls CM1 1RW	Colchester County High School for Girls CO3 3US
Phase / Type	Secondary • Academy converter	Secondary • Academy converter	Secondary • Academy converter
Location	Saffron Walden Essex CB11 4UH	Chelmsford Essex CM1 1RW	Colchester Essex CO3 3US
Latest Ofsted	1 13 May 2024	1 15 Feb 2024	1 28 Jan 2024
Ofsted report	—	—	—
Pupils (roll)	≈ 2,100 🔒 Unlock exact pupils	≈ 1,250 🔒 Unlock exact pupils	≈ 1,200 🔒 Unlock exact pupils
FSM %	5–10% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %	0–5% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %	0–5% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %
Capacity	2050	1260	1020
Capacity utilisation	Near capacity 🔒 View exact %	Near capacity 🔒 View exact %	Over capacity 🔒 View exact %
Age range	—	—	—
Gender	Mixed	Girls	Girls
Admissions policy	Non-selective	Selective	Selective
Trust / Local authority	Saffron Academy Trust	Essex (881)	ALPHA TRUST
Website	www.swchs.net	www.cchs.co.uk	www.cchsg.com
Telephone	01799513030	01245352592	01206576973
SEN provision	None reported	None reported	None reported
Profile	View profile	View profile	View profile

Saffron Walden County High School

CB11 4UH

Phase / Type: Secondary • Academy converter
Location: Saffron Walden
Essex
CB11 4UH
Ofsted: 1 13 May 2024
Pupils: ≈ 2,100 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 5–10% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: Saffron Academy Trust
Website: www.swchs.net
Telephone: 01799513030

Chelmsford County High School for Girls

CM1 1RW

Phase / Type: Secondary • Academy converter
Location: Chelmsford
Essex
CM1 1RW
Ofsted: 1 15 Feb 2024
Pupils: ≈ 1,250 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 0–5% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: Essex (881)
Website: www.cchs.co.uk
Telephone: 01245352592

Colchester County High School for Girls

CO3 3US

Phase / Type: Secondary • Academy converter
Location: Colchester
Essex
CO3 3US
Ofsted: 1 28 Jan 2024
Pupils: ≈ 1,200 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 0–5% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: ALPHA TRUST
Website: www.cchsg.com
Telephone: 01206576973

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Map of compared schools

How are these comparisons built?

We line up public school data side-by-side. Ofsted “headline” judgement is shown with the publication date when available. Exact pupil counts and precise FSM% are available to Pro users; everyone sees rounded values.

What if a school has a recent ungraded visit?

Ungraded visits (Section 8) check whether the previous graded judgement still stands, but do not replace it. We keep the latest graded judgement as the headline until a new graded inspection is published.

Why can’t I see exact numbers?

To keep the service sustainable, we show approximate pupils and bucketed FSM% to free users. Upgrade to AllSchools Pro to unlock precise figures and exports.

How should I choose a school?

Start with the most recent graded Ofsted judgement, then check whether it aligns with your child’s needs. Look at distance and travel, typical class sizes (roll vs capacity), and the school’s admissions policy. Speak to the school, arrange a visit, and ask about pastoral support and enrichment.

What should I look for when comparing schools?

Compare headline Ofsted and publication dates for recency; check FSM% and local context; scan capacity utilisation (under, near, or over capacity); and review trust/local authority for governance. If available, read the official Ofsted report for curriculum and safeguarding detail.