Best Secondary Schools in Essex 2026

Ranked by Ofsted rating, exam results, attendance, and class sizes. 78 schools across Essex. Updated with 2025–26 data.

Total schools

Outstanding

17%

Outstanding rate

63.9%

Avg KS2 SATs

42.2

Avg GCSE A8

All schools Primary Secondary

Rank	School	Ofsted	SNM Score
🥇	King Edward VI Grammar School, Chelmsford Secondary	Outstanding	89	View school
🥈	Chelmsford County High School for Girls Secondary	Outstanding	89	View school
🥉	Colchester County High School for Girls Secondary	Outstanding	82	View school
4.	Saffron Walden County High School Secondary	Outstanding	74	View school
5.	Becket Keys Church of England Free School Secondary	Outstanding	71	View school
6.	Davenant Foundation School Secondary	Outstanding	69	View school
7.	Colchester Royal Grammar School Secondary	Inadequate	68	View school
8.	Brentwood Ursuline Convent High School Secondary	Good	68	View school
9.	The Gilberd School Secondary	Outstanding	65	View school
10.	Anglo European School Secondary	Good	63	View school
11.	Beauchamps High School Secondary	Outstanding	62	View school
12.	Moulsham High School Secondary	Good	62	View school
13.	Debden Park High School Secondary	Outstanding	62	View school
14.	The Sweyne Park School Secondary	Outstanding	61	View school
15.	St Benedict's Catholic College Secondary	Good	60	View school
16.	Mayflower High School Secondary	Outstanding	60	View school
17.	The Boswells School Secondary	Good	58	View school
18.	St John Payne Catholic School, Chelmsford Secondary	Good	57	View school
19.	West Hatch High School Secondary	Good	57	View school
20.	Great Baddow High School Secondary	Good	57	View school

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Catchment distances, exam trends, SEN data, attendance, and more — all in one place.

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Frequently asked questions

How many secondary schools are there in Essex?

There are 78 secondary schools in Essex, of which 13 (17%) are rated Outstanding by Ofsted.

What are the best schools in Essex?

Based on our composite score combining Ofsted ratings, exam results, attendance and class sizes, the top school in Essex is King Edward VI Grammar School, Chelmsford. See the full ranked list above.

How do I apply for a school place in Essex?

Primary and secondary school applications in Essex are managed by the Local Authority. Applications for secondary places typically open in September for the following academic year. Visit the Essex council website for application forms and deadlines.

What is the average Ofsted rating in Essex?

17% of secondary schools in Essex are rated Outstanding and 59% are rated Good. 79.3% are rated Good or Outstanding.

Data sourced from Ofsted, Department for Education, and ISI. School rankings reflect the Schools Near Me composite score combining Ofsted ratings, exam results, attendance, and pupil-teacher ratios. Last updated April 2026.