State School
#4 in Best Secondary Schools in Cheshire West and Chester
Upton-by-Chester High School - Ofsted Report, Parent Reviews (2025)
Upton-by-Chester High School
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Upton-by-Chester High School
- Secondary
- Upton-by-Chester CH2 1NN
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Ofsted report
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| Effectiveness of leadership and management | Good |
| The quality of education | Good |
| Behaviour and attitudes | Good |
| Personal development | Good |
| Leadership and management | Good |
| Previous inspection grade | Good |
| Overall effectiveness at previous inspection | Good |
| Quality of teaching, learning and assessment | Good |
| Personal development, behaviour and welfare | Good |
| Outcomes for children | Good |
| Outcomes for pupils | Good |
| 16 to 19 study programmes | Good |
Quick insights from ofsted Powered by AI
This insight was generated by AI, based on latest Ofsted report.
Academic Progress: Most pupils make good progress overall; disadvantaged pupils' progress has improved but still needs work.
Behaviour and Attitudes: Pupils' behaviour is good, systems to monitor and support are effective.
Qualifications and Training: Training provided has led to stronger learning across subjects.
Current Educational Practices: Teachers are aware of their responsibility to ensure progress, especially for disadvantaged pupils.
Strengths and Challenges: Improved literacy teaching and attention to detail in students鈥� work noted.
Opportunities for Involvement: Parents can monitor behaviour daily and participate in rewarding or supporting it.
Communication: Parents receive regular updates on children's progress and school events.
Parent Satisfaction: Most parents are positive about the school, as evidenced by survey responses.
Handling Conflicts and Concerns: Issues such as bullying are dealt with effectively.
Actions for Quality Improvement: Leaders prioritize progress and attendance improvements for disadvantaged pupils.
Managing Bullying and Safety: Bullying is rare; effective reporting and resolution systems in place.
Promoting Welfare and Safety: Safeguarding is effective, and pupils feel safe.
Extracurricular Offerings: Wide range of activities and clubs available.
Balancing Academics and Extracurriculars: Support provided to balance academics with extracurricular engagements.
Career Counselling Services: Students are well-prepared for next steps, with many progressing to university.
Preparation for Sixth Form: Strong preparation for sixth form with a wide range of A-level courses.
Managing and Supporting SEND: Pupils with SEND make good progress across a range of subjects.
Subjects Offered: Wide range of subjects available at GCSE and A-Level.
Historical Ofsted reports
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About Us
Upton-by-Chester High School is a top rated, Secondary, Co-Ed school located in Cheshire, North West.
It has 1738 students from age 11-18 yr with a student-teacher ratio of 17 : 1.
At this school, 49% of pupils achieved grade 5 or more at GCSE.
93.30% of pupils completing their main study programme.
This school rated Good by recent Ofsted inspection.
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Upton-by-Chester High School
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From the Upton-by-Chester High School
It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to the Upton-by-Chester High School website and to introduce myself. In May 2015, OfSTED rated our school as "a good school with an outstanding sixth form."
Since September 2013, I have served as the headteacher at Upton. My name is Paula Dixon.
Upton-by-Chester High is a flourishing, active institution with a distinguished history of accomplishment and academic excellence.
In order to mirror real life, we are entirely inclusive and welcoming of young people of all abilities, faiths, and no faiths.
As stated by Ofsted, teachers "have good relationships with students...they engage pupils well and promote a love of learning." We strive to inspire and excite our students in their studies (May 2015).
Along with stating that "Provision for students' spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development is outstanding," Ofsted also stated that "The school's work to keep pupils safe and secure is outstanding," confirming that we are doing something right.
Additionally, Ofsted said that our sixth form is "Outstanding."
We are able to provide a wide variety of courses and experiences because we are one of Chester's largest and most successful sixth forms. In addition to drawing many students from other schools, the majority of Upton pupils continue at the school for seven years to complete their degree.
Read more
Since September 2013, I have served as the headteacher at Upton. My name is Paula Dixon.
Upton-by-Chester High is a flourishing, active institution with a distinguished history of accomplishment and academic excellence.
In order to mirror real life, we are entirely inclusive and welcoming of young people of all abilities, faiths, and no faiths.
As stated by Ofsted, teachers "have good relationships with students...they engage pupils well and promote a love of learning." We strive to inspire and excite our students in their studies (May 2015).
Along with stating that "Provision for students' spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development is outstanding," Ofsted also stated that "The school's work to keep pupils safe and secure is outstanding," confirming that we are doing something right.
Additionally, Ofsted said that our sixth form is "Outstanding."
We are able to provide a wide variety of courses and experiences because we are one of Chester's largest and most successful sixth forms. In addition to drawing many students from other schools, the majority of Upton pupils continue at the school for seven years to complete their degree.
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| Phase of Education | Secondary | Secondary | Secondary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Local Authority Maintained Schools | Local Authority Maintained Schools | Local Authority Maintained Schools |
| 夜来香研究所 grade |
B-
|
A
|
B-
|
| Ofset report | Good | Good | Requires Improvement |
| Age range | 11-18 | 11-19 | 11-16 |
| Gender | Co-Ed | Co-Ed | Co-Ed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student teacher ratio | 17.5 | - | 12.2 |
| Proficient Math | - | - | - |
| Proficient Read | - | - | - |
| Grade 5 or above GCSE | 49% | 34% | 21% |
| Grade 5 or above A Level | 13.80% | - | - |
| 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 | 0.40 | 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 | 50.9 | 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 | 49% | 27.49% | 30.03% |
| Grade 4 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 72% | 40.64% | 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 | 32% | 25% | 25.06% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 5 or above | 18% | 10.1% | 10.91% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 4 or above | 26% | 14.72% | 15.51% |
| EBacc average points score | 4.44 | 2.61 | 2.83 |
Find out where our Key Stage 4 graduates are going next. Explore their different paths after finishing school 鈥� 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% | 90.42% | 90.53% |
| Total number of pupils included in destination measures | 278 | 129 | 144 |
| Pupils staying in education | 90% | 82.54% | 84.16% |
| Further education college or other further education provider | 23% | 28.19% | 32.73% |
| School sixth forms | 64% | 26.12% | 29.8% |
| Sixth form colleges | 2% | 8.81% | 10.22% |
| Other education destinations | 1% | 19.35% | 11.43% |
| Pupils in apprenticeships | 1% | 2.35% | 2.8% |
| Pupils staying in employment | 4% | 5.69% | 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 | 0.11 | 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 | 52.8 | 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 | 52% | 33.05% | 32.85% |
| Grade 4 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 75% | 45.22% | 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 | 25% | 25.08% | 24.94% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 5 or above | 18% | 13.59% | 13.02% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 4 or above | 22% | 18.05% | 17.19% |
| EBacc average points score | 4.58 | 2.94 | 2.97 |
Find out where our Key Stage 4 graduates are going next. Explore their different paths after finishing school 鈥� 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 | 93% | 84.27% | 90.4% |
| Total number of pupils included in destination measures | 238 | 123 | 141 |
| Pupils staying in education | 90% | 80.27% | 86.29% |
| Further education college or other further education provider | 25% | 27.73% | 34.03% |
| School sixth forms | 62% | 27.5% | 30.82% |
| Sixth form colleges | 2% | 8.96% | 10.38% |
| Other education destinations | SP | 15.92% | 11.08% |
| Pupils in apprenticeships | 1% | 1.58% | 1.99% |
| Pupils staying in employment | 2% | 2.38% | 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 | -0.01 | 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 | 49.5 | 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 | 45% 6 | 27.91% | 29.3% |
| Grade 4 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 67% 10 | 43.34% | 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 | 60% | 29.09% | 25.8% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 5 or above | 21% 4 | 10.86% | 11.47% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 4 or above | 38% 2 | 17.29% | 16.49% |
| EBacc average points score | 4.67 | 2.9 | 2.88 |
Find out where our Key Stage 4 graduates are going next. Explore their different paths after finishing school 鈥� 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 | 93% | 77.83% | 90.2% |
| Total number of pupils included in destination measures | 246 | 121 | 135 |
| Pupils staying in education | 83% | 70.09% | 84.08% |
| Further education college or other further education provider | 30% | 27.17% | 33.25% |
| School sixth forms | 52% | 23.74% | 31.27% |
| Sixth form colleges | SP | 8.87% | 8.45% |
| Other education destinations | SP | 10.3% | 11.14% |
| Pupils in apprenticeships | 5% | 3.22% | 3.4% |
| Pupils staying in employment | 5% | 4.65% | 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 | 0.1 | 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 | 52.5 | 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 | 51% 10 | 25.12% | 29.22% |
| Grade 4 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 77% 15 | 39.21% | 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 | 62% | 22.09% | 24.73% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 5 or above | 25% 2 | 9.48% | 11.33% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 4 or above | 36% | 13.88% | 16.01% |
| EBacc average points score | 4.88 | 2.77 | 2.84 |
Find out where our Key Stage 4 graduates are going next. Explore their different paths after finishing school 鈥� 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 | 92% | 74.96% | 84.87% |
| Total number of pupils included in destination measures | 247 | 124 | 140 |
| Pupils staying in education | 83% | 63.04% | 73.88% |
| Further education college or other further education provider | 31% | 21.04% | 28.31% |
| School sixth forms | 45% | 22.57% | 31.6% |
| Sixth form colleges | - | 9.17% | 9.08% |
| Other education destinations | - | 7.17% | 5.87% |
| Pupils in apprenticeships | 5% | 3.04% | 2.96% |
| Pupils staying in employment | 4% | 2.78% | 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 | -0.17 | 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 | 46.4 | 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 | 41% | 22.97% | 29.55% |
| Grade 4 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 62% | 37.35% | 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 | 52% | 21.79% | 25.25% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 5 or above | 27% | 12.15% | 14.71% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 4 or above | 36% | 14.12% | 16.26% |
| EBacc average points score | - | - | - |
Find out where our Key Stage 4 graduates are going next. Explore their different paths after finishing school 鈥� 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% | 74.09% | 85.29% |
| Total number of pupils included in destination measures | 271 | 127 | 145 |
| Pupils staying in education | 91% | 53.52% | 58.19% |
| Further education college or other further education provider | 38% | 27.13% | 30.58% |
| School sixth forms | 52% | 23.96% | 32.22% |
| Sixth form colleges | - | 6.96% | 8.95% |
| Other education destinations | - | 3.96% | 5.7% |
| Pupils in apprenticeships | 6% | 4.83% | 4.78% |
| Pupils staying in employment | 4% | 2.87% | 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 | 34.93 | 30.41 | 30.01 |
| Average grade | C+ | - | - |
| Average points (Best 3) | 34.09 | 29.83 | 29.57 |
| Average Grade (Best 3) | C+ | - | - |
| AAB or higher | 13.80% | 13.82% | 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 | 115 | 146 | 201 |
| Students staying in education | 70% | 61.64% | 58.58% |
| Students entering apprenticeships | 3% | 5.21% | 6.08% |
| Students entering employment | 20% | 23.29% | 21.16% |
| Students not in education or employment for at least two terms after study | 6% | 6.21% | 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 | 39.29 | 36.08 | 33.41 |
| Average grade | B | - | - |
| Average points (Best 3) | 38.62 | 32.07 | 32.47 |
| Average Grade (Best 3) | B | - | - |
| AAB or higher | 18.0% | 19.71% | 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 | 106 | 138 | 248 |
| Students staying in education | 73% | 59% | 60.67% |
| Students entering apprenticeships | 4% | 4.86% | 5% |
| Students entering employment | 15% | 19.79% | 17.73% |
| Students not in education or employment for at least two terms after study | 8% | 8.79% | 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 | 29.52 5 | 32.67 | 29.39 |
| Average grade | C | - | - |
| Average points (Best 3) | 29.29 7 | 29.81 | 28.64 |
| Average Grade (Best 3) | C | - | - |
| AAB or higher | 8.5% | 16.63% | 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 | 144 | 176 | 232 |
| Students staying in education | 58% | 63.91% | 57.31% |
| Students entering apprenticeships | 8% | 6.45% | 7.77% |
| Students entering employment | 27% | 20.82% | 20.99% |
| Students not in education or employment for at least two terms after study | 3% | 6.27% | 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 | 34.93 2 | 30.48 | 29.03 |
| Average grade | C+ | - | - |
| Average points (Best 3) | 36.08 1 | 30.5 | 28.82 |
| Average Grade (Best 3) | B- | - | - |
| AAB or higher | 21.3% | 16.25% | 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 | 24 | 21.4% | 31.5% |
| Students entering apprenticeships | 7% | 8.1% | 5.54% |
| Students entering employment | 21% | 20% | 15.81% |
| Students not in education or employment for at least two terms after study | - | 2.3% | 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 | 32.15 | 29.45 | 26.73 |
| Average grade | C+ | - | - |
| Average points (Best 3) | 35.85 | 28.93 | 27.73 |
| Average Grade (Best 3) | B- | - | - |
| AAB or higher | 18.3% | 15.52% | 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 | 19 | 19.2% | 36.26% |
| Students entering apprenticeships | 8% | 6.1% | 6.37% |
| Students entering employment | 19% | 19.5% | 20.03% |
| Students not in education or employment for at least two terms after study | 3% | 2.3% | 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 - 22nd Apr 2025 |
| Summer Half Term Holidays | 26th May 2025 - 30th May 2025 |
| Summer Holidays | 24th Jul 2025 - 2nd Sep 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 | 23rd Apr 2025 - 25th May 2025 |
| Summer Term-2 | 31st May 2025 - 23rd Jul 2025 |
Students Teachers
17 : 1
Student teacher ratio at Upton-by-Chester High School
Local authority ratio 18 : 1
