Moulsham High School Review 2026: High Expectations in Chelmsford

Demand for places at Moulsham High School speaks volumes. With over four applications for every seat in Year 7, this is one of Chelmsford's most sought-after state comprehensive schools. The draw is clear: a Progress 8 score of +0.67 indicates that students here achieve significantly higher grades across all subjects than they would at an average school. It is a large, busy campus where academic rigour sits alongside a distinct emphasis on character development.

Situated on a spacious site in the Moulsham suburb, the school feels modern and purposeful. The architecture is a mix of purpose-built blocks, including a dedicated humanities building and science labs that support the curriculum's breadth.

Miss Julia Mead, the Executive Headteacher, leads with a clear philosophy encapsulated in the motto: Enjoy, Enrich, Achieve. The culture is structured but not stifling. Students move between lessons with purpose, and the 'Moulsham 10'—a set of expected behaviours—provides a clear framework for conduct.

The House system (named after elements: Air, Earth, Fire, Water) is central to the school's identity, fostering competition in everything from sports to the annual 'Moulsham's Got Talent'. Uniquely, the school operates its own radio station, run by students, which broadcasts across the site and online, offering a rare opportunity for technical and creative responsibility.

Academic performance at GCSE is a headline strength. In 2024, the school achieved an average Attainment 8 score of 56.4, significantly above the England average of 45.9. The Progress 8 score of +0.67 places the school well above average, indicating exceptional value-added teaching.

Moulsham High School ranks 867th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking) and 5th in Chelmsford. This performance sits in the 'national strong' tier, placing it comfortably within the top 20% of schools in England.

At A-level, performance is solid. The school ranks 1,075th in England, with 54% of grades at A*-B. While not as stratospheric as the GCSE value-added scores, the sixth form delivers consistent results that facilitate university progression.

The curriculum is ambitious and broad. At Key Stage 3, all students study a core that includes drama, music, and design technology alongside traditional academic subjects.

Teaching is characterised by strong subject knowledge and clear routines. Official observations highlight that teachers use assessment effectively to check understanding before moving on. The school has a strong focus on literacy, with reading time integrated into the school day.

The majority of Year 11 students choose to stay on for the Sixth Form, joined by external applicants attracted by the school's reputation.

For the 2024 cohort of leavers, 54% progressed to university. The school also has a particularly strong track record for vocational and employment pathways; 31% of leavers moved directly into employment or higher apprenticeships, a figure notably higher than the England average. This reflects a careers programme that values industry placements as highly as academic degrees.

In terms of elite university entry, one student from the 2024 cohort secured a place at Cambridge. While the school supports Oxbridge applications, the destination data suggests a diverse range of outcomes including Russell Group universities and competitive degree apprenticeships.

Entry to Moulsham High School is coordinated by Essex County Council. The school is heavily oversubscribed. In the most recent admissions cycle, there were 1,134 applications for just 265 places, resulting in a subscription ratio of over 4 to 1.

The admissions criteria prioritize looked-after children and siblings. Crucially, the remaining places are allocated based on straight-line distance from the school.

The last distance offered is not fixed and fluctuates annually based on the density of applicants in the immediate vicinity. Parents should use the FindMySchoolMap Search to check their precise distance from the school gates compared to historical cut-offs. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place.

Pastoral care is organised through the House system, ensuring that in a school of over 1,600 students, no individual gets lost. Form tutors provide the first point of contact, supported by non-teaching Student Support Officers who are available throughout the day.

The school has invested in mental health support, with counselling services available on-site. The atmosphere is generally calm and orderly, with clear systems for managing behaviour.

Extracurricular life is vibrant and explicitly tracked. The 'Moulsham enrichment passport' encourages students to engage with clubs ranging from coding and robotics to choir and debate.

Sport is a major pillar. The facilities are extensive, including a gym, dance studio, and expansive playing fields. Teams compete regionally in football, rugby, and netball.

The aforementioned student radio station is a standout feature, providing real-world media experience. The Duke of Edinburgh Award is also popular, with large cohorts completing Bronze and Silver awards annually.

This is a state school with no tuition fees. Parents should budget for uniform, optional music lessons, and school trips.

The school day runs from 8:40am to 3:10pm. The site is located on Brian Close, with pedestrian access from several surrounding streets. Being in a residential area, parking is limited, and the school encourages students to walk or cycle where possible.

Intense competition for places. With over four applicants for every seat, living within the priority admission area is essential for non-siblings. Families outside the immediate locality should have a realistic backup plan.

Large school environment. With a capacity of over 1,600, this is a large institution. While the House system breaks this down, it suits students who thrive in a busy, bustling environment rather than those seeking a small, quiet setting.

Sixth Form entry. Current students must meet specific grade requirements to progress to Year 12. Progression is not automatic, and the focus on A-levels means it suits those with a strong academic profile at GCSE.

Moulsham High School delivers a high-performing comprehensive education that rivals many selective schools in terms of pupil progress. The exceptional Progress 8 score is the headline, but the student radio, House system, and employment pathways reveal a school that values character as much as grades. Best suited to local families who want academic rigour without the pressure of the 11-plus, provided they live close enough to secure a place.