Upton-by-Chester High School

High-quality, individually adapted teaching is the school's first response for learners with SEND.

“High quality teaching is our first step in responding to learners who have SEND. This will be adopted for individual learners.”

Teaching-assistant support is provided to learners with an EHCP or Top-Up Funding.

“Teaching assistants will support learners when they have an Education Health Care Plan (EHCP) or Top-Up Funding.”

Mr J. Keegan is the school's Designated Safeguarding Lead.

“Designated Safeguarding Lead: Mr J. Keegan (admin@uptonhigh.co.uk)”

The school offers in-school support for learners wishing to discuss worries through form tutors, pastoral managers, heads of year, or another trusted staff member.

“There is support in our school for anyone wanting to discuss worries. You can speak to your Form tutor, your Pastoral Manager or Head of Year or a member of staff who you feel you can talk to.”

Courses are taught by subject specialists described as passionate and expert in course delivery.

“Our learners are taught by specialists who have a passion for their subject and are experts in the delivery of their respective course.”

The curriculum prioritises a strong academic core where appropriate and strong technical or vocational provision where required.

“Providing a broad curriculum prioritising a strong academic core of subjects, where appropriate, and ensuring a strong technical / vocational provision where required.”

The curriculum includes the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ).

“Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)”

A learner reports participating in cricket and badminton clubs.

“I have been a part of multiple extra-curricular activities such as cricket and badminton club.”

The school's stated values are Resilience, Diligence, Inclusion, Community and Ambition.

“Resilience : Remaining flexible and adaptable when facing challenges. Diligence: Showing careful and persistent work or effort. Inclusion: Displaying positive interactions and valuing everyone in the community. Community: Purposefully contributing to our school and wider community. Ambition: Demonstrating a strong drive for success.”

The school provides academic subjects and vocational opportunities to support all learners' needs.

“We will provide traditional academic subjects and vocational opportunities so we can support the learning needs of all our young people.”

In 2025, 28 KS5 learners averaged an A grade, and 22% of all grades were A or A*.

“Twenty eight learners in the cohort had an average grade of an A, with 22% of all grades awarded an A/A\*.”

Mrs T. Stickels is the Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead for Years 12 and 13.

“| Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead Year 12 & 13 | Mrs T. Stickels |”

New sixth-form applications are being accepted for a waiting list for the 2026–27 academic year.

“Due to the high number of external applications to join our Sixth Form, any new applications received at this time will be placed on our waiting list for the 2026–27 academic year.”

The sixth form welcomes applicants from both the school's own Year 11 cohort and other schools.

“We welcome learners into our 6th Form from both our own Year 11 cohort, but also learners who have not previously studied with us.”

A significantly high proportion of students gain places at prestigious universities, including Russell Group and Oxbridge institutions, while many secure competitive apprenticeships.

“Learners are encouraged to achieve their very best and a significantly high proportion of our students attain places at prestigious universities, including the Russell Group and Oxbridge institutions, as well as many learners obtaining places on competitive apprenticeship programmes.”

The vast majority of learners reportedly progress to their preferred post-18 destination, including university, apprenticeships or full-time employment.

“We are proud that the vast majority of our learners leave us to take their next steps at their preferred Post-18 destination; whether this be university, on an apprenticeship, or obtaining full time employment.”

In 2025, 28 KS5 learners averaged an A grade, and 22% of all grades were A or A*.

“Twenty eight learners in the cohort had an average grade of an A, with 22% of all grades awarded an A/A\*.”

For KS5 in 2025, 28 learners averaged an A and 22% of all grades were A or A*.

“Our learners performed well across their courses. Twenty eight learners in the cohort had an average grade of an A, with 22% of all grades awarded an A/A\*.”