Open Other Secondary Mixed

Colchester Academy

Hawthorn Avenue, Colchester, CO4 3JL
Part of: BRIGHT TRIBE TRUST (Multi-academy trust)
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Colchester Academy
Colchester, CO4 3JL
899 Pupils
910 Capacity
11–16 Age Range
40.80% FSM %
450 Boys
449 Girls
About Colchester Academy

Colchester Academy is a Secondary Academies serving Colchester and the surrounding area in Essex with a Does not apply character. The school for pupils aged 11–16 is part of the East of England region.

It has 899 pupils on roll. School capacity: 910. Current headteacher: Jenny Betts.

Information on Colchester Academy is sourced from the DfE GIAS database, the authoritative register of all schools and educational establishments in England.

School Details
Establishment Type Academy sponsor led
Type Group Academies
Phase of Education Secondary
Status Open
Local Authority Essex
Region East of England
Administrative District Colchester
Parliamentary Constituency Colchester
Ward Greenstead
Urban / Rural Urban: Nearer to a major town or city
Admissions Policy Non-selective
Religious Character Does not apply
Gender Policy Mixed
Boarders No boarders
Sixth Form Not applicable
Nursery Provision Not applicable
Trust / Sponsor PENROSE LEARNING TRUST
Opened 01-09-2010
UKPRN 10031141
URN 136195
Data Last Updated 10-03-2026
Governors & Trustees (9)
NameRoleAppointedTerm EndsAppointing Body
Mr Chris Burns Chair of Local Governing Body 05/07/2021 22/01/2028 Appointed by GB/board
Mrs Kiaia Anderson Local Governor 01/09/2025 31/08/2029 Elected by school staff
Mrs Alison Bennett Local Governor 23/09/2023 22/09/2027 Parent appointed by GB/board due to no election candidates
Mrs Jenny Betts Local Governor 23/09/2019 — Ex-officio by virtue of office as headteacher/principal
Mrs Susan Burns Local Governor 12/12/2024 15/10/2025 Appointed by trustees
Michelle Cornish Local Governor 01/09/2025 31/08/2029 Elected by school staff
Mrs Alison Ross Local Governor 01/10/2020 31/08/2025 Elected by school staff
Ms Paula Simmons Local Governor 02/12/2019 01/12/2027 Nominated by other body and appointed by GB
Miss Rebecca West Local Governor 14/09/2021 31/08/2025 Elected by school staff
Schools Nearby
Hazelmere Junior School
0.1 km • Colchester
Other
Hazelmere Infant School and Nursery
0.1 km • Colchester
Other
Roach Vale Primary School
0.39 km • Colchester
Other
Parsons Heath Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School
0.59 km • Colchester
Other
Unity Primary Academy
0.76 km • Colchester
Other
Willow Brook Primary School and Nursery
1.07 km • Colchester
Other
Frequently Asked Questions
Colchester Academy is a Academy sponsor led (group: Academies) in Colchester, Essex.
Colchester Academy has 899 pupils, with a capacity of 910.
Colchester Academy caters for pupils aged 11 to 16.
The admissions policy at Colchester Academy is: Non-selective.
The Principal at Colchester Academy is Mrs Jenny Betts.
Colchester Academy is at Hawthorn Avenue, Colchester, CO4 3JL, in the Essex local authority, East of England.
Colchester Academy is currently open.
Contact
Principal
Mrs Jenny Betts
Hawthorn Avenue, Colchester, CO4 3JL
01206861217
www.colchesteracademy.org.uk/
Location
CO4 3JL  ·  Google Maps
Official Links
View on DfE GIAS Ofsted Report Compare this School Check Catchment Chances Similar Schools in Essex School Website
Quick Summary
URN 136195
Status Open
Ofsted —
Data from DfE GIAS Mar 2026
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