Colchester Institute provides full-time and part-time courses for a wide variety of learners including 16 to 19 year olds, apprentices, adults, businesses and employers.

It widened to include degree level programmes in Music (through accreditation by the University of London), Hospitality & Catering and Art.

The £10m STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) Centre and South Wing building opened in 2016 at the Sheepen Road Campus.

Facilities opened in 2022 include the Early Years Centre and commercial hair and beauty salons.

Adult Skills Centres at Braintree, Clacton, Dovercourt and Witham Online courses offered in maths, English and IT.