[3] Greensward has approximately 200 staff and 1450 students, including 260 in the sixth form.

[citation needed] The 2011 inspection report states that "The academy has specialisms in science and applied learning and also has Leading Edge and Training School Status".

[5] The school opened in 1960 as the Hockley County Secondary School, with pupils from both Hockley, Hullbridge and Ashingdon primary schools who were selected for the first year and a second year of Hockley pupils who previously went to Rayleigh Secondary.

[citation needed] In 2011, £15 million was awarded to the Academy in order to perform major construction work, including 2 new blocks, and refurbishment of several other blocks.

[citation needed] The Sixth Form occupies a purpose-built block.