It is a secondary school with academy status, and has around 760 pupils aged 11 to 16.

[1] The school upheld its 'good' rating from Ofsted, following a short inspection in 2019.

[4] Before the school breaks up for the Easter Holidays, the school holds an awards ceremony during the End of Term Assembly, giving out many awards for outstanding achievement during the year.

Other awards are also available throughout the year, including the school's own recognition of sporting achievement in the 'colour' and 'half colour' system, where pupils may be awarded in sports in which they excel.

Because of this the large majority of students that want to pursue Further Education continue to Colchester Sixth Form College, Northgate Sixth Form, Thomas Gainsborough School, Colchester Royal Grammar School, Suffolk New College or One.