The short version
Average GCSE results. At capacity. Rated Good by Ofsted (2024).
- GCSE results are broadly in line with the national average (Attainment 8: 41.3 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Good by Ofsted in 2024
- This school does not have a sixth form
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
41.3
2.5 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
34%
7.5pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
17%
Source: Department for Education Performance Tables 2024-25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 15 days per year on average — nearly a month of school.
20% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
4% of pupils miss half or more of school sessions
Source: DfE School Census
Staffing
On average, 18 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 11 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 83 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Free schools
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–16
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 886
- Capacity
- 98%
- FSM
- 29.7%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Essex
- Trust
- THE SIGMA TRUST
- Head
- Mrs Debbie Kershaw
Provisions
- Sixth form
- No
- Boarding
- Not applicable
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection: Good
1 official report linked on this page.
Location
Paxman Avenue, Colchester, Essex, CO2 9DB
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmGosbecks Primary School
Primary · 339m away
King's Ford Infant School and Nursery
Primary · 519m away
Kings Ford Academy
Primary · 519m away
Prettygate Infant School
Primary · 645m away
Prettygate Junior School
Primary · 645m away
Philip Morant School and College
Secondary · 988m away
St Michael's Primary School and Nursery, Colchester
Primary · 1.0km away
Montgomery Primary School, Colchester
Primary · 1.1km away
Questions parents ask
Is Paxman Academy a selective school?
No. Paxman Academy is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is Paxman Academy's Ofsted rating?
Paxman Academy was rated Good at its most recent inspection in February 2024. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend Paxman Academy?
Paxman Academy currently has 886 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does Paxman Academy take?
Paxman Academy caters for pupils aged 11 to 16. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is Paxman Academy?
Paxman Academy is in Colchester, CO2 9DB, in the Essex local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does Paxman Academy have a sixth form?
No, Paxman Academy does not have a sixth form. Pupils move to a different school or college for post-16 study.
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