The short version
Above-average GCSE results. At capacity. Rated Outstanding by Ofsted (2018).
- GCSE results are above the national average (Attainment 8: 53.4 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Outstanding by Ofsted in 2018
- This school does not have a sixth form
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
53.4
9.6 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
58%
16.4pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
31%
Source: Department for Education Performance Tables 2024-25
Post-GCSE Destinations
These figures track pupils 6 months after leaving. Source: DfE destination measures.
Sustained destination
In education, employment or training
94%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
89%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
3%
Employment
Directly into work
2%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
4%
Based on 327 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 13 days per year on average — nearly a month of school.
15% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
3% of pupils miss half or more of school sessions
Source: DfE School Census
Staffing
On average, 19 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 14 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 115 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Academy converter
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–16
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 1,574
- Capacity
- 100%
- FSM
- 14.1%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Essex
- Trust
- ALPHA TRUST
- Head
- Mr James Mitchell (Headteacher)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- No
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection
6 official reports linked on this page, including 5 earlier reports.
Previous reports
Full inspection: Outstanding
November 2018 | Full Inspection
Short inspection
March 2018 | Short Inspection
Full inspection: Good
November 2013 | Full Inspection
Curriculum and development visit
January 2013 | Curriculum and development visit Curriculum and development visit
Academy conversion letter
August 2012 | Academy Conversion Letter
Location
Brinkley Lane, Colchester, Essex, CO4 9PU
Town setting
Questions parents ask
Is The Gilberd School a selective school?
No. The Gilberd School is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is The Gilberd School's Ofsted rating?
The Gilberd School was rated Outstanding at its most recent inspection in February 2025. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend The Gilberd School?
The Gilberd School currently has 1,574 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does The Gilberd School take?
The Gilberd School caters for pupils aged 11 to 16. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is The Gilberd School?
The Gilberd School is in Colchester, CO4 9PU, in the Essex local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does The Gilberd School have a sixth form?
No, The Gilberd School does not have a sixth form. Pupils move to a different school or college for post-16 study.
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