The short version
Average GCSE results. 81% capacity. Rated Requires Improvement by Ofsted (2022).
- GCSE results are broadly in line with the national average (Attainment 8: 41.9 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Requires Improvement by Ofsted in 2022
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
41.9
1.9 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
42%
0.2pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
47%
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
89%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
85%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
2%
Employment
Directly into work
2%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
7%
Based on 206 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 17 days per year on average — nearly a month of school.
24% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
6% of pupils miss half or more of school sessions
Source: DfE School Census
Staffing
On average, 22 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 12 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 83 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Academy converter
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–16
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 1,031
- Capacity
- 81%
- FSM
- 17.1%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Essex
- Trust
- THURSTABLE SCHOOL
- Head
- Mr James Ketley (Head Teacher)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- Yes
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection
10 official reports linked on this page, including 9 earlier reports.
Previous reports
Monitoring visit
May 2024 | Monitoring Visit
School inspection: Requires Improvement
September 2022 | School Inspection
School inspection
November 2021 | School Inspection
Monitoring visit
December 2020 | Monitoring Visit
Full inspection: Good
April 2016 | Full Inspection
Full inspection: Requires Improvement
October 2014 | Full Inspection
Monitoring visit
January 2014 | Monitoring Visit
Full inspection: Requires Improvement
November 2013 | Full Inspection
Academy conversion letter
February 2012 | Academy Conversion Letter
Location
Maypole Road, Tiptree, Colchester, Essex, CO5 0EW
Rural setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmThurstable School Sports College and Sixth Form Centre
Secondary · Very close
Milldene Primary School
Primary · 334m away
Baynards Primary School
Primary · 525m away
St Luke's Church of England Controlled Primary School
Primary · 951m away
Messing Primary School
Primary · 1.5km away
Tiptree Heath Primary School
Primary · 1.7km away
Questions parents ask
Is Thurstable School a selective school?
No. Thurstable School is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is Thurstable School's Ofsted rating?
Thurstable School was rated Requires Improvement at its most recent inspection in May 2025. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend Thurstable School?
Thurstable School currently has 1,031 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does Thurstable School take?
Thurstable School caters for pupils aged 11 to 16. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is Thurstable School?
Thurstable School is in Colchester, CO5 0EW, in the Essex local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does Thurstable School have a sixth form?
Yes, Thurstable School has a sixth form, so pupils can continue to A-levels or equivalent qualifications without changing school.
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