The Gilberd School

  • Secondary
  • Academy
  • Ages 11 to 16
Ofsted: Outstanding

Brinkley Lane, Colchester, CO4 9PUOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)

The Gilberd School is a secondary school in Colchester for ages 11 to 16. It is one of the 604 schools in Essex. It ranks 3rd of 14 secondary schools in Colchester. Its latest Ofsted rating is Outstanding, from an inspection in November 2018.

Ofsted inspection

Inspected 21 November 2018, report published 9 January 2019

Overall effectiveness
Outstanding
Leadership and management
Outstanding
Safeguarding
Met

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 4 February 2025

Pupils flourish in this exceptional school. Pupils recognise and respect the very high expectations staff have for their academic achievement. They respond with a determination to achieve, and they produce work of an excellent standard. Pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), achieve extremely well. Pupils respond equally to the aspiration shown for their development as individuals. Pupils develop a strong sense of community. They are proud to be a 'Gilberdian' and strive to make a difference. Pupils ambitiously look at the honour boards prominently displayed around the school, with a determination to see their name up there. Many pupils take on responsibilities because they see the importance of making a contribution. This sense of commitment helps pupils develop into compassionate, confident young people, who are ready for life beyond school. Behaviour is exemplary. Pupils are highly motivated and respect each other's right to learn. This helps create a calm, focused learning environment where learning proceeds without disruption. Around school, pupils are highly considerate of each other and their environment. This helps create a safe, welcoming, inclusive culture where everyone is seen as equal and valued for who they are.

Exam results

GCSE results (key stage 4), 2024/25

306 pupils in the year group

Attainment 8 score53.4

53.4, 7.3 above the England average of 46.1.

Grade 5 or above in English and maths58.2%

58.2%, 12.8 percentage points above the England average of 45.4%.

Grade 4 or above in English and maths77.1%

77.1%, 12.3 percentage points above the England average of 64.8%.

Pupils entering the EBacc31.4%

31.4%, 9.1 percentage points below the England average of 40.5%.

EBacc average point score4.76

4.76, 0.67 above the England average of 4.09.

Pupil numbers and mix

1,588 pupils on roll, with places for 1,600

Eligible for free school meals15.4%

15.4%, 11.1 percentage points below the England average of 26.5%.

English as an additional language13.1%

13.1%, 8.5 percentage points below the England average of 21.6%.

Special educational needs support10.3%

10.3%, 4.5 percentage points below the England average of 14.8%.

Education, health and care plan2.8%

2.8%, 3.2 percentage points below the England average of 6%.

Schools near The Gilberd School

SchoolDistanceOfstedResults
The Trinity School0.1 milesOfsted judgements: Good to outstandingNot published
Colchester Academy2 milesOfsted: GoodAttainment 8: 38.5
St Helena School2 milesOfsted: GoodAttainment 8: 46.0
The Sixth Form College Colchester2 milesNo Ofsted inspectionNot published
Colchester Prep & High School2 milesNo Ofsted inspectionAttainment 8: 61.0

School details

School type
Academy converter
Sector
Academy
Trust
ALPHA TRUST
Age range
11 to 16
Gender
Mixed
Sixth form
No
Headteacher
Mr James Mitchell
Address
Brinkley Lane, Colchester, CO4 9PU
Local authority
Essex
URN
137926

School details from Get Information about Schools, 17 September 2026. Ofsted outcomes published to 31 August 2026. Exam results for 2024/25 from the Department for Education. Pupil mix from the school census, 2025/26.