Cherry Tree Academy
Colchester, CO2 0BG · Essex · primary school
Check the area around this school
104th of 391 primary schools in Essex we can score, 444 in total — the rest without enough published data. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 8.5/10 against 1,861 of them, against 7.2/10 nationally. Both figures are results only, without the inspection grade. A lower figure here means a stronger comparison group, not a weaker school.
How this is worked out
| Measure | Percentile | Weight | Adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expected standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 79.0 · 86 | 41% | 3.52 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 33% | 1.74 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 7.0 · 51 | 26% | 1.30 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Cherry Tree Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 79.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 7.0%, matching the national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in March 2022. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (8.5 out of 10 against similar schools, 7.2 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 180 pupils against a stated capacity of 210. These whole-school figures do not establish entry-year vacancies or the likelihood of an offer. Confirm entry-year availability and admissions criteria with the school or local authority.
Worth asking on a visit
How does the school support pupils who are working towards the expected standard in maths? What specific trips or external visits are planned for the current academic year? How does the school maintain its Good rating following the 2022 inspection?
What Ofsted said about Cherry Tree Academy
Overview
Cherry Tree Academy is described as a “warm and welcoming school” where pupils enjoy positive relationships and a “calm school environment.” The report highlights that staff know pupils and families well, fostering mutual respect and effective pastoral care. While the school has improved significantly since its previous inspection, it maintains high expectations for behaviour and learning.
Strengths
- Pupils are “courteous and polite,” with disruption to learning being rare due to quick staff intervention.
- Reading is a priority, with a “well-structured programme of phonics” that quickly develops knowledge and supports those needing extra help.
- Support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), particularly speech and language needs, is identified as a “strength.”
- Staff are “well trained to identify pupils who may be at risk” and understand safeguarding processes thoroughly.
- The early years curriculum is “well considered” and helps children settle quickly, developing their confidence.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must ensure curriculum thinking is specific regarding the precise knowledge pupils need to learn in all subjects, not just reading and mathematics.
- Teachers require high-quality training across the entire curriculum to ensure they have the depth of knowledge to extend learning effectively.
- The early years curriculum needs to clarify how it links to key stage 1 to ensure staff understand the progression of key knowledge and skills.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with a “strong culture of safeguarding” where staff are well trained and do not hesitate to report concerns.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 41% |
| 2023/24 | 82% |
| 2024/25 | 79% |
| England | 64% |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 14,326 state schools in England we hold a 2024/25 figure for — a school-level median, not the DfE's pupil-weighted national figure.
Your offer chance
—Based on official applications/offers, distance and catchment where we have it. Bands only — never a percentage.
Sibling, faith, looked-after and other criteria can override distance. Always confirm with the school or local authority.
Next dates
- Primary (Reception) application deadline15 Jan 2027
- Primary National Offer Day16 Apr 2027
- Primary (Reception) application deadline15 Jan 2028
- Primary National Offer Day17 Apr 2028
Saved schools live on this device only — no account, no tracking. Visit the school's website
Loading full school details…
Similar schools nearby
Same area, prioritising the same phase — useful for shortlisting alternatives.
Every school within 2.5 miles of CO2 0BG, with results, demand and deadlines — area report →
Have a specific question about admissions, scores or dates?
Ask SchoolsGPT