Cherry Tree Academy
81%
Capacity
171
Pupils
2.2x
Demand
About Cherry Tree Academy
Cherry Tree Academy is a state-funded Does not apply primary school serving the Colchester community, welcoming children from age 4 to 11. The school has 171 pupils on roll and is well-filled (81% of 210 places).
Ofsted has rated Cherry Tree Academy "Good", the school is led by headteacher Charlotte Newley, it falls under Essex local authority.
In terms of academic performance, 82% of pupils met the expected standard in Reading, Writing and Maths at KS2 — well above the national average. Additionally, placing it in the top 10% nationally. Additionally, ranked 1226th out of 13,686 schools in England. Additionally, 2nd out of 51 in Colchester.
Cherry Tree Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 37 applications for 17 places, making it 2.2x oversubscribed. Of these, 14 were first-preference applications.
Cherry Tree Academy parent feedback on Ofsted Parent View is overwhelmingly positive, with 100% recommending the school (14 responses).
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 7 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 4 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Cherry Tree Academy include Outdoor Playground, Gymnasium, Playing Fields, Forest School, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Athletics, Cross Country, Netball, Swimming and 2 more, as well as clubs including Chess, Book Club, Eco Club, Coding and 1 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 31.6%, which is above the national average for primary schools in England.
For families exploring primary schools in Colchester, Cherry Tree Academy is one of the options available in the East of England region. Use Classpot to compare it side-by-side with nearby alternatives and find the best fit for your child.
Key Details
| School Type | Primary (State) |
| Age Range | 4 to 11 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | Holt Drive, Colchester, Colchester, CO2 0BG |
| Headteacher | Charlotte Newley |
| Local Authority | Essex |
| Number of Pupils | 171 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 31.6% |
| School Capacity | 171 / 210 (81% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
2 Feb 2022Overall Effectiveness
Good
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 28 Mar 2022. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on KS2 Reading, Writing & Maths (82%)
1226th of 13,686
Nationally
118th of 1,612
In East of England
2nd of 51
In Colchester
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE KS2 Reading, Writing & Maths data
KS2 SATs Results
2023/24Reading, Writing & Maths Combined
82%
Expected Standard
12%
Higher Standard
'22/23
41%
'23/24
82%
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. National expected standard benchmark is around 65%.
Ofsted Parent View
14 responsesWould Recommend This School
Source: Ofsted Parent View (GOV.UK statistical data), Sep – Sep 2025
SEND Support
Resourced ProvisionSource: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
5Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
11Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed17
37
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
14 families put this school as their 1st choice (38% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cherry Tree Academy
Helpful Guides for Parents
Ofsted Ratings Explained
Understand the 4 Ofsted ratings and what they mean
How to Choose a Primary School
Step-by-step guide to choosing the right primary school
KS2 SATs Explained
A parent's guide to Year 6 SATs and how results are reported
SEN & EHCP: A Parent's Guide
Understanding SEN support, EHC Plans and your legal rights
Contact Information
Holt Drive, Colchester
Colchester, CO2 0BG
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
Parent Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience at Cherry Tree Academy!
Write a Review