The academy was previously led by Mike Watson; he left in 2004 after twenty years at the school, and was replaced by Caroline Hayes.[2] Hayes was in post for 12 years, until 2016. Michael Muldoon became principal in 2016. He left in 2021, and Tom Burt took the post.[3]
Facilities
The academy saw building work at its Frinton Campus in 2003 when new departmental buildings were erected. One of these buildings, the Watson building, was named after former principal Michael Watson and is occupied by the performing arts department. After a long battle the academy secured the funding for a £2.8 million state-of-the-art Sixth Form Centre,[4] at the Frinton Campus site, which was completed in September 2011. The new building has a media suite, social area and extra teaching space. This followed previous upgrades to the Frinton Campus, creating teaching space, a resources centre and exterior improvements.
Ofsted inspections
The college was rated 'Inadequate' by Ofsted in 2021.[1] A Termination Warning was issued in 2022.[5]As of 2025[update], the school's last inspection was in 2024, with an overall judgement of Good.[6]
Controversies
On 25-27th May 2021, teachers and staff of the school went on Strike action due to a planned restructure by the Trust[7][8]
On 2nd January 2023, footage emerged of a student being attacked by a group of boys, and hospitalised.[9]
By 23rd July 2024, the school had the highest amount of pupils suspended in Essex.[10]
Notable former pupils
Ellie Challis, swimmer, Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games silver medallist[11]
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