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  • Welcome

    Welcome to Cherry Tree Academy, where our vision is for every child to thrive to be the best they can be. As Head of School and Executive Head, we are proud to lead a caring and inclusive primary school in Colchester, where children are known as individuals and supported to flourish both academically and personally. As part of Inspires Multi-Academy Trust, we are committed to delivering high-quality education rooted in strong values and meaningful relationships.

    At Cherry Tree Academy, we believe that education is about far more than academic achievement alone. It is about nurturing confidence, resilience, communication and emotional wellbeing, ensuring that every child feels safe, valued and supported. Our inclusive ethos is underpinned by our commitment to the Thrive Approach, which supports children’s emotional development and helps them to build positive relationships and a strong sense of self.

    Our dedicated and compassionate staff team works collaboratively to deliver a broad, balanced and ambitious curriculum that inspires curiosity and a love of learning. We are proud to offer a specialist Speech and Language Provision, enabling us to meet a wide range of needs and ensure that all pupils are supported to communicate effectively and reach their full potential.

    Alongside high expectations for learning, we place great importance on personal development, behaviour and wellbeing. We aim to nurture confident, reflective learners who are well prepared for the next stage of their education and equipped with the skills, values and attitudes needed for life beyond primary school.

    Strong partnerships with families are central to our success, and we value the trust and collaboration that exist between home and school. By working together, we ensure that every child receives the care, guidance and opportunities they deserve.

    Thank you for taking the time to learn more about Cherry Tree Academy. We warmly invite you to visit our school and experience first-hand the welcoming, supportive and purposeful environment that makes our community such a special place to learn.

    Rory Bullivant
    Head of School

    Charlotte Newley
    Executive Head

    ‘Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world’

    Nelson Mandela

    Message from our CEO

    As the CEO of Inspires MAT, it is my passion to provide each child in my care with a learning experience that is second to none, within a learning environment which is caring, considerate and compassionate. Only when we are happy and supported can we thrive and become the best versions of ourselves – this is what we aspire to provide for all within our educational family.

    As a Headteacher, national Leader of Education and Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching I believe vehemently in providing children with the very best educational experience I can. Not only through academic achievement but through experiences which will widen their knowledge of the world and open their eyes to opportunities and futures they never previously believed possible. I intend to utilise the strategies I deployed and experiences I learnt from, whilst at Chipping Hill, (ranked best primary school in East Anglia by the Sunday Times) within the trust so that each child thrives and excels in whatever they feel most passionate about.

    Our goal is simple – provide each child and adult that associates with the trust I lead with the very best experiences and opportunities. Since my first day as CEO, I have focused on building a culture of respect, integrity and openness. A place where all can thrive irrespective of the part they play – this is the Connected Learning trustees and I believe in and will strive for each day.

    Mr C Jones
    Chief Executive Officer
    Inspires MAT

    • Ofsted Parent View Link We would welcome your feedback about our school. Please find below the link to access parent view. You will need to register using your email address if you have not previously completed a survey.