The School in the News (as reported in the Colchester Gazette)
CCHS over the Years – February 2024
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Wisdom Giveth Life – a motto still woven into everything CCHS does.
This year, the school, in Norman Way, marks 115 years since it was founded. Now boasting hundreds of students, the school has grown and evolved, but its success has been a constant.
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Off the back of its latest maintained outstanding rating and to celebrate another major milestone in 2024, Colchester Gazette dug into the archives to find pictures from 1913 to the 2000s, documenting school plays, exam successes and memorable teachers past and present.
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The school first opened in Colchester High Street in 1909 with just 67 pupils. It moved to the top of North Hill (now the Sixth Form College) (right), then to Grey Friars (now Grey Friars Hotel) and finally settled in its distinctive Norman Way home in 1957. The school badge was unveiled in 1927 and under headteacher Miss Katherine Vashon Baker in
the 1950s, a house system was introduced and a parent-teacher association formed.
The first major expansion was under the leadership of Dr Aline Black, who in 1996 was responsible for the “technology block” extension of the main building. By 2005, the school role had expanded to 767.
Left: Former Head Elizabeth Ward outside with ex-students
The school has been under the leadership of Gillian Marshall from 2009 to now. It became the lead school in the Alpha Multi Academy Trust in March 2018. Recent development highlights
include a major extension of the Sixth Form centre, a new sports hall, the rebuilding of the swimming pool and a new teaching block.
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A statement on the website sums it up perfectly: “Throughout the school’s long history one thing remains consistent, its leadership by generations of talented and dedicated women and committed teaching staff who aspired, and continue to aspire, to provide the very best in education and opportunity for the students in their care.”
(Ed: I am sure that we could tell Colchester Gazette many more facts about the school over the years but, perhaps, some might not be printable!)
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