Ardleigh St Mary's Church of England Primary Academy, Colchester

In its own words: "The biblical world is rooted in farming and filled with numerous stories and images of growth because growth is central to how we understand human life, God’s relationship with people and human flourishing."

From the headteacher's welcome: "It is our pleasure to welcome you to Ardleigh St Mary’s Church of England Primary Academy, a warm and nurturing village school where every child is known, valued and encouraged to flourish. Our vision, Nurturing the Seeds of Success , reflects our belief that every child is uniquely created by God and arrives with their own gifts, interests and potential."

Clubs and activities named on the school's website include football and gardening.

The school runs a breakfast club and after-school care, from £5.00 per session.

Coming up: an open day on Wednesday 18 November 2026, an open day on Tuesday 1 December 2026, an open day on Monday 7 December 2026 and an open day on Friday 16 April 2027. Check the school's website before you go, as dates can change.

In 2025, 91% of Year 6 pupils at Ardleigh St Mary's Church of England Primary Academy reached the expected standard in reading and 100% in maths. At the average state primary the figures were 78% and 76% in Essex and 77% and 75% across England.

With small year groups, a few pupils can move these figures by several points.

For September 2026 entry, 4 families put Ardleigh St Mary's Church of England Primary Academy as their first choice and 12 named it as one of their preferences, for 4 places offered. That is one first choice for every place. Every family who put it first was offered a place there for 2026 entry.

The nearest other state primary schools to Ardleigh St Mary's Church of England Primary Academy are Dedham Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School (2.1 miles, Good, 86% reading, 93% maths); Langham Primary Academy (2.1 miles); St John's Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School, Colchester (2.5 miles, Good, 88% reading, 78% maths); and Roach Vale Primary School (2.6 miles, Good, 73% reading, 70% maths).

Ardleigh St Mary's Church of England Primary Academy's 2025 results were higher than all 3 of them.

Ardleigh St Mary's Church of England Primary Academy is one of 12 schools run by Canonium Learning Trust, an academy trust.

16% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well below the average state school (25%), and 9.9% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

In 2026, 18 pupils (22.2%) received SEN support and 1 (1.2%) had an education, health and care plan, against 16.2% and 4.6% at the average state school. The most common need among them is autism.

Ardleigh St Mary's Church of England Primary Academy had 6 teachers in 2026, one for every 12 pupils: more teachers per pupil than a typical primary school, at about one for every 20.

The nearest railway station is Manningtree Rail Station, about 3.2 miles away in a straight line.

6 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is St Mary's Primary School (opposite), 40 metres away.

In August 2026, police recorded 7 crimes within a mile of the school, most often violence and sexual offences, criminal damage and arson and other theft. That is well below the typical figure around schools in Essex (97).

Ardleigh St Mary's Church of England Primary Academy recorded no suspensions or permanent exclusions in 2024/25.