Compare Alec Hunter Academy and New Rickstones Academy and The Honywood Community Science School

Q: How are these comparisons built?

We align public datasets side-by-side. Headline Ofsted judgement and publication date are shown when available. Exact pupil counts and precise FSM% are available to Pro users; free users see rounded values.

Q: What if a school has a recent ungraded visit?

Ungraded Section 8 visits do not replace the last graded judgement. We continue to show the latest graded judgement until a new graded inspection is published.

Q: Why can’t I see exact numbers?

To keep the service sustainable, exact pupil counts and precise FSM% are Pro features. Everyone can still compare approximate values.

Q: How should I choose a school?

Start with the most recent graded Ofsted judgement, then consider distance and travel, roll versus capacity, and the admissions policy. Visit the school, ask about pastoral support and enrichment, and ensure it fits your child’s needs.

Q: What should I look for when comparing schools?

Compare headline Ofsted and publication dates for recency; check FSM% and local context; review capacity utilisation (under, near, or over capacity); and look at trust or local authority governance. Read the official Ofsted report for curriculum and safeguarding details.

Comparison of secondary schools: Alec Hunter Academy (Secondary) in Braintree; New Rickstones Academy (Secondary) in Witham; The Honywood Community Science School (Secondary) in Colchester — covering Ofsted outcomes, size, FSM%, governance, capacity & more.

At a glance

This page compares Alec Hunter Academy, New Rickstones Academy and The Honywood Community Science School. They are secondary phase and academy sponsor led and academy converter type located around Braintree, Essex, Witham, Essex and Colchester, Essex. The strongest headline Ofsted judgement here is 2 (Alec Hunter Academy), published Sep 2017. The most recent inspection on record is for The Honywood Community Science School (Jan 2023). average roll around ≈ 1,050, combined total ≈ 3,100, typical FSM 20–25%, range 10–15%–25–30%; spread across trusts such as Saffron Academy Trust and LIFT SCHOOLS.

🔒 Export (Pro)

Attribute	Alec Hunter Academy CM7 3NR	New Rickstones Academy CM8 2SD	The Honywood Community Science School CO6 1PZ
Phase / Type	Secondary • Academy sponsor led	Secondary • Academy sponsor led	Secondary • Academy converter
Location	Braintree Essex CM7 3NR	Witham Essex CM8 2SD	Colchester Essex CO6 1PZ
Latest Ofsted	2 18 Sep 2017	2 20 Jun 2018	2 30 Jan 2023
Ofsted report	—	—	—
Pupils (roll)	≈ 1,050 🔒 Unlock exact pupils	≈ 1,200 🔒 Unlock exact pupils	≈ 800 🔒 Unlock exact pupils
FSM %	10–15% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %	25–30% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %	15–20% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %
Capacity	1142	1100	800
Capacity utilisation	Near capacity 🔒 View exact %	Over capacity 🔒 View exact %	Near capacity 🔒 View exact %
Age range	—	—	—
Gender	Mixed	Mixed	Mixed
Admissions policy	Non-selective	Non-selective	Non-selective
Trust / Local authority	Saffron Academy Trust	LIFT SCHOOLS	Saffron Academy Trust
Website	www.alechunter.org	www.newrickstonesacademy.org	www.honywoodschool.com
Telephone	01376321813	01376515756	01376561231
SEN provision	None reported	None reported	None reported
Profile	View profile	View profile	View profile

Alec Hunter Academy

CM7 3NR

Phase / Type: Secondary • Academy sponsor led
Location: Braintree
Essex
CM7 3NR
Ofsted: 2 18 Sep 2017
Pupils: ≈ 1,050 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 10–15% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: Saffron Academy Trust
Website: www.alechunter.org
Telephone: 01376321813

New Rickstones Academy

CM8 2SD

Phase / Type: Secondary • Academy sponsor led
Location: Witham
Essex
CM8 2SD
Ofsted: 2 20 Jun 2018
Pupils: ≈ 1,200 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 25–30% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: LIFT SCHOOLS
Website: www.newrickstonesacademy.org
Telephone: 01376515756

The Honywood Community Science School

CO6 1PZ

Phase / Type: Secondary • Academy converter
Location: Colchester
Essex
CO6 1PZ
Ofsted: 2 30 Jan 2023
Pupils: ≈ 800 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 15–20% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: Saffron Academy Trust
Website: www.honywoodschool.com
Telephone: 01376561231

Map of compared schools

How are these comparisons built?

We line up public school data side-by-side. Ofsted “headline” judgement is shown with the publication date when available. Exact pupil counts and precise FSM% are available to Pro users; everyone sees rounded values.

What if a school has a recent ungraded visit?

Ungraded visits (Section 8) check whether the previous graded judgement still stands, but do not replace it. We keep the latest graded judgement as the headline until a new graded inspection is published.

Why can’t I see exact numbers?

To keep the service sustainable, we show approximate pupils and bucketed FSM% to free users. Upgrade to AllSchools Pro to unlock precise figures and exports.

How should I choose a school?

Start with the most recent graded Ofsted judgement, then check whether it aligns with your child’s needs. Look at distance and travel, typical class sizes (roll vs capacity), and the school’s admissions policy. Speak to the school, arrange a visit, and ask about pastoral support and enrichment.

What should I look for when comparing schools?

Compare headline Ofsted and publication dates for recency; check FSM% and local context; scan capacity utilisation (under, near, or over capacity); and review trust/local authority for governance. If available, read the official Ofsted report for curriculum and safeguarding detail.