of 720 has now increased to over 1000. In 1976 a new block was constructed comprising general classrooms, science laboratories and art rooms. In 1991 a Sports Hall and technology rooms were built. The school which emerged as a Grant-maintained school in September 1993 has a blend of traditional and modern. In 2007, a media block was built. In 2014 plans were put in place to build another block which will contain unisex toilets, science rooms and domestic science rooms. It is predicted to be finished by September 2015. Houses St Helena runs a House system. Each house consists of 10 tutor groups with up to 5 students from each Year group in it. The original house system was disbanded over 20 years ago, but was reintroduced in January 2004. The houses, apart from one, kept their original names: Abbey- Red Castle- Blue Priory- Yellow Temple- Green The houses are named after the Roman areas of Colchester. Specialist school and academy status In 2005, St Helena became a Specialist Media Arts College under the Governments Specialist School programme. The school then built a media centre which houses a drama studio, media computer suite and a television / radio studio. the school converted to academy status in March 2012. Notable former pupils Dominic King, racewalker who competed in the 2012 Summer Olympics Jamie Moul, professional golfer Sir Bob Russell, long-serving Colchester MP and High Steward References External links St Helena School Website Sigma Trust Website Secondary schools in Essex Educational institutions established in 1938 1938 establishments in England Academies in Essex Schools in Colchester (town)