Clacton-on-Sea and relatively dry summers (which also enhances the towns popularity as a sea-side town), but also fairly chilly winter days. For the 1961–1990 observation period, Clacton averaged 103.7 days with at least 1mm of rain annually, and just 24.3 air frosts a year- comparable to south west coastal locations. Clacton's population increased substantially during the 20th century from 7,456 at the 1901 census to 25,000 in the 1960s, 45,065 in 1991 and reaching over 53,000 by 2001. St Osyth's Teacher Training College occupied several buildings in Clacton, mostly along Marine Parade East, until its amalgamation with the North East Essex
Clacton Coastal Academy 2009, Colbayns High School and Bishops Park merged to become the Clacton Coastal Academy. Mr. S. Chamberlain replaced Mr Pavitt, becoming the school's first Executive Principal. The Overall Evaluation from Ofsted (2004) identified staff turn-over as a root cause of poor behaviour in the classroom. The school has grown in recent years, particularly at Sixth Form level. In 2003, Clacton Coastal Academy became the first British school to join the US-run Edison Schools Project. The Academy has been rated "Good" by Ofsted. Clacton Coastal Academy Clacton Coastal Academy is a coeducational high school serving the western part of Clacton-on-Sea. The