Plume School is an 11-18 mixed comprehensive with around 1850 students.  It is a split site school, both sites being in Maldon a few minutes drive apart.  The older buildings on both sites have been modernised and updated while retaining their character.

Year 7 & 8 students attend the Mill Road Site with its own playing fields and specialist teaching areas.  This enables students to make a successful transition from primary school as there are under 600 students on this site.  Teachers normally teach on both sites and travel time is built into the timetable.

Year 9-11 students attend the Fambridge Road site that is larger and with more specialist rooms for high level examination courses.  In addition to its academic success, Plume is known for its excellent vocational provision and some of the older students will spend some time at college and on work placements.

Year 12-13 attend the Plume College at Fambridge Road.  The Sixth Form is growing rapidly and is likely to exceed 400 students.  Sixth Formers have their own entrance, study area and library but are fully integrated into the life of the school.  The head girl and boy are elected by the whole student body.