Fakenham Academy
99%
Capacity
743
Pupils
1.3x
Demand
About Fakenham Academy
Fakenham Academy is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the North Norfolk community, welcoming children from age 11 to 18. The school has 743 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (99% of 750 places).
Ofsted has rated Fakenham Academy "Good", the school is led by headteacher Gavin Green, it falls under Norfolk local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.12 is below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 38.4. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of C. Additionally, ranked 1813th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 4th out of 7 in North Norfolk.
Fakenham Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 136 applications for 103 places, making it 1.3x oversubscribed. Of these, 100 were first-preference applications.
Fakenham Academy parent feedback on Ofsted Parent View is positive, with 79% recommending the school (87 responses).
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 9 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Severe Learning Difficulty and 6 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Fakenham Academy include ICT Suite, Sixth Form Centre, Astro Turf, Dining Hall, Gymnasium, Swimming Pool, Tennis Courts, Sports Hall, Theatre, Music Rooms, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Gymnastics, Football, Netball, Rowing and 6 more, as well as clubs including Art Club, Orchestra, Choir, Gardening and 4 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 24.8%, which is close to the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in North Norfolk, Fakenham Academy is one of the options available in the East of England region. Use Classpot to compare it side-by-side with nearby alternatives and find the best fit for your child.
Key Details
| School Type | Secondary (State) |
| Age Range | 11 to 18 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | Field Lane, Fakenham, North Norfolk, NR21 9QT |
| Headteacher | Gavin Green |
| Local Authority | Norfolk |
| Number of Pupils | 743 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 24.8% |
| School Capacity | 743 / 750 (99% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
9 Oct 2024Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (9 Oct 2024): Standards maintained
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 7 Jul 2015. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.12)
1813th of 3,141
Nationally
209th of 350
In East of England
4th of 7
In North Norfolk
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make similar progress to students nationally with the same starting point
Attainment 8 (vs national avg)
Students achieve significantly higher grades than the national average
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. Progress 8 compares to students with similar Key Stage 2 results.
A-Level Results
2023/24Average Points per Entry
Value Added Score
Best 3 A-Levels (Average)
'21/22
28.1
'22/23
28.2
'23/24
31.4
Source: Department for Education 16-18 Performance Tables, 2023/24. Value Added measures progress compared to students with similar GCSE results.
Ofsted Parent View
87 responsesWould Recommend This School
Source: Ofsted Parent View (GOV.UK statistical data), Sep – Sep 2025
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
11Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
18Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed103
136
Balanced
Applications roughly match available places
100 families put this school as their 1st choice (74% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fakenham Academy
Helpful Guides for Parents
Ofsted Ratings Explained
Understand the 4 Ofsted ratings and what they mean
Understanding Progress 8
Learn how Progress 8 measures pupil progress from primary to GCSE
SEN & EHCP: A Parent's Guide
Understanding SEN support, EHC Plans and your legal rights
Understanding School Catchment Areas
How admission distances work and tips for maximising your choices
Contact Information
Field Lane, Fakenham
North Norfolk, NR21 9QT
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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