The Nicholas Hamond Academy
81%
Capacity
683
Pupils
1.1x
Demand
About The Nicholas Hamond Academy
The Nicholas Hamond Academy is a state-funded None secondary school serving the Breckland community, welcoming children from age 11 to 18. The school has 683 pupils on roll and is well-filled (81% of 840 places).
Ofsted has rated The Nicholas Hamond Academy "Good", the school is led by headteacher Mark Woodhouse, it falls under Norfolk local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.55 is well below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 35.5. Additionally, ranked 2681st out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 8th out of 8 in Breckland.
The Nicholas Hamond Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 165 applications for 155 places, making it 1.1x oversubscribed. Of these, 134 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 7 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 4 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at The Nicholas Hamond Academy include Music Rooms, Theatre, Tennis Courts, Library, Astro Turf, Science Labs, Art Studios, Sixth Form Centre, ICT Suite.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Football, Cross Country, Martial Arts, Rugby and 6 more, as well as clubs including Choir, Orchestra, Gardening, Coding and 4 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 30.3%, which is above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Breckland, The Nicholas Hamond 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 | None |
| Address | Brandon Road, Swaffham, Breckland, PE37 7DZ |
| Headteacher | Mark Woodhouse |
| Local Authority | Norfolk |
| Number of Pupils | 683 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 30.3% |
| School Capacity | 683 / 840 (81% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
2 Dec 2021Overall Effectiveness
Good
Source: Ofsted, 30 Jan 2022. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.55)
2681st of 3,141
Nationally
306th of 350
In East of England
8th of 8
In Breckland
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make significantly less progress than similar students nationally
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.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
9Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
18Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed155
165
Balanced
Applications roughly match available places
134 families put this school as their 1st choice (81% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Nicholas Hamond 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
Brandon Road, Swaffham
Breckland, PE37 7DZ
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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