Classpot

The Thetford Academy

Breckland, IP24 1LHSecondaryAges 11–19MixedState
Ofsted Rating
Good
Apr 2025
Progress 8
+0.04
Above average
−20+2
Competition
1.0×
Not oversubscribed
251 1st-choice / 258 places
Ranking
#1,429
of 3,141 nationally

About The Thetford Academy

Ofsted’s Parent View survey, based on 165 responses collected between September 2024 and September 2025, shows that 76% of parents would recommend Thetford Academy to other families. That’s a solid majority, though it leaves nearly a quarter who wouldn’t. The school is oversubscribed for 2025/26, with 283 applications for 258 places, giving a ratio of 1.1 to 1. Most of those applicants (251) put it as their first preference, and 251 first-preference offers were made, meaning almost every family who wanted it got a place. On specific questions, strong positives stand out: 94% of parents agreed or strongly agreed that their child is happy, and 82% felt the school has high expectations. Behaviour is seen positively too, with 83% agreeing the school ensures good conduct. However, communication around what children will learn and how concerns are handled drew more mixed responses, with 30% disagreeing on the former and 22% on the latter.

Key Details

School TypeSecondary (State)
Age Range11 to 19 years
GenderMixed
Religious CharacterDoes not apply
AddressCroxton Road, Thetford, Breckland, IP24 1LH
HeadteacherMichael Fordham
Local AuthorityNorfolk
Number of Pupils1,361
Free School Meals (FSM)30.7%
School Capacity1,361 / 2,050 (66% full)
Sixth FormYes

The full report on this school

What 165 parents told Ofsted, the inspection in plain English, and how this school compares to nearby alternatives — all in one full school report.

  • Ofsted inspection in plain English
    Strengths, concerns and what inspectors flagged
  • Parent View survey results
    What parents told Ofsted — when the school has 10+ responses
  • Where Ofsted and parents disagree
    Gaps to probe + questions to ask at the open day
  • Admissions & catchment
    Admission criteria, distance cutoffs (where the LA publishes them)
  • Nearby schools compared
    Backup options with Ofsted, demand and distance
  • Attendance & behaviour data
    Persistent absentees, suspensions and exclusions vs national
See an example
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Ofsted Inspection Breakdown

2 Apr 2025
View Report
Overall Effectiveness
Good
Quality of Education
Good
Behaviour & Attitudes
Good
Personal Development
Good
Leadership & Management
Good
Sixth Form Provision
Requires improvement

Latest monitoring visit (2 Apr 2025): Standards maintained

Source: Ofsted, 13 May 2020. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.

Facilities

11
Sixth Form CentreSwimming PoolGymnasiumSports HallTennis CourtsScience LabsLibraryPlaying FieldsTheatreMusic RoomsChapel

Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.

Extracurriculars

18

Sports

FootballNetballTennisGymnasticsBasketballRugbyRowingRoundersCricketBadminton

Clubs & Activities

DebateArt ClubBook ClubFilm ClubOrchestraYoung EnterpriseCodingDuke of Edinburgh

Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.

SEND Support

Resourced Provision
AutismDyslexiaMental HealthSpeech & LanguageHearingLearning DifficultyResourced Provision

Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.

School day

Verified

Teaching hours

08:35 – 14:50

Source: thethetfordacademy.org. Extracted automatically — confirm with the school before relying on these times.

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Frequently Asked Questions About The Thetford Academy

The Thetford Academy has been rated "Good" by Ofsted. This means the school provides a good standard of education and effectively supports all pupils to succeed.