The Thetford Academy
66%
Capacity
1,361
Pupils
1.1x
Demand
About The Thetford Academy
The Thetford Academy is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the Breckland community, welcoming children from age 11 to 19. The school has 1,361 pupils on roll, operating at 66% capacity.
Ofsted has rated The Thetford Academy "Good", the school is led by headteacher Michael Fordham, it falls under Norfolk local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of +0.04 is above the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 38.9. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of C-. Additionally, ranked 1429th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 3rd out of 8 in Breckland.
The Thetford Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 283 applications for 258 places, making it 1.1x oversubscribed. Of these, 251 were first-preference applications.
The Thetford Academy parent feedback on Ofsted Parent View is positive, with 76% recommending the school (165 responses).
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 Thetford Academy include Sixth Form Centre, Swimming Pool, Gymnasium, Sports Hall, Tennis Courts, Science Labs, Library, Playing Fields, Theatre, Music Rooms, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Football, Netball, Tennis, Gymnastics and 6 more, as well as clubs including Debate, Art Club, Book Club, Film Club and 4 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 30.7%, which is above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Breckland, The Thetford 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 19 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | Croxton Road, Thetford, Breckland, IP24 1LH |
| Headteacher | Michael Fordham |
| Local Authority | Norfolk |
| Number of Pupils | 1,361 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 30.7% |
| School Capacity | 1,361 / 2,050 (66% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
2 Apr 2025Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (2 Apr 2025): Standards maintained
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 13 May 2020. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+0.04)
1429th of 3,141
Nationally
160th of 350
In East of England
3rd of 8
In Breckland
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
32.3
'22/23
26.8
'23/24
26.0
Source: Department for Education 16-18 Performance Tables, 2023/24. Value Added measures progress compared to students with similar GCSE results.
Ofsted Parent View
165 responsesWould Recommend This School
Source: Ofsted Parent View (GOV.UK statistical data), Sep – Sep 2025
SEND Support
Resourced ProvisionSource: 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
2025/26Oversubscribed258
283
Balanced
Applications roughly match available places
251 families put this school as their 1st choice (89% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Thetford 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
Croxton Road, Thetford
Breckland, IP24 1LH
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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